Which statement about evaluating use of force under totality-of-circumstances is most accurate?

• A. The evaluation uses the totality of the circumstances to determine reasonableness.
• B. The number of rounds fired alone determines reasonableness.
• C. The officer's intent alone determines reasonableness.
• D. The use of force is never subject to totality-of-circumstances review.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that reasonableness is judged by looking at all relevant factors together, not by a single metric. In use-of-force evaluations, you assess the officer’s actions from the perspective of what a reasonably prudent officer would do given the information available at the moment. This means considering the seriousness of the crime, whether the suspect posed an immediate threat, whether the suspect was resisting or evading, the proximity and timing of the threat, potential danger to the officer or bystanders, and what options were or were not available. The number of rounds fired is only one piece of context and cannot alone determine reasonableness. The officer’s intent or good motives aren’t by themselves determinative; actions must be evaluated against how a reasonable officer would respond under the circumstances. And yes, use of force is subject to totality-of-circumstances review.