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

Can the police use deadly force against George, who is fleeing from a robbery?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if he has a weapon

4. Only with a warrant

The correct answer is: False

In the context of law enforcement and the use of deadly force, the option indicating that the police cannot use deadly force against an individual simply fleeing from a robbery is grounded in legal principles regarding the use of force. The general rule is that deadly force may only be used in life-threatening situations where there is an immediate threat to the officer or the public. When someone is fleeing from a non-violent crime, such as a robbery that does not involve a weapon or imminent threat to others, the use of deadly force is not justified. Law enforcement officers are trained to de-escalate situations and pursue apprehension through non-lethal means, given that the severity of the crime does not warrant such extreme measures. Additionally, courts have ruled that the mere act of fleeing from a crime does not justify the use of deadly force unless there is a clear and present danger posed by the individual. This standard protects the rights of individuals and emphasizes the need for proportionality in the use of force by police.