563.056. Use of force to prevent escape from confinement.
Officers can use force to stop an escape—but deadly force is only allowed if someone’s safety is at risk.
Guards and law enforcement officers are allowed to use physical force to prevent someone from escaping custody, but deadly force is only permitted in very serious situations.
1. A guard or law enforcement officer may use physical force if they reasonably believe it’s immediately necessary to stop someone from escaping from confinement or during transport.
2. Deadly force can only be used:
- When it’s allowed under other laws in this chapter; or
- When the officer reasonably believes the escape would put lives at serious risk or could cause serious physical harm unless it is stopped.
3. If you’re claiming your use of force was legal under this law, you have to bring it up in court as part of your defense.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
