Under what circumstance is an officer allowed to use "deadly force"?

An officer is allowed to use "deadly force" when they believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from serious harm. This principle is grounded in the legal concept of self-defense and defense of others, which justifies the use of lethal force in situations where there is an imminent threat to life or risk of serious bodily injury. Officers are trained to assess the circumstances rapidly and must reasonably believe that such force is essential to prevent grave outcomes.

The use of deadly force is considered a last resort and must be proportional to the threat faced. This means that the officer must have a reasonable belief that the threat is immediate and severe. In contrast, using deadly force based on a mere suspicion of a crime or to protect property does not meet the standards established for justifying such a drastic action. Additionally, high-speed chases do not, in themselves, justify the use of deadly force unless specifically linked to an imminent threat to life or serious injury.