On June 13 at 10:00pm., Officers C and E responded to a report of a suicidal male who was believed to be intoxicated. The call came out with details of unknown weapons. C and E had previous dealings with this suspect, having responded to the residence several times before, and were aware that he had fought and resisted arrest with the police in the past. The officers were also aware that the suspect was an alcoholic. The officers responded to the residence and contacted the suspect, who was intoxicated.The suspect admitted to drinking and stated he was feeling "down" but stated that he did not want to kill himself.The suspect cooperated with the officers and spoke with a mental health representative, who believed that the suspect was okay to be released. A neighbor friend agreed to watch him for the night as he was still extremely intoxicated.The officers cleared the residence.

Shortly afterward, the officers received another call back to the residence. Dispatch again stated the suspect threatened suicide. The officer arrived on scene and saw the suspect in his backyard; he requested that the officers come meet him there. As Officer C and E approached him in the low light, they observed the suspect reaching into his jacket with his right hand in a motion suggesting that he was pulling a gun. The suspect also yelled, "kill me!" several times, and refused to show his hands after several loud verbal commands from both officers.

If you were responding as a backup officer, how would you assist your partners in this situation?

1. 1. Set up a perimeter around the incident to prevent innocent bystanders from accidentally or intentionally entering a dangerous zone.
   2. Back up the officers until the situation was under control.
   3. Wait for more officers, or officers with special training such as SWAT, to respond.
   4. Attempt to apprehend the suspect alone.
   5. Start interviewing neighbors and possible witnesses

2. After several loud verbal commands, the suspect eventually complied and pulled his hands out (empty) very quickly. The officers did not observe any weapons and placed the suspect in custody while holding adequate cover.

1. Was deadly force justified in this situation? Why, and what are the guidelines?
2. What other types of force would be justified in this situation?
3. After taking the suspect into custody, what would be your procedure? Would you just jail him?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

1 As a backup officer the best course of action would be to A Back up the officers until the situation was under control Explanation The situation inv... View the full answer