North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

Under what circumstances may an officer lawfully utilize deadly force?

1. To prevent the escape of a convicted felon or during life-threatening situations

2. To retrieve stolen property

3. To ensure compliance with any lawful order

4. Only if other methods fail

The correct answer is: To prevent the escape of a convicted felon or during life-threatening situations

The use of deadly force by an officer is a serious matter governed by specific legal standards and protocols. The correct choice reflects the authorized circumstances under which an officer may lawfully utilize deadly force. Officers may lawfully use deadly force primarily to prevent the escape of a convicted felon or in life-threatening situations. This aligns with the principles of protecting public safety and preventing serious harm. For instance, if a convicted felon is attempting to escape custody and poses an immediate threat to others or themselves, officers may be justified in using deadly force to prevent that escape. Similarly, in situations where an officer or another person is faced with imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death, the use of deadly force serves to neutralize that threat and protect lives. The other choices do not meet the stringent legal requirements for the use of deadly force. Retrieving stolen property does not typically warrant such severe action, as non-lethal measures are usually sufficient and preferred. Ensuring compliance with a lawful order generally does not justify the use of deadly force unless there is an immediate threat involved. Lastly, the notion that deadly force can only be used if other methods fail does not encompass the immediacy of life-threatening scenarios where deadly force may be the only viable option to prevent