Under Utah law, when is an officer permitted to use deadly force?

In Utah law, an officer is permitted to use deadly force primarily to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. This option is grounded in the fundamental principle of self-defense and defense of others, which acknowledges the right to use reasonable force when faced with an immediate threat to life or serious physical injury. The use of deadly force must be a proportionate response to the danger being presented and is permitted when there is a clear and present risk of harm.

The application of deadly force under this justification is predicated on the belief that such action is necessary to prevent an imminent threat. This aligns with both state law and general concepts of necessary force in law enforcement practices, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the imperative to safeguard both officers and civilians.

While the other options might seem relevant to scenarios involving the use of force, they do not capture the specific legal justification provided in Utah law for when deadly force is permissible. For example, apprehending a fleeing suspect or preventing an escape may not necessarily justify the use of deadly force unless there is an imminent threat presented by that suspect.