Compose a minimum three-page document to demonstrate your understanding of the 2020 revisions to the deadly force statute (609.066). For this assignment, imagine you are creating reality-based training for your department. Your scenarios should address a key point of the new statute language. You cannot use the scenarios from class.
Format:
Scenario Context: This is where you set up the narrative or script of your scenario. This is for your instructors to read and learn how to setup the scenario. This section should describe the whole scenario start to finish. This is the back story your instructors will need to setup and teach this activity.
Officer Briefing: This is the background information provided to your student before they begin the scenario. This would be like what you would receive on a CAD call screen as an officer; its what the student needs to complete the scenario.
Terminal Objective(s): This is where you clearly define the outcome(s) you want your students to arrive at. For example, you may want your student to end the scenario by using good verbal de-escalation or they may need to use deadly force appropriately given the constraints of the statute. Its your choice if it demonstrates your understanding!
Terminal Objectives discussion: This is where you should explain the Justification for the force you decision you asked your officer(s) to make in your scenario. This should include at least one reference to SS 609.066 and how you expected it to be applied your scenario.
The assignment will be evaluated for completeness, presentation, relevance, depth of analysis, use of American Psychological Association (APA) Style.
Analysis of the 2020 Revisions to Deadly Force Statute 609.066
Scenario 1: Domestic Disturbance
Scenario Context:
Officer Smith responds to a call about a domestic disturbance at a residence. Upon arrival, he encounters a man and a woman engaged in a heated argument. The man is visibly agitated and appears to be holding a knife. Officer Smith must assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action according to the revised deadly force statute.
Officer Briefing:
You have been dispatched to a domestic disturbance involving a man and a woman arguing at their residence. The man is reportedly armed with a knife. Your objective is to de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of all parties involved. Remember to consider the factors outlined in the revised deadly force statute 609.066 when making your decisions.
Terminal Objective:
The student should be able to effectively de-escalate the domestic disturbance situation without resorting to deadly force, utilizing verbal communication and tactical positioning to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
Terminal Objectives Discussion:
In this scenario, the justification for not using deadly force would align with the provisions of statute 609.066, which emphasize the importance of employing de-escalation tactics and considering the totality of circumstances before resorting to lethal force. Officer Smith should assess the threat level posed by the man with the knife, evaluate the presence of any imminent danger to himself or others, and attempt to resolve the situation peacefully through effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
Scenario 2: Armed Robbery in Progress
Scenario Context:
Officer Johnson receives a report of an armed robbery in progress at a convenience store. Upon arrival, he sees a masked individual holding a gun and threatening the store clerk. Officer Johnson must make a split-second decision on how to respond to the armed robbery situation within the parameters of the revised deadly force statute.
Officer Briefing:
You have been dispatched to a convenience store where an armed robbery is in progress. A masked individual is threatening the store clerk with a gun. Your objective is to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of the store clerk and any other civilians present. Remember to consider the revised deadly force statute 609.066 when determining your course of action.
Terminal Objective:
The student should be able to effectively respond to the armed robbery in progress, using deadly force only as a last resort when all other de-escalation tactics have been exhausted and there is an imminent threat to life.
Terminal Objectives Discussion:
In this scenario, the justification for potentially using deadly force would be in accordance with statute 609.066, which allows for lethal force when necessary to protect against an imminent threat of great bodily harm or death. Officer Johnson must carefully assess the level of danger posed by the armed robber, consider any potential risks to bystanders, and act decisively to stop the threat while minimizing harm to innocent individuals.
Conclusion
The 2020 revisions to deadly force statute 609.066 have introduced important changes in how law enforcement officers are expected to respond to situations involving potential use of lethal force. By incorporating these revisions into reality-based training scenarios like the ones outlined above, departments can better prepare their officers to make informed decisions that prioritize de-escalation, risk assessment, and protection of life in high-stress situations.
References:
- Minnesota Statute 609.066: Use of Deadly Force in Defense of Dwelling.