According to a 1985 U.S. Supreme court ruling, the use of deadly force should not take place “unless necessary to prevent the escape and the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect posts a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.”

The FBI also states that agents can only use deadly force: “When the agent has a reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the agent or another person. If feasible, a verbal warning to submit to the authority of the special agent is given prior to the use of deadly force.” Here’s how the use of force continuum is commonly taught to officers: