Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Is Officer Florine justified in using deadly force against Tyler, who is fleeing after committing murder?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if Tyler poses an immediate threat

4. Only if there are witnesses present

The correct answer is: Yes

The justification for Officer Florine using deadly force against Tyler hinges on the legal precedents surrounding the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in the context of fleeing felons. Generally, officers are permitted to use deadly force when there is a reasonable belief that it is necessary to prevent the imminent threat of serious bodily harm or death to themselves or others, especially if the suspect poses a significant danger due to their actions. In this situation, Tyler has just committed murder, which indicates a willingness to resort to extreme violence. The principle of “fleeing felon” rules comes into play, where law enforcement may use deadly force if the suspect poses a serious threat, and there is a compelling interest to stop them from escaping, especially to prevent further harm to others. The justification does not depend on the presence of witnesses or whether Tyler is actively threatening Officer Florine at that moment, as options concerning witnesses or immediate threat are more restrictive. The law often provides broader authority to halt individuals who have already demonstrated a propensity for violence, like in the case of murder, which solidly supports the premise of using deadly force to prevent further harm and ensure public safety. This context underlines why the assertion that Officer Florine is justified in using deadly force is consistent