True or False: An officer may use deadly force to effect the arrest of someone whom they believe has committed a felony involving the use of deadly force.

The statement is true because Minnesota law permits the use of deadly force in particular circumstances, particularly when an officer believes that a suspect poses an immediate threat of serious harm to themselves or others, or if the suspect has committed a felony involving the use of deadly force. The justification for using deadly force is rooted in the need to protect life and preserve public safety.

In cases involving felonies that carry a significant risk to life, officers are trained to assess whether the suspect poses an imminent danger. If deadly force is deemed necessary to prevent further violence or to stop an immediate threat, it can be legally justified. This understanding is critical for officers to ensure they act within the bounds of the law when making split-second decisions in high-stress situations.

This standard reflects the balance that laws aim to maintain between the authority of law enforcement and the rights of individuals, demanding that the use of lethal force is reserved for extreme situations.