Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

Under what circumstances can deadly force be employed by a police officer as established in Tennessee v. Garner?

1. If the suspect is fleeing without any weapons

2. If the officer believes the suspect poses a significant threat

3. If the officer has probable cause to arrest

4. If the suspect is resisting arrest

The correct answer is: If the officer believes the suspect poses a significant threat

In the case of Tennessee v. Garner, the Supreme Court established important guidelines regarding the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. The court ruled that an officer may use deadly force to prevent the escape of a fleeing felon only if the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. This means that the justification for using deadly force hinges on the perceived threat level of the fleeing suspect. If a suspect poses a significant threat, deadly force may be deemed reasonable to protect the officer and the public, balancing the need for effective law enforcement against the potential for excessive force. The emphasis on the significant threat is crucial as it sets a high standard for when such drastic measures can be employed, ensuring that the response is proportional to the threat posed. Other options do not align with this ruling as they fail to capture the necessary conditions under which deadly force is justified, particularly regarding the assessment of threat levels.