Utah Special Function Officer (SFO) Practice Exam

What principle guides an officer on the use of force according to legal standards?

1. Personal judgement

2. Reckless endangerment

3. Objective reasonableness

4. Common sense

The correct answer is: Objective reasonableness

The principle that guides an officer on the use of force according to legal standards is objective reasonableness. This concept is rooted in constitutional law, specifically in how the Fourth Amendment is interpreted concerning law enforcement actions. Objective reasonableness requires that the officer's use of force be assessed from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than from the perspective of someone who may have hindsight or different information. Factors considered include the severity of the crime, the immediate threat posed by the suspect, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to flee. This standard strikes a balance between the need for police to protect themselves and others and the rights of individuals against excessive or unwarranted force. It ensures that officers are held accountable to a standard that reflects the realities of police work in potentially volatile situations. In contrast, personal judgment alone can vary greatly among individuals and may not consistently align with legal standards. Reckless endangerment implies a disregard for risk that is not a guiding principle for justified use of force; it focuses more on the actions that put others in dangerous situations. Common sense, while helpful, is subjective and lacks the legal grounding necessary for evaluating actions in the context of law enforcement procedures. Thus, objective reasonableness is