Use of Force - Bexar County Sheriff's Office Manual

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary intention behind using less-lethal force?

To ensure long-term physical injury

To incapacitate the subject permanently

To demonstrate strength and authority

To subdue or render a subject non-threatening (correct)

Which of the following is considered less-lethal weaponry?

Knives

Machetes

Firearms

Pepper spray (correct)

What does 'necessary force' refer to in law enforcement?

Force that is used as a last resort in all situations

Force that exceeds necessary levels for an arrest

Force sufficient to achieve a legitimate objective (correct)

Force that is excessive and unjustified

The concept of 'objectively reasonable use of force' includes which of the following considerations?

The known circumstances of the situation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)?

A vehicle that can be piloted remotely without a pilot on board (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a component of command presence in law enforcement?

Aggressive tactics (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is a deputy justified in using force?

When a reasonable officer believes it's necessary to make an arrest (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a deputy's evaluation of their use of force?

Through the lens of a reasonable person in their situation (D) Signup and view all the answers

When was the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Use of Force Policy last revised?

October 21, 2021 (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest responsibility of all deputies of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office as per the Use of Force Policy?

To protect and defend human life and individual liberties (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can an officer lawfully believe a warrant is valid?

If the officer reasonably believes the warrant is valid (A) Signup and view all the answers

What must an officer do before using force?

Manifest his purpose to arrest and identify as a peace officer (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the BCSO Use of Force policy, when is the use of force considered objectively reasonable?

When it is proportional to the threat posed (B) Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to use objectively reasonable force?

In self-defense or against unlawful violence, or when making lawful arrests (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used in the policy for any weapon approved for use by the BCSO?

Approved Weapon (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should deputies primarily do before resorting to force?

Attempt to gain voluntary compliance where feasible (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered deadly force, according to the policy?

Using a firearm to shoot a suspect (B) Signup and view all the answers

When does the BCSO Use of Force policy permit the use of force in defense of a third person?

When the third person is in imminent danger of harm (A) Signup and view all the answers

When can a deputy use force to protect a third person?

If a reasonable officer would believe it necessary and intervention is immediately needed (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in the use of force by deputies?

Employing the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve compliance (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used in the policy for any physical contact with a person by a deputy using the body or any object, device, or weapon, excluding un-resisted escorting or handcuffing?

Force (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate action if a subject complies after an initial use of force?

Immediately de-escalate the use of force options (D) Signup and view all the answers

How often is the BCSO Use of Force policy reevaluated?

Every three years (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should deputies avoid doing in tense situations?

Resorting to force immediately without any communication (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may a deputy use deadly force from a moving vehicle?

If occupants of the suspect vehicle are attempting to discharge firearms. (A), When no reasonable means to escape is available. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is it allowed to effect an arrest using deadly force?

When there is immediate threat to a deputy or another from death or serious bodily injury. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of using the carotid neck hold according to the guidelines?

It is considered deadly force, even for temporary unconsciousness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for using a flashlight as a weapon?

BCSO-sanctioned methods must not be available. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When may a deputy use deadly force into buildings or places where offenders are hiding?

Only if there is an imminent threat to the deputy or another person. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the policy regarding the use of UAVs/UGVs with firearms?

They are not allowed to carry lethal ammunition or explosives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered by a deputy when deciding to use deadly force based on circumstances?

Potential for third-party injury or death. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What application of force is prohibited by the BCSO except in extreme circumstances?

Carotid neck hold. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is a mounted patrol horse allowed to be used as a weapon?

To defend against imminent threats of bodily injury or death (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT applicable when handling riot situations?

Canines can be used for riot control at all times (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Mounted Patrol teams during a riot?

To provide command presence and assist with crowd control (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when using direct-fired impact projectiles during a riot?

Defending against imminent threats to personnel (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items may NOT be used by officers to control a riot?

Canines as active participants (B) Signup and view all the answers

In riot management, what is an appropriate use of bicycles?

To control and move persons as appropriate (A) Signup and view all the answers

When employing impact munitions like beanbags, what is the preferred targeting area?

