What must an officer demonstrate to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, an officer must demonstrate that there is an imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death. This requirement is grounded in the standard of objective reasonableness, which holds that a law enforcement officer is only justified in using deadly force when they believe, based on the totality of the circumstances, that their life or the lives of others are in immediate danger. The concept of "imminent threat" emphasizes that a threat must be immediate and not based on past behavior or speculation about future actions.

For instance, if an officer encounters a suspect who is armed and appears ready to use the weapon against them or others, that scenario may meet the criteria for justifying deadly force. This justification is essential to ensure that the use of such a significant action as deadly force is measured and appropriate, reflecting the seriousness of the situation being faced.