Deadly Force

Deadly force is defined as that force which is intended to cause death or grave injury or which
creates some specified degree or risk that a reasonable and prudent person would consider
likely to cause death or grave injury.

The value of human life is immeasurable in our society. Members have been delegated the

awesome responsibility to protect life and property and apprehend criminal offenders. The
apprehension of criminal offenders must at all times be subservient to the protection of life.
The member?s responsibility for protecting life shall include their own.

Use of Deadly Force in Defense of Human Life

Deadly force maybe used by a member when they reasonably believe that the action is in
defense of human life, including the member?s own life, or in defense of any person in
immediate danger of serious physical harm and all other reasonable means have been
exhausted.

Any member may use deadly force to affect the capture or prevent escape when the deputy
has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious
physical injury to the member(s) or others if permitted to escape.

No distinction shall be made relative to the age, sex, race, etc., of the intended target of deadly
force. Self-defense and imminent threat will be the policy guideline for any member employing
deadly force.

Deadly force may be used by a Deputy Sheriff when he reasonably believes that the action is in
defense of human life, or in defense of any person in immediate danger of serious physical
harm and all other means have been exhausted, or are not feasible given the circumstances.

Firearms Contents

Restrictions on the Use of Firearms

Shoot At or From a Moving Vehicle

Members should not discharge a firearm at or from a moving vehicle except at the ultimate
measure of self-defense or defense of another or when the suspect is using deadly force, and
life is imminently threatened.