The deadly force triangle includes which components?

The deadly force triangle is a concept used to explain the conditions under which the use of deadly force may be justified. This triangle consists of three critical components: weapon, opportunity, and action.

The 'weapon' refers to the means by which a threat can cause serious harm or death, indicating that there is an immediate and credible capability to inflict harm. The 'opportunity' component involves the ability of the threat to act on that capacity, such as being within a certain distance to cause danger. Lastly, 'action' reflects the actual behavior or movement toward causing harm, signifying that the threat is actively demonstrating an intention to do harm rather than just posing a theoretical risk.

Understanding these components is essential for boarding officers as they assess situations that may necessitate the use of deadly force. Each element must be present to evaluate whether the use of deadly force is warranted, thereby providing a structured approach to decision-making in high-stress scenarios. This completes the framework that guides officers in applying their training effectively in the field.