Under PBIED policy, the statement that discovering or recognizing a PBIED justifies using deadly force is true. Which option reflects this?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only if accompanied by imminent threat

Answer: (A)

When a PBIED is discovered or recognized, the threat to bystanders is immediate and severe. A person-borne improvised explosive device could detonate with little to no warning, so responders may need to act quickly to neutralize the threat and protect lives. Because the device itself is the danger, recognizing its presence is enough to justify urgent protective action, including lethal force if other means to stop the threat aren’t feasible in time. This makes the statement true: simply finding or identifying the PBIED represents a situation where deadly force can be justified to prevent a catastrophic outcome.