When officers use active counter measures to prevent a subject from taking their firearm, what level of force is still considered appropriate?

In situations where an officer is confronted with the imminent threat of a subject attempting to take their firearm, the use of active counter measures is crucial for the officer's safety. The appropriate level of force in this context is considered non-deadly force.

Non-deadly force encompasses techniques and measures that are used to control a situation without resulting in serious injury or death. Officers are trained to use reasonable and proportional force to ensure their safety and the safety of others, especially when a weapon is involved. If an officer feels that their firearm is being threatened, they must respond appropriately to neutralize the threat without escalating the situation unnecessarily.

Deadly force, on the other hand, is only justified in scenarios where there is an imminent threat to life. If an officer’s firearm is being taken but no immediate lethal threat is posed, responding with deadly force would not be warranted. It’s essential that officers maintain control of the situation using non-lethal methods to prevent unnecessary harm.

In this framework, actions such as disengagement or passive resistance do not adequately address the immediate danger posed by an attempt to access the firearm and could lead to adverse outcomes. Hence, employing non-deadly force is the appropriate response in these circumstances, ensuring that officers can protect