What must officers have to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, officers must have probable cause to believe that their actions are necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent danger. Probable cause is a legal standard that requires sufficient evidence or reasonable belief based on facts that an officer is facing a situation that justifies the use of such extreme force.

For example, if an officer encounters a suspect who poses an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death to themselves or others, they need to demonstrate that their perception of the threat was reasonable based on the circumstances at that moment. This standard ensures that the use of deadly force is not arbitrary but rather a measured response to an imminent threat.

While witness corroboration, a written policy, and body camera footage can provide context and support after the fact, they do not directly establish the immediate justification required for the decision to employ deadly force in the moment. Probable cause is the crucial legal threshold that must be met to defend the use of such force effectively.