What is 'imminent threat' in the context of police use of force?

In the context of police use of force, an 'imminent threat' is defined as a clear and immediate danger to an officer or others that justifies the use of deadly force. This concept emphasizes that the threat must be immediate and clear-cut, meaning that the officer perceives a situation where their life or the lives of others are at risk right then and there. For example, if an individual is actively attackinг someone or poses a direct threat with a weapon, an officer may determine that they are facing an imminent threat. This understanding ensures that the use of deadly force is reserved for situations where there is no reasonable alternative to protect oneself or others from severe harm or death.

In contrast, the other options indicate scenarios that do not meet the definition of an imminent threat. An ambiguous situation might require intervention but lacks the immediate clarity of danger necessary for justification of deadly force. A delayed threat refers to potential future risks that are not urgent and does not warrant immediate action. Lastly, while feelings of being unsafe can arise in various situations, the mere feeling of being unsafe does not provide sufficient grounds for the use of deadly force without the presence of an immediate and clear threat.