New York State Court Officers Practice Exam 2026 - Free Court Officer Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is centered around the evolution of defensive tactics to a focus on control and custody. This shift emphasizes the need for court officers to effectively manage individuals while ensuring safety for themselves, bystanders, and those in their custody. Control and custody-based tactics prioritize maintaining authority and preventing escalation, enabling officers to maintain order in potentially volatile situations. This approach includes techniques that emphasize restraint, positioning, and the careful application of force when necessary, aligning with principles of de-escalation and responsible oversight.

The other options do not encapsulate the comprehensive objectives of contemporary defensive tactics as effectively. Aggression-based tactics would emphasize an offensive or combative approach, which could lead to unnecessary conflict. Passivity-based tactics might suggest inaction or avoidance, which is not conducive to the responsibilities of court officers who must actively manage security and safety. Finally, the idea of run and hide implies avoidance of confrontation, which contradicts the duties of officers who are tasked with maintaining order and security.