According to Tennessee v. Garner, when can an officer use deadly force?

The ruling in Tennessee v. Garner established that law enforcement officers may use deadly force when there is probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of serious bodily harm to the officer or others. This case specifically addressed the limitations on the use of deadly force, emphasizing the necessity to evaluate the immediate threat posed by the individual. In situations where an officer has credible information or evidence that indicates a suspect is armed, dangerous, or otherwise poses a significant risk, the use of deadly force may be justified to protect both the officer and the public. The decision underscored the importance of assessing the level of threat rather than simply the actions of the suspect, such as fleeing or being unarmed. This established a critical framework for the application of deadly force in law enforcement across the United States, ensuring that it is only utilized in circumstances where it is absolutely necessary to prevent serious harm.