1. Introduction – The Role of Force in Security Work.The use of force is one of the most critical and sensitive aspects of professional security work. Security personnel are often placed in situations that demand quick decision-making, sound judgment, and a calm, measured response. This Appropriate Use of Force course, mandated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), prepares guards to recognize the legal, ethical, and practical standards that define professional conduct during potentially confrontational encounters.
The role of a security guard is to maintain order and ensure safety while minimizing harm to all parties involved. Force should always be considered a last resort, used only when verbal warnings, de-escalation, and other non-physical measures have failed or are clearly inappropriate given the threat level. Security guards are not law enforcement officers and must act within the limits of their authority, ensuring that any use of force is both justified and proportional to the circumstances.
Professional judgment is developed through training, experience, and reflection. Guards must be aware that each use of force incident will be evaluated after the fact by supervisors, clients, and possibly the courts. This means every decision should be made with the expectation that it will be reviewed for reasonableness and necessity. Maintaining a calm mindset, observing carefully, and communicating effectively are the foundation of professional use-of-force practices.
2. Legal Standards and Responsibilities.Security professionals operate under specific legal frameworks outlined in the California Business and Professions Code, particularly Section 7583.7. This section establishes the required training and conduct standards for the use of force. Guards must understand both the criminal and civil implications of their actions to avoid personal and employer liability.
When a guard uses force, two forms of legal review may occur. First, the action may be judged under **criminal law**, determining whether the force was lawful self-defense or constituted an assault. Second, under **civil law**, an injured party may file a lawsuit for damages, even if the guard’s actions were not criminal. This dual exposure highlights the importance of applying only objectively reasonable force.
Guards also represent the interests of their client and employer. Every contract implicitly includes the obligation to act responsibly and within the law. Failing to follow company procedures or legal standards can result in termination, revocation of registration, or legal penalties. Documentation, including incident reports and witness statements, plays a key role in demonstrating compliance and accountability.
Before deciding to use force, guards must consider three guiding principles: **necessity, proportionality, and reasonableness**. Necessity asks whether force was the only viable option. Proportionality examines whether the level of force matched the threat. Reasonableness determines whether another trained professional would have acted similarly under the same conditions.
3. Understanding Objectively Reasonable Force.The concept of ‘objectively reasonable force’ is central to professional conduct in the security industry. This standard comes from legal precedent, meaning that the justification for force is not based on a guard’s personal feelings or fears, but on what an average, well-trained professional would consider appropriate in the same situation.
Security guards must evaluate situations through observation and situational awareness. A person’s behavior, not their appearance or reputation, should guide decision-making. For example, a loud or emotional person may not pose an actual threat, while someone calm and silent might be concealing intent.
Force exists along a continuum, ranging from officer presence and verbal communication to physical control and, finally, defensive actions. The goal is always to resolve situations with the least amount of force required to maintain safety. Guards must also understand that restraint techniques, if misused, can lead to injury or death, exposing the guard and their employer to serious consequences. Regular training and adherence to approved methods are essential to avoid unnecessary harm.
Each use-of-force incident should be followed by a structured debriefing. This review allows guards and supervisors to analyze whether proper tactics were applied, what alternatives were available, and how similar situations might be prevented in the future. Reflective practice strengthens judgment and professionalism.
4. Duty to Intercede and Supervisory Reporting.Security personnel share a collective duty to prevent harm. If a guard witnesses another officer using excessive or unlawful force, they must intercede if it is safe to do so or report the conduct immediately to a supervisor. Remaining silent or inactive may be seen as complicity, leading to disciplinary or legal consequences.
Incident reporting is a legal and ethical obligation. Reports should include all relevant facts—time, location, participants, description of events, and any witnesses. The Business and Professions Code specifies that security incidents involving force must be documented promptly and accurately.
Supervisors play a key role in reviewing reports, identifying potential policy violations, and providing feedback or retraining. A robust reporting culture not only protects the company and employees but also demonstrates transparency and accountability to clients and the public.
Guards should remember that interceding to stop unnecessary force is not disloyalty—it is a mark of professionalism. Ethical decision-making and peer accountability maintain trust within the security industry and with the communities they serve.
5. De-escalation and Communication Skills.De-escalation involves using communication, empathy, and tactical awareness to prevent situations from turning violent. It begins with maintaining self-control and a calm demeanor. Guards should focus on listening actively, showing respect, and avoiding aggressive body language or tone.
The four primary components of de-escalation include:1. Self-Control – Maintaining composure under pressure.2. Effective Communication – Using clear, respectful language.3. Scene Assessment and Management – Understanding the physical environment.4. Force Options – Knowing the alternatives before acting.
Tactical principles such as time, distance, and cover are vital. Extending time allows emotions to cool. Distance provides safety and reaction time. Cover offers protection if violence erupts. These principles allow guards to remain effective while minimizing risk.
Guards are often the first line of contact in disputes involving the public. Using calm verbal direction, empathetic listening, and a confident but respectful stance can turn potential confrontations into cooperative resolutions. Every verbal interaction should aim to calm, clarify, and control the situation.
6. Bias, Cultural Competency, and Mental Health Awareness.Bias—both implicit and explicit—can influence perception and decision-making. Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding and behavior, while explicit bias involves conscious prejudice or discrimination. Guards must actively challenge these tendencies by focusing solely on behavior and objective facts.
Cultural competency is the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Misunderstandings rooted in cultural differences can quickly escalate, so awareness and respect are essential. Learning basic communication norms for different cultures can greatly enhance safety and effectiveness.
Security personnel also encounter individuals with disabilities or behavioral health challenges. Conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, or PTSD may cause unpredictable behavior. Patience, clear communication, and reduced physical proximity can prevent escalation. Recognizing signs of distress rather than aggression is a vital skill.
Mental health awareness also includes managing personal stress. Guards who are emotionally exhausted or under pressure may respond too aggressively. Regular debriefs, stress management, and peer support are key elements of maintaining professionalism and well-being.
7. Judgment, and Active Shooter Response.Factors affecting response include stress, fear, lighting, crowd size, and perceived threat. Understanding these factors reduces panic and promotes logical actions. Guards should always evaluate threats using the same consistent framework: identify the risk, plan the response, act decisively, and review the outcome.
During active shooter situations, the guard’s duty is to protect life, not to engage. Immediate priorities include alerting authorities, securing safe exits, and guiding civilians to safety. Only trained personnel under direct orders should consider confrontation. Cooperation with law enforcement is essential once they arrive on scene.
Each real-life event provides lessons for improvement. After any use-of-force or emergency event, teams should conduct post-incident reviews to assess performance, reinforce training, and identify any procedural weaknesses.
8. Conclusion – Thinking Before Using Force.The use of force must always reflect professionalism, restraint, and respect for human life. Guards must constantly evaluate situations using the principles of necessity, proportionality, and reasonableness. Every decision to use force will be examined in hindsight—often from multiple perspectives.
Security personnel should continuously practice scenario awareness, communication, and tactical restraint. The ability to control one’s emotions and respond calmly is what distinguishes a professional guard from an untrained responder. True authority is demonstrated through composure, not aggression.
Ultimately, the best measure of professionalism is preventing violence before it occurs. Guards who master communication, cultural awareness, and judgment protect not only the public but also their integrity, careers, and the reputation of the security industry as a whole.
