North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

In which scenario should an officer remove an individual's weapon?

1. When the individual is cooperative

2. When the individual displays a hostile attitude

3. When the individual is using the weapon

4. When the individual is in a public space

The correct answer is: When the individual displays a hostile attitude

An officer should remove an individual's weapon when the individual displays a hostile attitude. This situation poses a risk to both the officer and others nearby, as a hostile demeanor can indicate potential intentions to use the weapon prematurely or escalate the situation. In such instances, removing the weapon serves as a precautionary measure to ensure safety. When an individual is cooperative, it may not be necessary to remove the weapon, as they may pose no immediate threat. If an individual is using the weapon, it should be approached with the utmost caution, likely requiring immediate intervention to de-escalate the situation. Similarly, being in a public space does not inherently warrant weapon removal unless other contextual factors—such as hostility—are present.