Appropriate Use of Force

What you should be able to do

• Describe the objectively reasonable standard and totality of circumstances.
• Identify factors affecting force decisions.
• Explain the duty to intercede and the need to report physical contact.
• Recognize that force is for a lawful objective—not punishment.

Force is not punishment

The purpose of force is not to teach a lesson, retaliate, or gain compliance with every request. Any force must connect to a lawful objective and the current need. Anger, embarrassment, insults, or disrespect do not by themselves justify physical force.

Use the totality of circumstances

Evaluate the facts known at the moment: severity of the threat, resistance, access to weapons, number of people, size and ability differences, distance, lighting, escape paths, bystanders, available backup, medical or behavioral-health indicators, and whether time and cover create safer options.

Objectively reasonable—not perfect hindsight

Reasonableness is assessed from the perspective of a reasonable person facing the circumstances at the time, not from information learned later. That does not mean every split-second choice is acceptable. It means decisions must be explainable through the facts, threat, lawful objective, available alternatives, and proportional response.

Continuously reassess

A force decision is not permanent. If resistance decreases, the threat changes, the person is controlled, or help arrives, reduce or stop force. Continued force after the need ends can become excessive. Positioning, distance, communication, and teamwork should change as the scene changes.

Duty to intercede and reporting

Security personnel should act within training and safety to stop or report clearly excessive force by another guard. Any physical contact or force event should be reported promptly through the chain of command. Preserve the reason for contact, warnings, subject behavior, force used, duration, injuries, medical aid, witnesses, video, and police response.

Common exam and job mistakes

• Using force because someone insulted the guard.
• Describing force only as “necessary” without recording the facts that made it reasonable.
• Failing to reduce force when the threat decreases.
• Ignoring another guard’s clearly excessive conduct.