Which criterion must be met for a police officer to believe a threat requires immediate use of deadly force?

The criterion that the threat must be reasonably likely to occur without action is crucial for a police officer to justify the immediate use of deadly force. This principle is grounded in the necessity for officers to act in situations where there is an imminent threat to their lives or the lives of others. Law enforcement is trained to assess threats based on the clear and present danger they present at that moment.

This criterion emphasizes that mere suspicion or potential for danger is insufficient; there must be a demonstrable likelihood that, without intervention, serious harm will result. The assessment of this threat typically involves evaluating the immediate circumstances, including the behavior of the individual posing the threat and the overall context of the situation. The officer's decision to use deadly force must hinge on a reasonable belief that the threat will materialize if no action is taken.

In contrast to the correct choice, visibility to the public or prior encounters with the individual do not inherently establish the immediacy or severity of a threat. Similarly, previous criminal history, while relevant in some contexts, does not necessarily indicate an immediate need for deadly force. Therefore, the emphasis on the likelihood of an imminent threat is what makes this criterion a vital component in the justification of using deadly force.