SF1695

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 609.066, Subdivision 2, modifying the justification for the use of deadly force by peace officers. The key changes include:

1. Clarification on Deadly Force Justification

   • A peace officer may use deadly force if an objectively reasonable officer would believe, based on the totality of circumstances, that such force is necessary to:
     • Protect the officer or another person from apparent death or great bodily harm, under the following conditions:
     • The threat can be articulated with specificity.
     • The threat is reasonably likely to occur without police action.
     • The threat must be addressed immediately with deadly force.
     • Capture or prevent escape of a suspect who has committed or attempted a felony and who, if not immediately apprehended, will pose a threat of death or great bodily harm under the same criteria as listed above.

2. Restricting Deadly Force Against Individuals Threatening Self-Harm

   • A peace officer shall not use deadly force against a person who is only a danger to themselves, unless the individual poses a clear, immediate threat of death or great bodily harm to others, based on the same threat criteria.

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to standardize and clarify when deadly force is justified, placing stricter standards on its use and explicitly preventing officers from using deadly force solely based on a person's self-harm risk, unless there is an imminent threat to others.