Singh v. City of Phoenix
Qualified Immunity and Use of Force Reversed by Ninth Circuit
6/1/20251 min read
Overview
In this Ten on Tactics segment, we explore the Ninth Circuit’s recent decision in Singh v. City of Phoenix, a case that dives into the use of deadly force by police officers and the limits of qualified immunity when dealing with individuals in mental health crises.
The court reversed the district court’s grant of summary judgment, allowing the excessive force claim to proceed to a jury. At the center of the ruling: the distinction between perceived threat and actual threat, and the growing emphasis on officer responsibilities in encounters involving mental health.
Key Takeaways from the Case:
The court emphasized that deadly force is only justified when an individual poses an immediate threat.
Officers must consider mental health and de-escalation efforts, even when suspects have committed serious crimes.
Qualified immunity does not protect officers when clearly established law indicates the use of force was unconstitutional.
This case reinforces the increasing scrutiny courts apply to use-of-force incidents, especially when mental health is involved. The full breakdown provides valuable insight for practitioners, law enforcement, and anyone interested in constitutional law.
Citation: Singh v. City of Phoenix, 124 F.4th 746 (9th Cir. 2025)
