What must an officer establish to lawfully apply deadly force against a fleeing suspect?

For an officer to lawfully apply deadly force against a fleeing suspect, it is essential to establish probable cause of a threat. This requirement stems from the need for officers to justify the use of lethal means in volatile situations where there is an imminent threat to their safety or the safety of others.

The standard of probable cause implies that the officer must have a reasonable belief, based on facts or circumstances, that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily harm. It emphasizes that the assessment must be grounded in the context of the situation, taking into account the behavior of the suspect and the level of danger presented at that moment.

This standard is a crucial part of the legal framework governing the use of force by law enforcement, as it aims to protect both the rights of suspects and the safety of officers and civilians alike. Establishing this probable cause is the key element in determining the appropriateness of deadly force, ensuring that it is used only in the most serious and exigent circumstances.