What defines deadly force in law enforcement?

Deadly force is defined as the intentional use of a firearm or other instrument that results in a high probability of death or great bodily harm. This definition is crucial in law enforcement as it establishes the threshold for the use of lethal measures in situations where an officer's safety or the safety of others is at risk. When officers are confronted with imminent threats that could lead to life-threatening scenarios, they must evaluate whether the force they are about to use meets this definition.

Understanding what constitutes deadly force is fundamental for law enforcement officers, as it guides their decision-making in high-stakes situations and helps ensure that their actions comply with legal standards and departmental policies. The focus on "intentional use" emphasizes the importance of the officer's conscious decision to use such force, which is typically reserved for mitigating immediate threats to life. This ties into legal principles regarding self-defense and the defense of others, reinforcing that the deployment of deadly force must always consider the necessity and proportionality of the response to avoid unnecessary loss of life.