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OPOTA EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
identify when an officer may search a motor vehicle with containers in it - correct-
answer--for any contraband or evidence of a crime once probable cause has been
established
- officers can search all containers (locked/unlocked)
explain the factors considered in determining if an inventory of a motor vehicle is
reasonable - correct-answer-car was lawfully impounded, inventory conducted
after impounded, owner not present to make other arrangements, valuables in
plain view and was pursuant to police procedure, not a pretext to conceal a
investigatory search
describe the relevant factors used in determining if force was reasonable - correct-
answer--severity of crime
-whether suspect is a immediate threat to the safety of officers or others
-actively resisting
-suspect was attempting to evade arrest by flight
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Active Resistance - correct-answer-when a person exhibits resistive movement to
avoid physical control or presents a credible threat to a officer
(not showing hands)
passive resistance - correct-answer-when a person exhibits no resistive movement
in response to verbal commands and other direction, poses no safety threat
(failing to exit vehicle)
describe when handcuffing may be considered unreasonable force - correct-
answer--unduly tight or forceful handcuffing in course of seizure
- severe obvious medical injury and handcuff in manner that is likely to cause
serious harm
-plaintiff complained and officer ignored complaints
-some physical injury resulting the handcuffing
describe when use of a chemical weapon may be considered unreasonable force -
correct-answer--using chemical weapons on arrestee who already been subdued
and poses no threat
describe the difference between reasonable and unreasonable force when using
electrical weapons - correct-answer--unreasonable on a passively resisting
suspect
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-reasonable when suspect was using force or actively resisting
explain civil liability considerations associated with using force against those with
diminished capacity/mental illness - correct-answer--federal courts have ruled
that the diminished capacity of unarmed suspect must be taken into court into
account when assessing the reasonableness of the amount of force exerted
- use different tactics
-actual mental state is irrelevant to any determination of reasonableness in use of
deadly force
list circumstances when a officer may use deadly force to achieve a seizure -
correct-answer--to protect themselves or others from immediate threats of
serious physical injury
-to prevent escape of a fleeing dangerous person
explain the variables an officer should use to assess the presence of an imminent
threat - correct-answer--likelihood of weapon
-capability of weapon
-proximity of the parties at risk
-exposure of officers or others
-subject's actions
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Explain officer liability when responding to emergency calls - correct-answer--An
officer who is responding to an emergency call is governed by the sovereign
immunity standard
emergency call - correct-answer--a call to duty, including, but not limited to,
communications from citizens, police dispatchers, and personal observations by
peace officers of inherently dangerous situations that demand an immediate
response on the part of a peace officer
explain the necessary steps in preparing for court - correct-answer--ensure all
evidence required for the case is accounted for,
safely secured, and can be obtained prior to court
-Call and meet with the prosecutor to determine if additional assistance or
information is needed
-Review notes and/or reports pertinent to the case
List the general rules for effective courtroom testimony - correct-answer--Be early
-Be professional
-Wear your uniform or business attire
-Speak loudly, clearly, and with confidence
-Give concise, clear, and complete answers
OPOTA EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH VERIFIED SOLUTIONS
identify when an officer may search a motor vehicle with containers in it - correct-
answer--for any contraband or evidence of a crime once probable cause has been
established
- officers can search all containers (locked/unlocked)
explain the factors considered in determining if an inventory of a motor vehicle is
reasonable - correct-answer-car was lawfully impounded, inventory conducted
after impounded, owner not present to make other arrangements, valuables in
plain view and was pursuant to police procedure, not a pretext to conceal a
investigatory search
describe the relevant factors used in determining if force was reasonable - correct-
answer--severity of crime
-whether suspect is a immediate threat to the safety of officers or others
-actively resisting
-suspect was attempting to evade arrest by flight
,2|Page
Active Resistance - correct-answer-when a person exhibits resistive movement to
avoid physical control or presents a credible threat to a officer
(not showing hands)
passive resistance - correct-answer-when a person exhibits no resistive movement
in response to verbal commands and other direction, poses no safety threat
(failing to exit vehicle)
describe when handcuffing may be considered unreasonable force - correct-
answer--unduly tight or forceful handcuffing in course of seizure
- severe obvious medical injury and handcuff in manner that is likely to cause
serious harm
-plaintiff complained and officer ignored complaints
-some physical injury resulting the handcuffing
describe when use of a chemical weapon may be considered unreasonable force -
correct-answer--using chemical weapons on arrestee who already been subdued
and poses no threat
describe the difference between reasonable and unreasonable force when using
electrical weapons - correct-answer--unreasonable on a passively resisting
suspect
,3|Page
-reasonable when suspect was using force or actively resisting
explain civil liability considerations associated with using force against those with
diminished capacity/mental illness - correct-answer--federal courts have ruled
that the diminished capacity of unarmed suspect must be taken into court into
account when assessing the reasonableness of the amount of force exerted
- use different tactics
-actual mental state is irrelevant to any determination of reasonableness in use of
deadly force
list circumstances when a officer may use deadly force to achieve a seizure -
correct-answer--to protect themselves or others from immediate threats of
serious physical injury
-to prevent escape of a fleeing dangerous person
explain the variables an officer should use to assess the presence of an imminent
threat - correct-answer--likelihood of weapon
-capability of weapon
-proximity of the parties at risk
-exposure of officers or others
-subject's actions
, 4|Page
Explain officer liability when responding to emergency calls - correct-answer--An
officer who is responding to an emergency call is governed by the sovereign
immunity standard
emergency call - correct-answer--a call to duty, including, but not limited to,
communications from citizens, police dispatchers, and personal observations by
peace officers of inherently dangerous situations that demand an immediate
response on the part of a peace officer
explain the necessary steps in preparing for court - correct-answer--ensure all
evidence required for the case is accounted for,
safely secured, and can be obtained prior to court
-Call and meet with the prosecutor to determine if additional assistance or
information is needed
-Review notes and/or reports pertinent to the case
List the general rules for effective courtroom testimony - correct-answer--Be early
-Be professional
-Wear your uniform or business attire
-Speak loudly, clearly, and with confidence
-Give concise, clear, and complete answers
