BSCC Use of Force Principles Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What standard does BSCC apply when evaluating whether force was justified?
- Any force is automatically justified
- Force must be objectively reasonable under the totality of circumstances (Correct answer)
- Only justified if the inmate committed a felony
- Only the officer's belief matters
Correct answer: Force must be objectively reasonable under the totality of circumstances
The objective reasonableness standard evaluates force considering the totality of circumstances.
BSCC applies an objective reasonableness standard derived from constitutional law, considering whether there was a legitimate purpose, whether force was proportional, whether alternatives were available, and whether it was applied in good faith.
Question 2: What is the use-of-force continuum and how does it guide officers?
- A ranking of weapons
- A framework arranging force options from least to most intrusive, requiring minimum necessary force (Correct answer)
- A mandatory sequence to follow exactly
- A physical fitness scale
Correct answer: A framework arranging force options from least to most intrusive, requiring minimum necessary force
The continuum provides a framework of escalating options guiding officers to use minimum force necessary.
The continuum progresses from officer presence through verbal commands, physical control, less-lethal weapons, and deadly force. Officers may enter at any appropriate level but must use only the force required.
Question 3: Under what circumstances may deadly force be used in corrections?
- Whenever an officer feels threatened
- Only when there is imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm, or to prevent escape involving serious public safety threat (Correct answer)
- To prevent any property damage
- Deadly force is never authorized
Correct answer: Only when there is imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm, or to prevent escape involving serious public safety threat
Deadly force is authorized only for imminent threats of death or serious bodily harm.
Even in authorized circumstances, deadly force is permitted only when lesser means have been exhausted or are clearly insufficient. Officers must consider bystander safety.
Question 4: What must an officer do immediately after a use-of-force incident?
- Nothing special
- Ensure medical attention, secure the scene, notify supervisors, separate involved parties, and begin documentation (Correct answer)
- Discuss with other officers to align accounts
- Wait until next shift to report
Correct answer: Ensure medical attention, secure the scene, notify supervisors, separate involved parties, and begin documentation
Post-incident requirements include immediate medical attention, scene security, notification, separation, and documentation.
Medical attention is the first priority for all injured parties. Involved officers must be separated to prevent report collaboration. Documentation must be completed before end of shift.
Question 5: What role does less-lethal force equipment like OC spray play in the continuum?
- OC spray is classified as deadly force
- It provides intermediate alternatives that reduce injury risk compared to physical confrontation (Correct answer)
- OC spray needs no documentation
- Less-lethal equipment has been banned
Correct answer: It provides intermediate alternatives that reduce injury risk compared to physical confrontation
Less-lethal options provide effective intermediate alternatives with reduced injury risk.
OC spray, electronic control devices, and restraint devices occupy an important middle ground. All uses must be documented, medical decontamination must follow OC exposure, and individuals with respiratory conditions require additional monitoring.
Question 6: What is 'positional asphyxia' and why is it a critical concern during use of force?
- A medical condition unrelated to corrections
- A life-threatening condition where a restrained person cannot breathe due to body positioning (Correct answer)
- A restraint technique
- Only occurs during transportation
Correct answer: A life-threatening condition where a restrained person cannot breathe due to body positioning
Positional asphyxia occurs when body positioning restricts breathing, requiring immediate repositioning.
Positional asphyxia is a significant risk when individuals are placed face-down with pressure on the back. Once an individual is restrained and no longer resisting, they must be repositioned to allow unobstructed breathing.
