Under what condition can deadly force be used according to law enforcement standards?

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Deadly force can be used according to law enforcement standards primarily when there is probable cause to believe that the suspect could inflict serious bodily harm on another individual. This principle aligns with the legal standard of "objective reasonableness," which requires law enforcement officers to assess the situation based on what a reasonable officer would conclude given the circumstances they face at the moment.

The justification for using deadly force hinges on the imminent threat posed by the suspect. This does not merely rely on the officer's subjective feelings of threat but rather on a reasonable belief that the suspect poses a significant danger to themselves, the officer, or the general public.

Other conditions mentioned, such as a crime being committed or the officer feeling threatened, do not adequately meet the criteria for the use of deadly force without the clear and immediate threat of serious bodily harm. Additionally, high-speed pursuits do not generally authorize the use of deadly force, as law enforcement agencies usually have specific guidelines and policies to manage those situations without resorting to lethal measures unless absolutely necessary. Thus, the most accurate and legally sound condition under which deadly force may be employed is when there is probable cause to believe a suspect could cause serious bodily harm.

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