According to Wisconsin statute 175.44, when can an officer use deadly force?

Under Wisconsin statute 175.44, the use of deadly force by an officer is justified as a last resort when all other reasonable options for resolving a situation have been exhausted or deemed ineffective. This means that before resorting to lethal actions, officers must attempt to use lesser levels of force or alternative methods to control the situation or apprehend a suspect. The law emphasizes the need for caution and the importance of valuing human life, requiring officers to carefully evaluate whether their response is necessary considering the circumstances they face.

This understanding reflects the principles of proportionality and necessity in law enforcement, where deadly force is only seen as appropriate when there is an imminent threat to life, thus underscoring that it should not be the first line of action but rather a measure taken in extreme situations where there are no viable alternatives left.