What is deadly force used for in law enforcement?

Deadly force in law enforcement is fundamentally justified as a means of stopping an imminent threat to life. This principle is rooted in the need for officers to protect themselves and others from serious bodily harm or death, particularly when no other options are available, and the threat is immediate.

Using deadly force is not intended for apprehending a suspect, as other methods may achieve that goal without resulting in fatal consequences. It’s also not used to gain compliance from individuals, as the aim here is to enforce control or compliance without the extreme outcome that deadly force represents. Additionally, it should never be employed to intimidate, as intimidation undermines the trust and relationship that law enforcement seeks to build with the community.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that the primary reason for using deadly force is to neutralize a threat that poses significant risk, ensuring that public safety is maintained in dire situations.