Use of Force MPTC Questions and Answers 2023

Use of Force MPTC Questions and Answers 2023 Force Definition: Physical strength exerted upon an object or person; exerting power to influence or control; imposing something on someone. Under julian v randazzo, police may use force that is reasonable to: Take someone into custody, overcome resistance, prevent an escape, or protect officers and others from harm before, during, and after the arrest Non deadly force Is neither intended, nor likely to cause serious bodily injury or death. Police may use non deadly force when: The officer believes force is needed to make a lawful arrest. Note: The officer must attempt to communicate that he is placing the person under arrest and why Deadly Force Is intended to, or will likely cause death, great bodily harm, or serious bodily injury. Police officers may use deadly force when: The crime involved includes the use or threatened use of deadly force; The officer believes deadly force if used will not create a substantial risk of injury to innocent persons; and/or there is a substantial risk that the person to be arrested will cause death or serious bodily injury is his apprehension is delayed. Bodily Harm Injury that does not pose or create a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or significant loss/impairment. Serious bodily Harm An injury that results in a permanent disfigurement, loss/impairment of a bodily function, limb, or organ. Or that causes substantial risk of death. Graham v. Connor US Supreme Court case that set the "Reasonableness Standard" Totality of the Circumstances The complete picture of what was happening including: - Type and severity of the crime - Did the suspect pose an immediate threat to officers or others - Was the suspect actively resisting arrest or attempting to escape custody by flight. Tennessee v. Garner Police may use deadly force to stop a fleeing suspect from escaping IF; the suspect threatens the officer with a weapon; OR there is probable cause to believe the suspect has committed a crime involving the infliction of serious injury; AND deadly force is necessary to prevent escape; AND where feasible, some warning was given. Threat Perception Categories Strategic, Tactical, Volatile, Harmful, Lethal Strategic: Baseline for being on duty. Aware of surroundings and employs basic safety strategies (distance/positioning) Tactical There is a perceived risk, and safety strategies are deployed. Underlying circumstances and other factors indicate confrontation or enforcement action. Volatile Threat potential is recognized by the officer. The level of danger and potential for bodily harm is increased with action by police ongoing or certain. Harmful Perceived threat of bodily harm to officers or others is ongoing or imminent. Lethal Perceived threat of imminent risk of death or serious bodily injury to officer or third party Perceived Subject Actions The officers perception of suspects actions and threat presented. - Compliant, Resistant (passive), Resistant (active), Assaultive (bodily harm), Assaultive (serious bodily injury/death). Positions of approach: Do not approach suspect from the inside position. Approach from #1 position when in front of the suspect Approach from the 2-1/2 position when attempting to handcuff a suspect. Handcuff nomenclature: Double Strands The two curved metal bars attached by a hinge that encloses one wrist. Fixed and designed so the single strand can rotate or pass through Handcuff Nomenclature: Single Strand A rotating ratchet with teeth to engage locking mechanism Handcuff nomenclature: locking mechanism A spring loaded feature that locks single strand ratchet teeth into place, making it adjustable according to wrist size. Handcuff nomenclature: chain and swivel Chain attaches pair of cuffs together. Swivel allows chain to twist. Some handcuffs use a hinge instead of chain. Handcuff nomenclature: double lock Feature that locks single strand teeth in place and prevents it from moving Handcuff nomenclature: key Used for unlocking single strand from double strand. Handcuff nomenclature: key actuator Used to double lock handcuffs Reactionary distance The recommended minimum distance of 4-6 feet or beyond a persons immediate lunge or grabbing area IMPORTANT: Handcuffing Steps Immobilize, Control, Handcuff, Search, Monitor, Transport Searching (best practices) Use a systematic approach. Feel and look before reaching into clothing for objects that are unknown or can't be seen. Always maintain physical control while searching Stance or Interview Stance Feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, strong leg and hip away, stand upright with back straight, hands in front of body at waist level. High Guard Stance Feet slightly wider than shoulder width, more bend in the knees stance, hands up near face with elbows in near torso, hands up to protect head/face. Contact Officer Tasks At the #1 position. Does all the talking, conducts interviews and takes notes, conducts radio transmissions, initiates all activities (frisk, arrest), gives directions to cover officer Cover Officer Tasks serves as backup and is responsible for protecting contact officer, maintains and adjusts triangulation position to prevent potential cross fire with contact officer, watches persons hand and body movements, keeps other people away, prevents escape, follows contact officer instructions Escort Position Place palm of your hand on back of the suspects hand with thumb crossed at knuckle and twist. Use opposite hand to grab suspects elbow join. Maintain firm grip with both hands to keep suspects arm straight.