Criminal negligence is best described as:

• A. A gross deviation from the standard of care in ordinary functions
• B. An intentional act with aim to harm
• C. A minor lapse in attention
• D. A conscious disregard for risk

Answer: (A)

Criminal negligence means acting in a way that shows a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable officer would follow in the same situation. It isn’t about intent to harm, and it isn’t a mere minor lapse; it’s a substantial failure to perceive or address a risk that a reasonable person would recognize. In BPOC terms, the standard of care is what a reasonable peace officer would do under similar circumstances, and criminal negligence arises when someone’s conduct falls far short of that expectation in ordinary duties. This is different from recklessness, which involves a conscious disregard for a known risk. So the description that fits best is a gross deviation from the standard of care in ordinary functions.