Defensive Tactics WGU Fast-Track
Framework: OA Scenario Analysis, PA
Submission Strategy, Competency
Prioritization & High-Impact Study Method
(2026–2027)
Description
The WGU Fast-Track Framework is a comprehensive and
strategically designed study resource created for students
at Western Governors University (WGU) who want to
progress through their courses with speed, clarity, and
confidence. Built around WGU’s competency-based
education model, this guide focuses on helping you
identify exactly what is required to pass and how to
approach assessments in the most efficient way possible.
Unlike traditional study materials that often lead to
overstudying and confusion, this framework is designed
to help you prioritize, apply, and execute. It provides a
clear system that allows you to focus on high-impact
areas, understand assessment expectations, and perform
,effectively in both Objective Assessments (OA) and
Performance Assessments (PA).
Questions 1–20: Use of Force Legal Framework & Principles
1. The constitutional standard governing use of force by law enforcement is:
A) Reasonable suspicion
B) Objective reasonableness under the Fourth Amendment (Graham v. Connor)
C) Probable cause
D) Preponderance of evidence
2. Which Supreme Court case established the objective reasonableness standard for use of
force?
A) Tennessee v. Garner
B) Graham v. Connor (1989)
C) Miranda v. Arizona
D) Terry v. Ohio
3. Under Graham v. Connor, reasonableness of force is judged from the perspective of:
A) A reasonable officer on the scene, not with 20/20 hindsight
B) The suspect
C) The judge after trial
D) A civilian bystander
4. Factors considered in objective reasonableness include:
A) Severity of crime, immediate threat, resistance/attempt to flee
B) The officer's personal opinion only
C) The suspect's wealth
D) Time of day
5. Deadly force is justified when:
A) The officer is angry
B) The suspect poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to officer or
others
C) The suspect runs away
D) The suspect commits a misdemeanor
, 6. Tennessee v. Garner (1985) held that deadly force may not be used against a fleeing
felon unless:
A) The felon poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to others
B) The felon stole property
C) The officer wants to stop them
D) It is nighttime
7. Warning shots are generally:
A) Encouraged by policy
B) Discouraged or prohibited by most policies due to risk
C) Required before using force
D) Always legal
8. The use of force continuum typically progresses from:
A) Deadly force → presence
B) Officer presence → verbal commands → empty hand control → less lethal → deadly
force
C) Baton → firearm only
D) No continuum exists
9. Proportionality in force means:
A) Force used should match the level of resistance/threat
B) Always use maximum force
C) Never use force
D) Only use deadly force
10. De-escalation techniques include:
A) Verbal communication, time, distance, and calming tactics
B) Immediate use of pepper spray
C) Running toward the suspect
D) Drawing a firearm
11. Totality of circumstances means:
A) Only one factor matters
B) All facts known to the officer at the time determine reasonableness
C) Hindsight is used
D) The suspect's statement controls
12. Reasonable officer standard is:
A) Objective (what a reasonable officer would do)
Framework: OA Scenario Analysis, PA
Submission Strategy, Competency
Prioritization & High-Impact Study Method
(2026–2027)
Description
The WGU Fast-Track Framework is a comprehensive and
strategically designed study resource created for students
at Western Governors University (WGU) who want to
progress through their courses with speed, clarity, and
confidence. Built around WGU’s competency-based
education model, this guide focuses on helping you
identify exactly what is required to pass and how to
approach assessments in the most efficient way possible.
Unlike traditional study materials that often lead to
overstudying and confusion, this framework is designed
to help you prioritize, apply, and execute. It provides a
clear system that allows you to focus on high-impact
areas, understand assessment expectations, and perform
,effectively in both Objective Assessments (OA) and
Performance Assessments (PA).
Questions 1–20: Use of Force Legal Framework & Principles
1. The constitutional standard governing use of force by law enforcement is:
A) Reasonable suspicion
B) Objective reasonableness under the Fourth Amendment (Graham v. Connor)
C) Probable cause
D) Preponderance of evidence
2. Which Supreme Court case established the objective reasonableness standard for use of
force?
A) Tennessee v. Garner
B) Graham v. Connor (1989)
C) Miranda v. Arizona
D) Terry v. Ohio
3. Under Graham v. Connor, reasonableness of force is judged from the perspective of:
A) A reasonable officer on the scene, not with 20/20 hindsight
B) The suspect
C) The judge after trial
D) A civilian bystander
4. Factors considered in objective reasonableness include:
A) Severity of crime, immediate threat, resistance/attempt to flee
B) The officer's personal opinion only
C) The suspect's wealth
D) Time of day
5. Deadly force is justified when:
A) The officer is angry
B) The suspect poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to officer or
others
C) The suspect runs away
D) The suspect commits a misdemeanor
, 6. Tennessee v. Garner (1985) held that deadly force may not be used against a fleeing
felon unless:
A) The felon poses a significant threat of death or serious injury to others
B) The felon stole property
C) The officer wants to stop them
D) It is nighttime
7. Warning shots are generally:
A) Encouraged by policy
B) Discouraged or prohibited by most policies due to risk
C) Required before using force
D) Always legal
8. The use of force continuum typically progresses from:
A) Deadly force → presence
B) Officer presence → verbal commands → empty hand control → less lethal → deadly
force
C) Baton → firearm only
D) No continuum exists
9. Proportionality in force means:
A) Force used should match the level of resistance/threat
B) Always use maximum force
C) Never use force
D) Only use deadly force
10. De-escalation techniques include:
A) Verbal communication, time, distance, and calming tactics
B) Immediate use of pepper spray
C) Running toward the suspect
D) Drawing a firearm
11. Totality of circumstances means:
A) Only one factor matters
B) All facts known to the officer at the time determine reasonableness
C) Hindsight is used
D) The suspect's statement controls
12. Reasonable officer standard is:
A) Objective (what a reasonable officer would do)
