Under which circumstances might an officer use deadly force?

The use of deadly force by law enforcement is a critical issue governed by legal standards and departmental policies. The correct choice pertains to situations where an officer needs to protect themselves or others from imminent danger. This standard is often evaluated under the principles of “reasonable belief” and “imminent threat.”

When an officer perceives an immediate threat to their own life or the lives of others—such as encountering an armed suspect who poses a threat—they are justified in using deadly force to mitigate that danger. This response must be proportionate to the threat faced and is typically assessed based on the circumstances at the moment the decision is made.

The other scenarios do not meet the critical criteria required for using deadly force. Preventing the escape of a suspect does not inherently justify deadly force unless there's an immediate threat to life. Public pressure is neither a lawful nor appropriate justification for employing such extreme measures. Additionally, traffic stops do not automatically warrant the use of deadly force; officers must first evaluate the situation to determine the level of threat involved.