What is one type of deadly force used by law enforcement?

Deadly force in law enforcement context refers to any use of force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. Roadblocks can be a form of deadly force, especially when they are used in a way that may intentionally or unintentionally redirect a vehicle into a hazardous situation or when used to stop a fleeing suspect in a high-speed chase.

Roadblocks can create scenarios where officers believe that the potential for harm is present, especially if the roadblock could lead to a collision or if the suspect poses an immediate danger to themselves or others. In certain situations, law enforcement may determine that preventing a suspect from fleeing through the use of a roadblock justifies the risk associated with this tactic.

On the other hand, negotiation, verbal direction, and empty hand control all represent methods of force that do not inherently carry the potential for deadly outcomes. Negotiation and verbal direction prioritize communication to resolve situations without physical confrontation, whereas empty hand control aims to use physical techniques to restrain a subject while minimizing harm, making these options far less likely to result in death or serious injury.