Use of Force MPTC Test with Questions and Answers, A+

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.