What is a justified reason for a peace officer to use deadly force?

The use of deadly force by a peace officer is justified primarily when it is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury or death to themselves or others. This rationale is rooted in the principles of self-defense and defense of others, which allow an officer to take decisive action when faced with a credible threat of violence. In situations where there is a reasonable belief that an individual intends to inflict serious harm, the use of deadly force becomes a necessary measure to protect life and ensure public safety.

In contrast, maintaining control of a suspect does not warrant the use of deadly force. Officers are trained to utilize various techniques to restrain individuals without resorting to such extreme measures. Similarly, while apprehending a fleeing felon can sometimes involve force, deadly force is only justified under certain circumstances—typically when the suspect poses an immediate threat to the officer or others. Protecting property is not generally considered a valid justification for deadly force, as the law prioritizes human life over material goods. Overall, the justification for using deadly force is strictly limited to circumstances where there is an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death.