When Police Use Force
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 563.046 — objectively reasonable force, and deadly force only in narrow cases
A Missouri officer making an arrest need not retreat because the person resists or threatens to, and may use the physical force the officer reasonably believes is immediately necessary to make the arrest or prevent an escape.
Objectively reasonable. Force in making an arrest is not justified unless the arrest is lawful or the officer reasonably believes it is, and the amount of force was objectively reasonable in light of the totality of the facts and circumstances confronting the officer, without regard to the officer's intent or motivation.
- Has committed or attempted a felony involving inflicting or threatening serious physical injury.
- Is trying to escape using a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
- May otherwise endanger life or inflict serious physical injury unless arrested without delay.
Deadly force is justified only where another section of the chapter authorizes it, or where the officer reasonably believes it is immediately necessary to make the arrest or prevent escape and also reasonably believes the person meets one of those descriptions.
Sources for this section (1)
- Mo. Rev. Stat. § 563.046 — Law enforcement officer's use of force in making an arrest
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Missouri attorney.