Which statement is true about deadly force under law?

• A. It includes the firing of a firearm at a vehicle in which the person to be arrested is riding.
• B. It excludes firing a firearm at a vehicle.
• C. It applies only to civilians.
• D. It is not defined by statute.

Answer: (A)

Deadly force is force that is capable of causing serious bodily harm or death and is justified only when there is an imminent threat to life or a need to prevent serious harm. That can include actions taken to stop a dangerous suspect who is in or about to exit a vehicle. Firing at a vehicle can be considered a use of deadly force if the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to stop an imminent threat or to prevent the suspect from causing serious harm to others. This context matters because the decision to use deadly force is governed by statutes, department policies, and case law, and it hinges on whether there is an immediate and serious threat and whether less dangerous options have been used or are impractical.

So the statement is true because deadly force can involve firing at a vehicle when it is necessary to neutralize a serious threat. The other ideas—that deadly force excludes firing at a vehicle, that it applies only to civilians, or that it isn’t defined by statute—don’t align with how deadly force is understood and regulated in practice.