How much force a police officer can use in any given situation is part of the training they receive.

Police have a spectrum of force that stretches from merely being present in uniform to using deadly force. What level of force they apply depends on the situation, said Columbus Police Lt. James Walton.

“Anytime there’s a threat to the officer’s safety or another citizen, the officer can use deadly force,” he said.

Walton said, however, that the officer must believe deadly force will be used against them.

Without that deadly threat, the officer is restricted in what he or she can do. However, police can use whatever force is necessary, barring deadly force, if they must arrest someone.

Defense attorney Stacey Jackson said anyone has the right to defend themselves.

“If someone is trying to run me over in a car, I would have a right to use necessary force … but the level has to be comparable. You can’t use a gun if someone punches you in the face.”

Jackson said the law uses what he referred to as the “reasonable person” standard. One example would be whether a reasonable person would conclude that someone about to be struck by a car thought they were in danger of serious injury or death when they used force in response.

“It’s hard to discuss because it’s so fact-specific,” Jackson said.