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# Detroit Police Department Firearms Training Unit ## Department Deadly Force Policy An officer shall not discharge a firearm to apprehend a person merely on suspicion of a crime, regardless of severity, or if there is only suspicion the person committed a crime. An officer must either have witne...

# Detroit Police Department Firearms Training Unit ## Department Deadly Force Policy An officer shall not discharge a firearm to apprehend a person merely on suspicion of a crime, regardless of severity, or if there is only suspicion the person committed a crime. An officer must either have witnessed the crime or have probable cause to believe the person committed an offense justifying deadly force. Use of deadly force is authorized only under these conditions: 1. **Imminent Threat:** The subject poses an imminent threat of death or serious injury to officers or others, and bystanders are not in jeopardy. 2. **Preventing Escape:** To prevent a subject's escape from a violent felony, and only if the officer has probable cause to believe the subject poses a continuing threat of death or serious bodily injury if the escape is successful. The following felonies pose a significant threat: * Murder and its attempt * Assaults with intent to commit murder * Assaults resulting in life-threatening injury * Criminal sexual conduct (1st and 3rd degree) * Armed robbery and its attempt If less lethal force could reasonably prevent the escape of a dangerous fleeing suspect or one fleeing a violent felony, deadly force is not authorized. **(Tennessee v. Garner, 471 U.S. 1 (1985))** - Recognizes the fleeing felon rule; however, only reasonable force is applied in apprehension. Excessive force is not permitted. Officers shall not shoot at or from a moving vehicle unless their life or the life of another is in immediate peril and there is no reasonable means of avoiding the threat. If feasible, officers shall identify themselves and state their intention to shoot prior to firing.