In which situations is an officer allowed to use deadly force?

The use of deadly force by law enforcement officers is primarily justified in situations where there is an imminent threat to life. This means that when an officer uses deadly force in defense of self or others, they are acting in response to a perceived immediate danger that could result in serious bodily harm or death. The rationale is grounded in the need to protect life and ensure the safety of not just the officer, but also innocent bystanders or victims who may be in jeopardy.

In contrast, while preventing a felony might seem like a valid reason to use force, the key factor is the nature of the threat. Not all felonies warrant the use of deadly force; the potential for serious harm is what gives rise to such an extreme measure. Protecting property alone does not justify deadly force, as property does not equate to the value of human life. Lastly, using anger as a justification for employing deadly force introduces an emotional and subjective element that undermines the objective standards required for such an action in law enforcement protocols.