What must be demonstrated to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, it is essential that a reasonable officer, given the circumstances at hand, would find it necessary. This standard is rooted in the objective reasonableness standard, which evaluates whether a typical officer, acting under similar conditions, would have perceived a threat that warranted such a response.

This assessment involves considering the totality of the circumstances, including the severity of the threat, the immediacy of that threat, and whether the suspect poses an active danger to the officer or others. It emphasizes an objective viewpoint rather than relying solely on the officer’s personal feelings or perceptions.

The focus on a reasonable officer's perspective ensures accountability and offers a standard that courts can evaluate in cases involving the use of deadly force, thereby maintaining public trust and adherence to constitutional rights. This approach mitigates biases and ensures that decisions to use deadly force are based on common standards within law enforcement, rather than on subjective assessments that might vary widely from one officer to another.