What must a law enforcement officer have to justify the use of deadly force?

To justify the use of deadly force, a law enforcement officer must possess a reasonable and actual belief that such force is necessary to prevent imminent harm or serious injury to themselves or others. This standard is grounded in the necessity of immediate action to protect life, and it ensures that the officer's decision is based on what a reasonable person in the same situation would conclude.

The terminology of "reasonable and actual belief" reflects both the subjective perception of the officer and an objective standard of what is deemed reasonable. This dual requirement helps maintain accountability and ensures that the use of deadly force is reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such an extreme response, thereby aiming to protect both the safety of the officer and the public.

The other options do not adequately meet the legal threshold required for the use of deadly force—since a mere hunch or uninformed opinion lacks the necessary factual basis, and while probable cause is a significant standard in many law enforcement contexts, it does not specifically encompass the urgency and immediacy required when deadly force is considered. Thus, the correct answer rests on the necessity for a reasonable and actual belief in the face of immediate threat.