Use of Force & Arrest · §1701.651

Peace Officer Force

Peace Officer Force is covered under §1701.651 and tested on the TCOLE peace officer licensing exam.

To prove this offense, the State must establish each of the following elements: Statutory framework Tex. Occ. Code §1701.651–.661; Activation typically required for enforcement encounters; Statutory retention periods (longer for use-of-force, complaint, or pending case).

Elements you must prove

  • Statutory framework Tex. Occ. Code §1701.651–.661
  • Activation typically required for enforcement encounters
  • Statutory retention periods (longer for use-of-force, complaint, or pending case)

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

Body-worn camera activation during use-of-force events is governed by:

  1. No policy
  2. Tex. Occ. Code §1701.655 / agency body-worn camera policies — typically requiring activation during enforcement encounters and use-of-force events, with statutory retention periods Correct
  3. Discretionary always
  4. Federal law only
Why: Body-worn camera policy is set by statute and agency policy. Most agencies require activation for enforcement encounters, including use of force; deactivation is restricted to specific scenarios (privacy of victims, sensitive interviews).
Statute: Tex. Occ. Code §1701.651–1701.661

Statutory definitions for this topic

Body-worn camera retention Tex. Occ. Code §1701.651–1701.661
Body-worn camera recordings are governed by Tex. Occ. Code §1701.651–.661 and agency policy. Retention periods are set by statute and policy; recordings related to use-of-force, complaints, or ongoing investigations have extended retention.