Scenario Project: Criminal Law - Coursework Example

We cannot be “reasonably sure” that the suspect was unarmed. The statute may be said to be unconstitutional insofar as it authorizes the use of deadly force against a victim. Such force should not have been used unless the officer had a reason to believe that the suspect posed a significant threat of death or physical injury to the officer and other people around the scene. Apprehending a suspect by use of deadly force is considered a seizure subject to the Fourth Amendment’s reasonableness requirement.

The federal governmental interest in law enforcement must be considered when determining whether such seizure is reasonable and whether the suspect’s rights were intruded. This balancing process implies that an officer may not always arrest a suspect by shooting him or using deadly force to do so. The use of deadly force to prevent the escape of suspects, whatever the circumstances, is constitutionally unreasonable. As the Chief of police, I would like to notify you of the recent shooting incident that occurred in our city.

As you are aware on of my police officers shot and wounded a robber while he tried to escape. It is very unfortunate of the robber as the rest of his cronies managed to escape unhurt. These incidences have been very rampant in this city and as the police department we are concerned about the safety of our civilians and we have had to beef up security to ensure the city is safe from armed robbers. I, however, would like to justify the shooting by the police officer, who was in duty and shot the armed robber.

The officer was try to retain custody of the robber and according to the law he is allowed to use as much forces as is reasonable. The officer may increase this force if the suspect still resists. My officer was under no obligation to retreat since he is not allowed to, and he is allowed to use deadly force, where the suspect threatens his life. The armed robber trying to shoot