Can the police use deadly force against a convict who is attempting to escape?

They shouldn’t, but the police in this country have learned they can get away with pretty much anything.

If following the rules of proper gun play, and he doesn’t have a gun, no. If he has a gun and points it at the police, then yes. Blow that sucker away! If he’s coming at the officer with a knife, shoot him! But you don’t shoot someone in the back when he’s running away.

Can they? yes.

Should they? No.

p.s. the scenario you are describing is of someone escaping prison or jail which is different from a suspect that runs away.

@zenvelo: I might be dumb, but are you replying to me or @kritiper?

@luigirovatti I was referring to your scenario in your question.

Assuming the escaping convict has a weapon and is a threat to others, yes.

Not if the convict is just running though.

If I was the cop, and the guy was running away from me, and I wasn’t following the rules of proper gunplay, it would probably piss me off and I’d fill that sucker so full of holes he’d look like a strainer! After all, dead men tell no tales and can’t testify against you, and you don’t have to pay for their recovery therapy.

@kritiper have fun in jail then

I believe, no, only as an final rescue shot it is allow.