Four categories of predictors often combine to influence police officers' use of deadly force: (1) attributes of the participants; (2) attributes of the setting; (3) actions, intentions, and resources of the suspect; and (4) other predictors, such as when the suspect uses alternatives to a gun. In addition, researchers have examined the interactional theory, which attempts to explain extreme violence by focusing upon the character of relationships. The actions of a participant precipitate the acts of another, e.g., a police officer, ultimately escalating the conflict until homicide occurs. It is within this context that "suicide by cop" occurs. An individual engages in a suicide mission by threatening the life of a police officer or innocent bystander. Bent on self-destruction, the individual forces the situation until the police officer has no option but the use of deadly force. Suicide prevention techniques and alternatives to lethal weapon must be made available to police officers if these situations are to be minimized. Notes