# When is the use of lethal force justifiable?
#### A police officer is authorized to use lethal force when so authorized and ordered by the highest ranking officer involved on scene that is at lease a Sergeant in rank. If only Officers or Corporals are on scene, then they must seek permission to go lethal from the highest ranking SGT+ who is on the server. If there are no SGT+ on the server, then the Officers on scene must take a ​unanimous vote​ to go lethal. The reasons to use lethal force is to neutralize individual(s) on foot or in vehicle whom are opening fire on other individuals, to neutralize a SUSPECT that is in an unreachable location such as the roof of a structure with no ladders, to neutralize a SUSPECT that is in the process of robbing a location and has opened fire on the responding Officers, or as a last resort to protect the officer's life or the life safety of the general public. For example, if a suspect pulls out a gun on an officer and takes aim, and that officer has reasonable suspicion that the suspect intents to claim a life, they may as a last resort use lethal force. Police officers may use lethal force as a tactical choice if they, with good judgment deem it appropriate and “worth it” to shoot a suspect. For example, if someone stops posing a threat to a hostage for a second, the officer can deem it appropriate if they’re skilled enough to take the shot and take out the hostage-taker.