What would constitute a valid justification for the use of deadly force during an arrest?

The use of deadly force during an arrest is strictly governed by legal standards and departmental policies. A valid justification for such an extreme measure hinges on the officer's perception of an imminent deadly threat. This means that if an officer reasonably believes that their life or the lives of others are in immediate danger due to the suspect's actions, they may resort to using deadly force to neutralize that threat.

This principle ensures that an officer is acting out of necessity to protect themselves or innocent bystanders. It's important to recognize the gravity of this decision, as the use of deadly force can have profound ethical and legal implications. Other factors such as potential vandalism, historical behavior, or uncooperative conduct, while potentially serious, do not reach the threshold of an imminent deadly threat required to justify the use of deadly force. These contexts do not present an immediate risk to life, which is essential for such actions to be considered legally and morally justified.