When is deadly force permitted according to the guidelines of use of force?

Deadly force is permitted when the suspect poses an imminent threat of serious physical harm to the officer or others. This aligns with the principles governing the use of force in law enforcement, which dictate that an officer may only use deadly force as a last resort when there is a clear and immediate danger to someone’s life or safety. The justification for this level of force hinges on the necessity to protect oneself or others from severe harm, which can include the risk of death or serious injury.

In contrast to the other options, which may involve situations where force is needed but not necessarily deadly force, posing a threat of serious physical harm presents an immediate and critical scenario that escalates the response required from law enforcement. A fleeing suspect or one who is armed may not always present an immediate danger; therefore, responding with deadly force in these cases is not justified unless their actions at that moment threaten serious injury or death. Similarly, just witnessing a crime does not automatically justify the use of deadly force; the context and level of threat in that particular situation matter significantly.