Question

Which of the following are examples of excessive force used by a police officer?

I. Compliance holds on a subject who is physically fighting with his wife during a domestic disturbance
II. Use of a firearm against a suspect, who is armed with a knife, has just stabbed a store clerk, won't put the knife down, and is telling the officer he is going to kill the officer
III. Use of chemical gas against a protester who refuses to leave the courtroom
IV. Use of a taser on a 12-year-old middle school student who spits at the police officer

A. I and III
B. II and IV
C. I, II, and III
D. II and III"

Answer 1

Examples of excessive force by a police officer include the use of a firearm against an armed suspect posing a threat and the use of a taser on a child who spits at an officer. The correct option is (B).

Step-by-step explanation:

Excessive force by a police officer refers to the use of more force than is reasonably necessary to control a situation. In this case, examples of excessive force are:

1. Use of a firearm against a suspect armed with a knife and posing an immediate threat to the officer's life. This can be considered justified force to protect the officer and others.
2. Use of chemical gas against a protester who refuses to leave the courtroom. This may be excessive force if the protester is not posing a direct threat and could be handled in a less forceful manner.
3. Use of a taser on a 12-year-old middle school student who spits at the police officer. This can be considered excessive force as the use of a taser might not be proportionate to the threat posed by a 12-year-old spitting at an officer.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: II and IV.