Border Patrol Supervisor Practice Test

To justify the use of deadly force, what are the three required elements?

1. Means, motive, and opportunity

2. Means, intent, and opportunity

3. Opportunity, motive, and means

4. Means, opportunity, and cause

The correct answer is: Means, intent, and opportunity

The use of deadly force by law enforcement officers is a serious and critical action that requires justification based on established legal standards. The three required elements often referenced in the context of justifying deadly force are means, intent, and opportunity. Means refers to the capability or tools available that could cause serious bodily injury or death. This may include weapons or other forms of violence. Intent denotes the deliberate choice of an individual to act with the desire to cause harm. This implies that the person poses a credible threat and is willing to follow through with lethal actions. Opportunity relates to the ability of an individual to carry out their intentions at the moment in question. This means there must be a situation where the individual has a real chance to inflict harm. When all three elements—means, intent, and opportunity—are present, they can provide a basis for law enforcement officers to justify the use of deadly force, aligning with the legal frameworks designed to protect both officers and the public.