MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is described as "deliberate indifference" as per Canton v. Harris?

1. Not pursuing suspects aggressively

2. Failure to train in constitutional limitations on deadly force

3. Excessive use of force by officers

4. Unjustifiable detainment of civilians

The correct answer is: Failure to train in constitutional limitations on deadly force

"Deliberate indifference" in the context of Canton v. Harris refers specifically to a municipality's failure to provide adequate training to its officers regarding constitutional limitations, particularly in scenarios that could involve serious consequences, such as the use of deadly force. The case emphasizes the responsibility of governmental entities to ensure that law enforcement personnel are properly trained to uphold constitutional rights, thereby minimizing violations through knowledgeable and responsible officers. In Canton v. Harris, the Supreme Court determined that a pattern of inadequate training can establish a basis for liability if it is shown that the training failure reflects "deliberate indifference" to the rights of persons with whom the police come into contact. This means that if officials are aware of the risk of constitutional violations and choose not to adequately train their officers, they can be held accountable for the resulting actions of those officers. Thus, the correct choice highlights the critical link between police training and constitutional rights, underscoring the importance of providing law enforcement personnel with the necessary knowledge to enforce the law appropriately.