Lack of Objective Reasonable Evidence Makes OIS Bad | Active Self Protection

Published on March 2, 2018
Duration: 4:23

This video analyzes an officer-involved shooting where the instructor argues the officer lacked objective reasonable evidence of a deadly threat. Key takeaways include the importance of handheld lights for suspect illumination, the potential drawbacks of pistol-mounted lights due to recoil, and the legal standard for using deadly force. The analysis emphasizes that officers, like civilians, face charges if they cannot justify deadly force with objective evidence.

Quick Summary

Deadly force is justified only when objective reasonable evidence of a deadly threat exists. Handheld lights offer superior control for suspect illumination compared to pistol-mounted lights, which can be affected by recoil. Failure to meet the objective threat standard can lead to legal charges for officers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Justification for Deadly Force
  2. 00:22Incident Overview: Oklahoma City OIS
  3. 01:36Instructor's Assessment: Not a Good Shooting
  4. 01:46Lesson 1: Importance of Handheld Lights
  5. 02:04Lesson 2: Lumen Output of Flashlights
  6. 02:19Suspect Illumination and Commands
  7. 02:38Beanbag Shot and Officer's Perception
  8. 02:50Distance and Objective Threat Standard
  9. 03:08Technical Aspect: Pistol Mounted Light Issues
  10. 03:27Post-Incident Protocol: First Aid
  11. 03:33Conclusion: Legal and Moral Lessons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal standard for using deadly force?

Deadly force is legally justified only when there is objective reasonable evidence of a deadly threat. This means the situation must present a clear and present danger of death or serious bodily harm to the individual using force or to others.

Why are handheld lights important in tactical situations?

Handheld lights are crucial for suspect illumination as they offer more control than pistol-mounted lights. They allow an officer to light up a subject without necessarily having to point a firearm directly at them, providing a tactical advantage and potentially de-escalating the situation.

What are the potential issues with pistol-mounted lights?

Pistol-mounted lights can be affected by the firearm's recoil. As the gun recoils, the light can move away from the target, making it difficult to maintain consistent illumination on the subject, which is a critical factor in identifying threats.

Can officers be charged for shootings without sufficient evidence?

Yes, officers can face charges, such as second-degree murder, if they cannot provide objective reasonable evidence of a deadly threat to justify their use of deadly force. The legal standard applies equally to law enforcement and civilians.

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