When is deadly force allowed to be utilized?

Deadly force is permissible primarily in situations where there is an immediate threat of death or serious injury to oneself or others. The rationale behind this is rooted in the necessity of protecting lives and responding to imminent danger. Law enforcement personnel, including those in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, are trained to recognize scenarios in which they or others face significant risk and to respond with appropriate levels of force, including deadly force if absolutely necessary to prevent loss of life or serious harm.

In contrast, the other choices do not meet the stringent criteria for using deadly force. Preventing property damage does not justify such a severe response, nor does apprehending a fleeing suspect unless that suspect poses an imminent threat. Additionally, controlling non-violent protests would typically involve de-escalation techniques and non-lethal measures rather than deadly force. This underscores a fundamental principle in law enforcement: the response must align with the level of threat encountered.