California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CDCR Practice Questions and Study Guide

When an inmate poses an imminent threat, staff may use immediate force to ensure safety and control the situation. Immediate force refers to the response necessary to neutralize a threat right away and is typically justified in scenarios where a quick reaction is required to prevent harm to staff, other inmates, or the institution itself. This type of force allows for swift intervention, helping to de-escalate potentially violent encounters before they escalate further.

Controlled force, in contrast, involves techniques that are predefined and often applied systematically to manage situations with more time to assess the risk. Minimal force suggests a low level of intervention, which may not be adequate when facing an imminent threat. Excessive force is inappropriate as it refers to using more force than necessary, potentially leading to disciplinary actions against staff and legal ramifications for the department. Therefore, in situations where there is an immediate threat, the standard protocol is to respond with immediate force for the safety of everyone involved.