What must be established to justify the use of deadly force against a suspect?

To justify the use of deadly force against a suspect, it is essential to establish the presence of an imminent threat to life. This principle is grounded in the legal and ethical standards governing police use of force. Officers are trained to assess the situation critically and determine if their or another person's life is in immediate danger when considering the use of deadly force.

When there is an imminent threat—meaning that the danger is immediate and likely to cause serious bodily injury or death—the use of deadly force may be considered necessary and justified. This aligns with the laws and policies that dictate how law enforcement should respond to potentially lethal situations, emphasizing the protection of life above all else.

Other factors, such as a suspect's previous criminal record or physical condition, do not inherently justify the use of deadly force. They may provide context in evaluating a situation but do not meet the immediate necessity required to act with such extreme measures. Similarly, an officer's personal feelings of fear must be evaluated within the context of objective reasonableness, which requires more than just a subjective perception of danger. The focus is always on whether there is a clear and present threat that necessitates a life-threatening response.