12.550 Use of Deadly Force in Law Enforcement

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective officers should achieve before resorting to the use of firearms?

Ensure the suspect is arrested at all costs

Act solely based on departmental policies

Seek immediate legal counsel

Exhaust all other reasonable means (correct)

Under which circumstance is the use of deadly force considered justified?

To prevent escape in minor offenses

When there is a substantial risk to innocent life (correct)

To subdue a compliant suspect

For arresting nonviolent felony suspects

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for de-escalating a potentially violent situation?

Increase physical presence and intimidation (correct)

Employ active listening and empathy

Allow time and distance for the situation to stabilize

Use non-confrontational verbal skills

What is the responsibility of officers in relation to their use of firearms?

They may be required to justify their actions in court Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios justifies the use of deadly force against a felony suspect?

The suspect poses an immediate threat of serious harm Signup and view all the answers

In cases involving excessive force, who determines the legality of the actions taken by officers?

The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office Signup and view all the answers

How should officers approach a situation before using physical force?

They should allow the suspect time to comply Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary considerations for determining if the use of force was appropriate during an incident?

Whether the officer's actions were consistent with departmental policy and training Signup and view all the answers

What must personnel do immediately after firing a shot, regardless of the circumstances?

Notify a supervisor immediately Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition are personnel not required to report shots fired?

During department authorized firearms training Signup and view all the answers

What should the investigating supervisor do if shots are fired at individuals?

Ensure protection of the scene and notify ECS Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to an officer's equipment at the scene if shots are fired?

No one will take the officer's equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following incidents does NOT require reporting according to the provided guidelines?

Shots fired during authorized firearms training Signup and view all the answers

When a report is prepared on critical firearm discharges, what type of analysis is included?

Patterns and problems discovered during the review Signup and view all the answers

What determines if lesser force alternatives were available during an encounter?

The circumstances surrounding the incident Signup and view all the answers

What should a police officer do when they witness another officer using excessive force?

Intervene if it is safe and reasonable to do so. Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances can a police officer use a firearm as a last resort?

When the officer has probable cause and the suspect poses an immediate risk of serious harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using warning shots by police officers?

To possibly save a life or alleviate the need to take a life. Signup and view all the answers

What must an officer ensure before firing a warning shot?

It will not endanger innocent bystanders. Signup and view all the answers

When is an officer permitted to display a firearm?

Only when there is a credible and immediate threat of serious harm. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes excessive force in the context of police actions?

Using more strength than necessary to control a situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is required to justify the use of deadly force by an officer?

Probable cause that a felony has been committed along with an immediate risk of serious harm. Signup and view all the answers

Why must an officer give a verbal warning before using a firearm if possible?

To allow the suspect to comply. Signup and view all the answers

On what day will the FDB chairperson will the prepare and present to the Police Chief a summary report reviewing each closed critical firearm discharge from the preceding year?

On or before the first day of February Signup and view all the answers

The officers equipment will remain in their possession until it is transferred to who?

Homicide Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

If an officer involved in an OIS is transported to the hospital, who will respond to take possession of their equipment before contacting the appropriate unit supervisor?

D/S/U Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What happens next after a supervisor collects an officer’s equipment from them at the hospital?

Document date, time, location, and from whom it was obtained from and contact a homicide supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What commanders respond to the scene of an OIS?

CIS, Homicide, Personal Crimes, and IIS. Signup and view all the answers

Who will respond to the hospital or coroner’s office if injury or death occurs

MOU Commander Signup and view all the answers

Who will respond to the scene and coordinate the activities of the field personnel at the scene?

D/S/U Commander Signup and view all the answers

Regarding shots against animals, who is notified to pick up the dead animal for examination by who if the animal is known to or suspected of biting human?

SPCA, Board of health Signup and view all the answers

Who is to be notified to pick up a dead animal if it is located on 71 south

Signup and view all the answers

How days does the IIS commander have to notify and arrange a meeting between the FDB, CIS commander and investigators after receiving the material?

30 Signup and view all the answers

How many scenarios will the firearms training squad develop for an officer returning to do after an OIS?

6-8 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Use of Deadly Force

Police officers are authorized to use force that is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from serious physical harm or death.
The use of force must be based on an apprehension of real or immediate danger from an overt or constructive act by another person.
Police officers must exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to the use of firearms.
An officer is not required to retreat in lieu of using deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary.
The safety of innocent persons is paramount, and officers should take steps to ensure their safety if there is a substantial risk.
Police officers may not use deadly force merely to prevent escape in misdemeanor cases.
To use deadly force to prevent the escape of felony suspects, the officer must reasonably believe that the suspect's escape presents an immediate risk of death or serious physical harm to others.

Warning Shots

Warning shots should only be used if the officer is convinced that it will save a life or alleviate the need to take a life.
The officer must be certain that a warning shot will not endanger innocent bystanders.

Felonies

When arresting a fleeing felon, the use of firearms is authorized as a last resort only when all other reasonable means have failed and:
- The officer has probable cause to believe the suspect has committed or is committing a felony.
- The suspect presents an immediate risk of death or serious physical harm to the officer or another person.
The officer should give a verbal warning before using a firearm if possible.
A general information broadcast or computer query that a subject is wanted does not provide authority for an officer to use a firearm.

Misdemeanors

In all other felonies or misdemeanors, police personnel will not fire shots even if the perpetrator attempts or succeeds in fleeing.

Excessive Force

An officer who uses unnecessary or excessive force, or acts wantonly and maliciously, could be found guilty of assault or culpable homicide.

Reporting Shots Fired

All shots fired by police personnel must be reported to an on-duty supervisor immediately.
This includes shots fired at or against an individual, warning shots, shots fired at animals, accidental discharges, and shots fired from any firearm by off-duty personnel except for target or competition shooting, hunting, or military service.
Personnel who have knowledge of a shot fired by another officer must also report the incident to an on-duty supervisor immediately.
The investigating supervisor will notify Emergency Communications Section (ECS) and the appropriate personnel on the Situational Occurrences Notification List.

Investigating Shots Fired at Individuals

The investigating supervisor will:
- Ensure protection of the scene.
- Notify ECS, who will notify the Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) desk officer.
- Ensure that no one takes the officer’s pistol, Body Worn Camera (BWC), or gun belt at the scene.

De-escalation

Officers should attempt to use non-confrontational verbal skills, empathy, and active listening to stabilize a person in crisis or when confronted with a situation requiring control.
The suspect should be allowed to comply before force is used unless this poses unnecessary danger to the officer or others.
De-escalation may involve additional time, distance, and resources, as well as persuasion, command presence, repositioning, and warnings.

Critical Firearm Discharge Review Board

The department will review all critical firearm discharges.
The report will include a description of the incident, a summary and analysis of all relevant evidence, proposed findings, and analysis to support those findings.
The board will determine:
- Whether all uses of force during the encounter were consistent with Department policy and training.
- Whether the officer(s) involved employed proper tactics.
- Whether lesser force alternatives were reasonably available.
The FDB chairperson will prepare and present a summary report reviewing each closed critical firearm discharge from the preceding year to the Police Chief.
This report will include analysis of patterns and problems discovered during the review.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles and regulations surrounding the use of deadly force by police officers. It covers key factors that officers must consider before using such force, including the necessity of protecting oneself or others from serious harm. Test your understanding of the protocols and legal implications involved in these critical situations.