Deadly/Non-Deadly Force is Authorized when...

Question 1

List six circumstances when non-deadly force is authorized.

Answer 1

1. Individual or Unit Self Defense
2. To compel compliance with an order the Coast Guard has authority to issue.
3. To prevent a federal crime or when authorized, a serious state or foreign crime.
4. To effect a lawful arrest or prevent an escape when there is probable cause that the suspect committed a federal crime.
5. To prevent the theft of, intentional damage to, or destruction of property that the Coast Guard has authority to protect.
6. To enforce an order to evacuate a vessel.

Question 2

Deadly force is authorized for Self defense only when:

Answer 2

The officer has a reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person.

Question 3

Is deadly force authorized in vessel-on-vessel circumstances?

Answer 3

Yes, when confronted with a vessel or person that poses an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to self, others, or unit, Coast Guard personnel and assets may use reasonable force, up to and including deadly force to defend life.

Question 4

Will deadly force ever be used to affect an arrest or prevent an escape?

Answer 4

Yes, If there is probable cause of a felony involving deadly force or threatened use of deadly force AND the suspect is armed or otherwise poses imminent threat of death or serious injury AND suspect has failed to obey an order to halt AND use of force does not create undue risk.

Question 5

As defined by Standing Rules of Engagement, the Commandant can authorized the use of deadly force for…?

Answer 5

The protection of property from theft, sabotage, intentional damage, or destruction.

Question 6

During the course of protecting ___, if Coast Guard personnel develop reasonable belief that acts of theft, sabotage, or destruction pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury, deadly force is authorized.

Answer 6

HAZMAT or Deadly Weapons

Question 7

Use of deadly force for _____ will be guided by Standing Rules of Engagement, though use of force against_____ will be rare. This does not preclude the unit’s rights to self defense or defense of others.

Answer 7

Airspace Security, civil aircraft in flight