Final answer:
Peace officers have the authority to use deadly physical force when necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent harm, to prevent the escape of a dangerous felon, or to neutralize a violent situation, as long as it is lawful, necessary, and proportionate to the situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a peace officer, the authority to use deadly physical force is a grave responsibility and is legally permissible in specific scenarios. Generally, police officers can use such force when it is necessary to:
- Protect themselves or others from what they reasonably believe to be an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm,
- Prevent the escape of a fleeing felon who the officer has probable cause to believe will cause death or serious injury if their apprehension is delayed,
- Bring a dangerous and violent situation under control, such as an active shooter scenario,
These actions must always align with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, ensuring that the use of deadly force is consistent with the officer's legal duties and responsibilities as upheld by court decisions such as Terry v. Ohio. However, tragic events where officers used deadly force under questionable circumstances, like the case of Atatiana Jefferson, highlight the need for strict adherence to these principles and adequate training. Additionally, addressing and reducing racial tensions requires policy reforms, improved community relations, and thorough investigations of such incidents to ensure that the use of force is justified and not influenced by racial bias.