For what purpose can deadly force be justified concerning custody?

Deadly force can be justified in the context of custody primarily to prevent the escape of an individual who has been convicted of a felony. The rationale behind this is rooted in the idea that individuals convicted of serious crimes pose a greater threat to public safety, and stopping them from escaping can be crucial to maintaining law and order. Law enforcement officers are often trained to understand that the consequences of allowing a felony convict to escape could lead to significant harm to others or further criminal activity.

In contrast, the use of deadly force for non-felonious offenses, like misdemeanors, would not typically meet the legal justification needed for such an extreme measure. Similarly, protecting personal property during an arrest does not provide a legal basis for the application of deadly force, as property does not hold the same weight in terms of human life and safety. Lastly, while it may be necessary to prevent someone from fleeing the scene of a crime, the justification for using deadly force hinges primarily on the nature of the offense committed; thus, it is generally not applicable unless the crime involved is a serious threat to safety, such as a felony.