What is a primary consideration when determining the necessity of using deadly physical force?

The primary consideration when determining the necessity of using deadly physical force is the severity of the crime being committed. This is grounded in the principle that deadly force may only be used in situations where there is an imminent threat to life, particularly in relation to serious violent crimes such as those involving a weapon or the potential for severe bodily harm.

When assessing the severity, an officer must evaluate whether the immediate threat posed justifies the use of such extreme measures. For instance, situations involving potential death or serious injury to an officer or civilians would warrant a higher justification for employing deadly force.

Other factors, such as the availability of backup or the identity of the suspect, may influence decision-making in the broader context of an incident but do not directly determine the appropriateness of using deadly physical force. Similarly, the time of day does not inherently alter the nature of the threat and should not be the primary consideration in such critical situations. Understanding this framework is crucial for officers in making quick, justifiable decisions in high-stress scenarios.