Under the emergency doctrine, what is expected of an officer's conduct in sudden peril?

Under the emergency doctrine, the expectations for an officer's conduct in sudden peril recognize that immediate, instinctive action may be necessary due to the nature of the emergency. In such high-pressure situations, officers are often required to make split-second decisions where following standard procedures to the letter may not be feasible or practical. The essence of the emergency doctrine is that it allows for a more flexible standard of care that acknowledges the unique and urgent circumstances an officer faces when responding to sudden threats.

This approach focuses on the necessity of responding quickly to safeguard lives, including their own and those of others, rather than adhering strictly to the same level of care typically expected in non-emergency situations. Therefore, it is understood that while officers should strive to act responsibly, the immediate context demands that they rely on their training and instincts, which may not allow for careful deliberation or the following of specific protocols, particularly when human lives are in jeopardy. This raises the bar to ensure that actions taken in the heat of the moment are judged within the framework of urgency rather than through the lens of typical conduct.