Producer Sandy Howard had just worked with star Wings Hauser on 'Vice Squad' (1982) and was impressed with his ability and charisma. Howard immediately searched for a vehicle for his star and found it with this film. Howard hoped it would be the beginning of a Dirty Harry-like series, but plans for more Stony Cooper films fell through.
The original title / working titles was 'Fierce Encounter' with the final title / official title of 'Deadly Force' being announced in the 14th December 1982 edition of show-business trade paper 'The Hollywood Reporter'.
Second and final theatrical feature film collaboration of actor Wings Hauser and producer Sandy Howard. The movie are [in order]' 'Vice Squad' (1982) and 'Deadly Force' (1983). Both pictures had two word titles and were made in consecutive back-to-back years.
Actor Wings Hauser was cast in the lead male role on the back of his performance in the then recent picture 'Vice Squad' (1982) according to the film's producer Sandy Howard.