<p>Legal uncertainty surrounding police firearm use in Vietnam presents a critical challenge to law enforcement and public safety. Although Law No. 42/2024/QH15 outlines detailed provisions, its rigid structure and limited interpretive flexibility create operational dilemmas and psychological stress for officers. In high-stakes situations, many hesitate to act even when legally justified due to fear of sanctions, anticipatory anxiety, and conflicting institutional expectations. This hesitation stems from structural constraints, emotional inhibition, and lack of post-incident psychological support. Ambiguities in statutory language, particularly undefined terms like “dangerous act” and “direct threat,” and inconsistencies between Articles 22 and 23, further exacerbate decision paralysis. From a semiotic perspective, such vague expressions function as “floating signifiers,” enabling divergent interpretations and undermining legal clarity. Drawing on doctrinal analysis, forensic psychology, and comparative legal research, this study argues that excessive legal restraint and institutional pressure compromise officer decision-making. It concludes by proposing integrated reforms legal, linguistic, and institutional to ensure the lawful, accountable, and psychologically sustainable use of force, thereby enhancing officer well-being and reinforcing public trust in law enforcement.</p>