What can constitute an imminent threat justifying deadly force?

The use of deadly force is a serious matter and is only justified under specific circumstances. An imminent threat that justifies the use of deadly force typically arises when an individual is actively using or threatening to use a deadly weapon against another person, which presents a clear and immediate risk of death or serious injury.

When a suspect is using a deadly weapon, such as a firearm or knife, they pose a direct threat to the safety of others, including law enforcement officers themselves. In such situations, officers are trained to assess the threat level and respond accordingly to protect themselves and others from imminent harm.

The other scenarios, such as a suspect being uncooperative or indications of future risky behavior, do not meet the threshold of an immediate threat requiring deadly force. While these behaviors can be concerning and may require police action, they do not present an immediate danger that justifies such an extreme response. Similarly, the presence of multiple officers does not inherently justify the use of deadly force; rather, it may provide an opportunity to use non-lethal methods to control the situation.