When are verbal warnings used in deadly force situations?

When are verbal warnings used in deadly force situations?

• A. Verbal warnings will be used if not going to increase risk of injury to you or anyone else, state that your Law Enforcement and your intent is to use deadly force.
• B. Verbal warnings are never used in deadly force situations.
• C. Verbal warnings must be given after deadly force is deployed.
• D. Verbal warnings are always required in every encounter.

Answer: (A)

Verbal warnings in deadly force situations are used when issuing the warning won’t create additional risk and you can clearly communicate authority and intent. If you can warn without increasing danger to yourself, others, or bystanders, you should do so and state who you are (law enforcement) and that deadly force may be used. The goal is to deter a threat and give the subject a chance to comply while maintaining safety. If giving a warning would put people at greater risk, you don’t issue one and respond to the threat directly. Warnings are not mandatory in every encounter and are not required after force has already been deployed.

Verbal warnings in deadly force situations are used when issuing the warning won’t create additional risk and you can clearly communicate authority and intent. If you can warn without increasing danger to yourself, others, or bystanders, you should do so and state who you are (law enforcement) and that deadly force may be used. The goal is to deter a threat and give the subject a chance to comply while maintaining safety. If giving a warning would put people at greater risk, you don’t issue one and respond to the threat directly. Warnings are not mandatory in every encounter and are not required after force has already been deployed.