Under what circumstances can an officer justifiably use deadly force?

Deadly force can justifiably be used by an officer in situations where there is a credible threat to life, particularly involving felonies that include the use or threatened use of deadly force. This aligns with the principles of use of force, which dictate that the response must be proportionate to the threat faced. When a person has committed a felony that involves the use or threatened use of deadly force, it indicates that the individual poses a significant risk of serious bodily harm or death to others, thereby legitimizing the officer's use of deadly force to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. This standard is essential as it codifies the necessity for an officer to respond to threats in a manner that reflects the seriousness of the situation, ensuring the safety of all involved.