What is the "fleeing felon rule"?

The "fleeing felon rule" is an important legal principle that addresses the circumstances under which law enforcement officers may use deadly force against a suspect who is fleeing from the scene of a crime. The rule allows police to use deadly force to stop a fleeing felon when the officer believes there is an imminent threat to themselves or others. This means that if a suspect poses an immediate danger and is escaping, officers are trained to use lethal force as a measure of last resort to prevent potential harm.

The rationale behind this rule is rooted in the need to protect public safety when a serious threat is present. Officers are expected to evaluate the situation and their own safety, as well as that of bystanders, in making the decision to use deadly force. This rule underscores the gravity of situations where individuals engaged in violent felonies may continue to pose a risk while attempting to evade capture.

In contrast, other options present different interpretations or aspects of police use of force policies that do not capture the specific legal context of the fleeing felon rule. For instance, allowing police to chase any fleeing suspect lacks the critical aspect of assessing a threat, while guidelines on the use of non-lethal force do not address the deadly force component that the fleeing felon rule encompasses