What are the requirements for an officer's use of deadly force under Massachusetts law?

The requirement for an officer's use of deadly force under Massachusetts law is that it must be necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury. This criterion is grounded in the legal principle that the use of deadly force is only justified when an officer faces a genuine and immediate threat that could result in significant harm to themselves or others. This high threshold serves as a measure of accountability for law enforcement, ensuring that such extreme measures are reserved for situations where no other options are viable to protect life.

The rationale behind this requirement reflects a broader legal and ethical framework that prioritizes the preservation of human life and balances the necessity of force with the rights of individuals. Thus, the emphasis on imminent threats underscores the careful consideration that must be employed by officers in high-stakes situations.