• Frequently, the decedent attacks the officer or otherwise threatens the officer’s life, but occasionally a third person’s life is at risk. A suicide-by-cop is distinguished from other police shootings by three elements. The person must: (1) evince an intent to die; (2) consciously understand the finality of the act; and (3) confront a law-enforcement official with behavior so extreme that it compels that officer to act with deadly force.
— Also termed police-assisted suicide; victim-precipitated homicide.
