In what circumstance can law enforcement use deadly force?

Law enforcement can use deadly force when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. This standard is based on the principle of protecting both the officers and the public from immediate danger. The concept of "imminent threat" indicates that the officer believes that there is an immediate risk to life or severe injury, requiring a decisive response to neutralize that threat. It is crucial that this action is necessary and proportional to the perceived danger; otherwise, the use of deadly force may not be justified.

In the context of law enforcement policies and case law, the justification for using deadly force revolves around ensuring safety in precarious situations, where non-lethal options are not viable due to the urgency and severity of the threat. This understanding emphasizes the importance of officers assessing circumstances to determine whether the use of deadly force is warranted based on the current and immediate threat level they and others may be facing.