Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What is the term for a police formation often referred to as "Line Formation"?

1. Wedge

2. Diagonal

3. Skirmish Line

4. Column

The correct answer is: Skirmish Line

The correct answer is the Skirmish Line. This formation is often used by law enforcement and military personnel to engage an enemy or to control an area while providing coverage and positioning for all members involved. The Skirmish Line allows officers or soldiers to spread out in a linear fashion, providing both offensive capability and tactical coverage while minimizing the risk of being targeted in tight formations. In contrast, the other options refer to different types of formations. A Wedge formation is typically more compact and used for moving quickly through tactical situations. The Diagonal formation is also structured differently, often involving a slanted arrangement to cover a wider angle but not focusing directly on the linear aspect associated with a Skirmish Line. Lastly, the Column formation is organized in a stacked manner, which is useful for movement but does not offer the same level of direct engagement and coverage as the Skirmish Line.