The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.066, subdivision 2, to clarify the conditions under which a peace officer may use deadly force. It specifies that such force is justified only if an objectively reasonable officer believes, based on the totality of the circumstances, that it is necessary to protect themselves or another person from apparent death, provided that the threat can be articulated with specificity, is reasonably likely to occur without intervention, and must be addressed without unreasonable delay. Additionally, the bill outlines that deadly force may also be used to arrest or prevent the escape of a person believed to have committed a felony if the officer reasonably believes that person poses a threat of death or great bodily harm.

Furthermore, the bill explicitly states that a peace officer cannot use deadly force against an individual based solely on the danger that person poses to themselves if it is determined that they do not pose a threat of death or great bodily harm to the officer or others. This amendment aims to ensure that the use of deadly force is limited to situations where there is a clear and immediate threat, thereby promoting accountability and safety in law enforcement practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.066