In today’s policing environment, officers have been carefully trained in the use-of-force continuum and have been instructed to use the least amount of violence necessary to control a suspect. One of the negative and unintended consequences of this training is that police officers are second guessing themselves concerning the use of deadly force. Such hesitation before reacting to a threat can cost officers their lives. The author explains that the most common reason officers hesitate before using force in dangerous encounters is fear; not fear for their lives, but fear of litigation, internal investigations, and losing their job and pension. This type of “conditioned hesitation” must be overcome. The author recommends a two-step course of action that will help police officers overcome their conditioned hesitation to use deadly force: (1) maintain tactical proficiency and (2) psychologically prepare through continual training. Officers are encouraged to let go of their fear and respond honestly to the situation at hand. Exhibits