“Ask a Priest: As a Cop, Could I Use Deadly Force?”

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest
Q: I had two questions regarding religion and a possible career as a police officer. My two concerns are: 1) Would it be OK to swear – that is, take the oath needed to become a police officer? 2) Would it be OK to kill someone if needed? Or would it still be a sin? (I am not looking to kill people, but if that’s something that came up, would it be justified or would it be a sin?) – M.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: Law enforcement can be a very noble career. It is an honorable way to serve one’s community, by helping to protect lives and property and to keep the peace.

The short answer to both of your questions is: yes.

You could take an oath to become an officer.

The Catechism in No. 2154 says, “Following St. Paul, the tradition of the Church has understood Jesus’ words as not excluding oaths made for grave and right reasons (for example, in court). ‘An oath, that is the invocation of the divine name as a witness to truth, cannot be taken unless in truth, in judgment, and in justice.'”

As to your second question: Deadly force can be justified if needed.

The Catechism in No. 2264 says: “[…] Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow.”

No. 2265 adds, “Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.”

I hope this helps.

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!