Michael Brelo Trial Day 15 Part 4 04/28/15 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Officer acted within scope of authority and reasonable belief in a life-threatening situation.

Key Insights

• 🛟 Officers are trained to use deadly force when they believe there is a reasonable threat to their life or the lives of others.
• ✋ High-stress situations can impact an officer's perception, memory, and decision-making.
• ✋ Officers' actions during an engagement may involve taking risks to stop a threat and protect themselves and others.
• 🧑‍🏭 Multiple factors, such as lighting conditions and tunnel vision, can affect an officer's situational awareness.
• 🖐️ Training and experience play a significant role in an officer's response and perception during a life-threatening situation.
• 😒 The use of force by an officer should be determined by the totality of circumstances and based on their reasonable belief in the threat posed.
• 👮 Memory distortions and gaps can occur due to stress, impacting an officer's recollection of events.

Transcript

jaja I withdraw my bringing these apartment yes I do it raining here was ready to sustain it we were not on a recommended right course we also went on the record when you said you would drew it right alright so we're back on the record I have considered your objection mr. Gutierrez but have you decided for whatever reason that you don't want to ass... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Did the officer's training allow for the use of deadly force in this situation?

Yes, officers are trained to use deadly force when they believe there is a reasonable threat of serious bodily injury or death to themselves or others.

Q: What evidence supported the officer's belief that the suspects were firing at the officers?

Multiple officers witnessed bullet impacts on their own vehicles and windshields, indicating that the suspects were firing on them. The officer's perception was supported by forensic evidence and statements from other officers.

Q: Did the officer demonstrate any signs of rage or anger during the incident?

No, the officer's statements and actions were consistent with being in a state of acute fear and self-preservation, rather than rage or anger.

Q: Did the officer's memory loss and memory distortions impact his perception of the threat?

Yes, under high-stress situations like officer-involved shootings, memory loss and distortions can occur, leading to gaps in memory or filling in gaps with plausible possibilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Officer testifies about the time it takes to determine to stop shooting, additional evidence supporting officer's belief in deadly force threat, and tactical decisions made during the engagement.

• Officer's belief and use of deadly force were objectively reasonable based on training, evidence, and perception of a continuing life threat.

• Officer's actions were in line with nationally recognized police practices, firearm training, and officer safety tactics.