What is defined as force intended or known to cause death or serious bodily injury?

The term that is defined as force intended or known to cause death or serious bodily injury is deadly force. This type of force is typically associated with actions that can result in severe harm or fatality, and it is a critical concept in law enforcement and use of force scenarios. Understanding deadly force is essential for peace officers, as it directly relates to the legal standards governing the use of force in various situations, including the necessity of self-defense or protecting others.

Deadly force is also often evaluated in the context of the circumstances surrounding its use, including the imminent threat faced by the officer or others. In scenarios where officers must decide whether to apply such force, they are required to assess both the immediacy of the threat and the appropriateness of their response. Training in this area emphasizes the importance of using only that amount of force necessary to address the threat while considering the potential consequences of using deadly force.