MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

An officer can deliver effective strikes for how long?

1. 20-30 seconds

2. 30-40 seconds

3. 60-120 seconds

4. 10-15 seconds

The correct answer is: 30-40 seconds

The reasoning behind the ability of an officer to deliver effective strikes for a duration of 30-40 seconds is grounded in both physical and tactical considerations. During confrontations, officers may need to use strikes as a means of controlling a suspect or neutralizing a threat. A timeframe of 30-40 seconds allows an officer to deliver a series of impactful strikes while maintaining their stamina and situational awareness. This period is generally considered optimal for delivering effective techniques without leading to excessive fatigue that might impair decision-making or physical capability. Additionally, this duration aligns with the physiological limits of an individual under duress. Beyond this timeframe, an officer may begin to experience a decline in their striking effectiveness due to fatigue, reduced power, or loss of control over their movements. The other durations listed might not effectively represent the balance between the intensity of strikes delivered and the endurance required to maintain control in a dynamic situation. For example, durations that are too short may limit the number of effective strikes, while overly long durations could exceed an officer’s physical capacity in a high-stress environment. Thus, the correct span of 30-40 seconds offers a realistic and sustainable approach for the officer's engagement during confrontations.