In Tennessee V. Garner, what must the officer believe about the suspect in Prong 2?

In Tennessee v. Garner, the case established critical guidelines surrounding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. Specifically, Prong 2 emphasizes that an officer must have a belief that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. This standard is crucial in determining whether the use of deadly force is justified. The ruling settled that the Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable seizures under the Fourth Amendment, and utilizing deadly force is considered an extreme measure that requires a compelling justification.

This belief must be based on the circumstances facing the officer at the moment and is evaluated on an objective reasonableness standard. It seeks to ensure that officers only resort to deadly force in scenarios where there is an imminent threat that cannot be otherwise mitigated, thereby safeguarding both the officers and the community they serve.