In determining objective reasonableness, which factor is relevant?

• A. Severity of alleged crime
• B. Time of day
• C. Eye color
• D. Popular music preference

Answer: (A)

Objective reasonableness is judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, considering the totality of the circumstances. A key factor in this assessment is the severity of the alleged crime. If the offense is serious, the situation may justify a higher level of response to protect selves and others; for a minor offense, there’s a greater expectation of restraint. The other options—time of day, eye color, and music preference—don’t inform the risk or threat level in the moment and aren’t used to judge reasonableness. In practice, officers also consider whether there is an immediate threat or active resistance, but those factors aren’t what this question is asking about.