Use of Force: Moment of Threat vs. Totality of the Circumstances

The United States Supreme Court has examined whether the Fifth Circuit erred in applying the “moment-of-threat” doctrine when analyzing the reasonableness of an officer’s use of force. This doctrine limits consideration to the officer’s perspective at the precise moment of the threat, excluding prior actions or context. This presentation will provide an update on current standards for use-of-force analysis, including the Court’s examination of totality-of-the-circumstances standards and whether pre-threat conduct should be considered. Presenters will also explore how this ruling may influence officer training and the broader real-world implications for law enforcement agencies.