Buttocks, thigh, and calf regions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary before weapons can be deployed during riot situations?

Command approval from the Sheriff or designee (C) Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may devices be aimed at body center mass?

Only if BCSO-sanctioned methods are not available (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for using non-direct projectiles and munitions?

To defend against an imminent threat to life (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is required before deploying impact projectiles?

A verbal warning should be issued when reasonably possible (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what situation are Electronic Control Weapons (ECWs) permitted to be used?

To restrain individuals during civil disturbances only when less forceful means are unsuitable (D) Signup and view all the answers

Aerosol restraint spray can be used against which individuals?

Specific individuals actively resisting arrest (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a baton in enforcement situations?

To stop, control, or neutralize perceived threats (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for evaluating the need for the planned use of force?

The Incident Commander or Shift Supervisor when time allows (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure must be followed when utilizing force in correctional situations?

Adhere to the relevant Detention Policy and Procedures (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual - Use of Force

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office prioritizes protecting human life and individual liberties.
All force used in law enforcement must be objectively reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.
Deputies must use only the force a reasonably prudent officer would use in similar circumstances.
The deputy's actions will be evaluated based on the information known at the time of force application.

9.03 Definitions

Approved Weapon: Any weapon the BCSO approves.
Deadly Force: Force intended or known to cause death or serious bodily injury.
Defense of Third Person: Force to protect a third person from imminent harm.
Firearm: A device designed to expel a projectile by explosion or burning substance.
Force: Physical contact with a person using the body, object, or weapon—excluding unresisted escort or handcuffing.
Less-Lethal Force: Force intending to subdue a subject without causing serious bodily harm..
Less-Lethal Weaponry: Items like pepper spray, pepper balls, etc., less likely to cause death or serious injury.

9.04 Use of Force

Force used in law enforcement must be objectively reasonable.
Deputies apply force based on information presented at the time.
Justification for force exists when a deputy believes force is immediately necessary for arrest, search, or preventing escapes.
Officers must identify themselves and their lawful purpose before using force.

9.05 Use of Less-Lethal Force

Less-lethal force is permissible when conventional methods are insufficient and immediate force is needed.
Force options include strikes, kicks, and less-lethal weaponry, with careful consideration of potential harm.

9.06 Use of Deadly Force

Deadly force is only justified if a reasonable officer believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm.
Deadly force against fleeing persons is limited to cases of imminent or substantial risk of injury or death.
Using deadly force requires careful consideration of the situation.

9.07 Use of Force in Riot Situations

Use of force in crowd control must be objective and proportional.
Considerations: stopping violence, rescuing victims, and providing medical treatment.

9.08 Use of Force in Correctional Situations

Medical assistance is required for anyone injured during or after a use of force situation.
Use of Force must be based on policy and reasonable judgment.

9.09 Planned Use of Force (UOF)

Planned UOF occurs when time allows for a realistic assessment.
Factors include the number of staff, tactics, and restraints used.
Planned situations may arise from violent threats, warrants, or incidents.

9.10 Medical Assistance

Medical assistance is required for anyone (witness, bystander, arrestee) with visible injuries or injuries requiring attention.

9.11 Deadly Force Against Animals

Deadly force against animals is only acceptable when protecting against injury or death to the deputy or others.
Supervisory approval is necessary in certain circumstances.

9.12 Required Reports

Any force-related incidents must be documented, including the rationale behind the use of force.
This documentation involves a complete record of events, including the subject's actions, the cause, etc.

9.13 Investigations Required

Use of force investigations follow the Sheriff's Office policies.
Supervisors must be notified when any use of force takes place.

9.14 Notification to Sheriff

Deputies must notify the proper authorities immediately if a firearm is discharged in any capacity.
Supervisors and the Sheriff must be promptly notified, if applicable.

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Description

Explore the Bexar County Sheriff's Office's policy on the use of force in law enforcement. This quiz covers concepts such as reasonable use of force, definitions of approved weapons, and circumstances warranting the application of force. Test your knowledge on these critical guidelines regarding law enforcement practices.