Under what circumstance can a police officer use deadly force?

The use of deadly force by a police officer is justified primarily under circumstances where the officer is protecting themselves or others from imminent harm. This principle is grounded in law enforcement policies and use-of-force guidelines, which state that deadly force is permissible when there is a reasonable belief that an individual poses an immediate threat of serious injury or death to the officer or others present.

This justification is essential in ensuring that officers can take necessary actions to prevent loss of life or severe injury. The concept of "imminent harm" refers to an immediate threat, which requires the officer to respond quickly and decisively to protect themselves or others. It's important to note that the threshold for what constitutes "imminent harm" can vary based on the specific circumstances an officer faces, but the focus is always on protecting life.

In comparison, fleeing suspects (as mentioned in another choice) do not justify the use of deadly force unless they also pose an immediate threat. Feeling threatened alone does not meet the stringent requirements for using deadly force unless it correlates with an imminent risk of harm. Additionally, making an arrest does not, in itself, authorize the use of deadly force unless the situation escalates to a level of imminent danger.