Law enforcement use of deadly force is highly publicized and often controversial. The legal requirement for a law enforcement officer to use force is reasonable belief. This is an intentionally imperfect standard. Public perceptions of law enforcement deadly force are frequently inaccurate. These perceptions are based primarily on Hollywood distortions that are solely intended for entertainment rather than the realities of a real life and death encounter. Such actions must be justified, but the judgment placed upon such actions must also be fair and balanced according to the law, not emotion.