What must officers demonstrate to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, officers must demonstrate an imminent threat to life. This principle is grounded in the use of force continuum, which states that law enforcement officers are permitted to use deadly force only when they face a significant and immediate threat to their lives or the lives of others. An imminent threat implies that the danger is immediate and present, leaving no other reasonable option but to use deadly force to prevent serious harm or death.

The other options do not adequately justify the use of deadly force. The presence of a weapon, while it may indicate potential for danger, does not alone establish an imminent threat if the weapon is not actively being used against the officer or others. The suspect’s past behavior may provide context but does not create a current, immediate threat necessary to validate the use of lethal force. Lastly, public safety concerns are important, but they do not replace the requirement for an immediate threat to life that necessitates such drastic action. Therefore, demonstrating an imminent threat to life is fundamental for the legal and ethical justification of using deadly force by law enforcement officers.