What to know about the rules for officers firing at a moving vehicle
MINNEAPOLIS– A federal immigration operation in Minneapolis turned deadly this week when a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, 37, during a confrontation involving her vehicle.
Cellphone video captured the shooting, which federal authorities called an act of self-defense but which the city’s mayor called “reckless” and unnecessary. The video shows an ICE agent approaching Goode’s SUV stopped in the road as the vehicle begins to move forward. Another ICE officer standing in front draws his gun and fires at point blank range as he steps out of the way.
Here’s what you need to know about the regulations regarding the use of deadly force in these situations:
There is no universal training standard for law enforcement. But most police departments and federal authorities shoot at a moving vehicle unless the driver poses an imminent threat of deadly force beyond the car itself.
Experts say shooting at a moving car is one of the riskiest forms of deadly force, increasing the chances of stray shots or loss of vehicle control that can endanger bystanders.
Yes. Justice Department policy states that deadly force is only authorized when no reasonable alternative exists, including moving out of the vehicle’s path.
No. Policies generally state that officers cannot use deadly force solely to arrest someone or to disable a fleeing vehicle if the person does not pose an immediate threat.
Not fundamentally. ICE and other federal agents operate under similar Justice Department guidelines, limiting shootings at vehicles, although federal agents have added legal protections when acting in the course of their official duties.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, only authorizes deadly force when an officer reasonably believes a person poses an imminent threat of death or serious injury.
Federal agencies conduct internal reviews, and state and local authorities may also conduct criminal investigations. Federal agents are not immune from prosecution if they act outside their authority. The FBI is investigating the Minneapolis shooting.
