Under what circumstance can a peace officer use deadly physical force?

The use of deadly physical force by a peace officer is legally justified in situations where the officer must prevent the escape of an individual who is committing or has committed a serious crime, such as a felony in the first degree. In this context, the law acknowledges that felonies often pose a significant threat to public safety. The rationale is that if an officer is in pursuit of an individual who has committed such a grave offense, the use of deadly force may be necessary to prevent that individual from fleeing and potentially causing further harm to others.

This principle is rooted in the concept of protecting public safety, where immediate threats may authorize the use of lethal force as a last resort. The circumstances accompanying this action must be urgent and serious, aligning with the officer’s responsibility to maintain law and order effectively.

In contrast, the other scenarios provided do not legally justify the use of deadly physical force. Traffic stops, unarmed confrontations, and defending personal possessions do not typically involve the same level of threat or danger necessary to warrant such extreme measures. In essence, a peace officer must ensure that any use of force is proportionate to the threat faced, and deadly physical force is reserved for the most serious of situations where there is a clear and present danger.