I was recently asked about use of force within the security industry. It was brought up as if it was a difficult topic, or a topic that should be avoided. The questions were asked:

• When is it necessary?
• When is it overboard?
• Can it be done ethically and humanely?
• Can it be avoided entirely?
• Can Use of Force Be Avoided Entirely?

No, not entirely. Security personnel are assigned to a variety of sites. Some can have no need for use of force while others may require use of force interventions on a regular basis.

What can’t be controlled completely is human behavior. Security assigned to a quiet post may unexpectedly be called upon to intervene. This intervention may include the use of force, or it may be limited to calling law enforcement and trying to calm the situation in the meantime.

A site assessment should be conducted at security posts to identify threats and risks that may require use of force interventions. Sites with higher likelihood for resistive behavior should have security personnel assigned who have use of force training.

This training needs to be robust and not just a 4-hour course where the guard is handed a set of handcuffs at the end. Security personnel require in-depth training that teaches them legal authorities, liabilities and tactical controls. In addition to use of force tactics training, security personnel need to be trained in de-escalation techniques, professional communication and situational awareness.

Although use of force cannot be avoided entirely, it can be strategically used only when other lesser options fail.

When Is Use of Force Overboard?

Use of force is overboard when it is not the minimum force needed to overcome the situation. If a situation can be overcome by security presence at a situation or through verbal dialogue, force should not be used.

Discussing use of force in security should not be a controversial topic. If the correct steps are taken, using force becomes an additional tool that security personnel have to respond to an incident.

Unfortunately, there are cases where tempers flare and security personnel are drawn to using force before considering other, lesser options. To use force within the boundaries of the law, the force used must be reasonable. This is where other non-force options must have been attempted or considered. Security must be able to articulate the offender’s level of resistance to justify the level of force used.

Can It Be Done Ethically and Humanely?

Use of force can be used ethically and humanely, when used appropriately.

Before security personnel resort to using force, there are a few things that need to be considered and assessed:

1. Does security have the correct knowledge? Did they observe a criminal offence, and do they know the requirements to use force lawfully in the current situation?
2. Does security have the authority? This is both legal authority as well as the authority of their employer (policy).
3. Does security have justification? Can security justify why force is required and not another option? Could security disengage while waiting for police or is there a threat that needs immediate intervention?
4. Does security have the ability? Security personnel need to assess if they have the ability to carry out their actions safely. Security needs to factor in the environment, number of offenders, number of security personnel, and the potential for injury to security, offender, or the general public. Trained and experienced security can complete this assessment in a matter of seconds when facing a heightened situation.

If this type of assessment is conducted before force is used, force will be applied in the most ethical and humane manner possible.

When Is Force Required?

Force is required to overcome the resistance of an offender where non-force options have failed or are likely to fail. Force should only be applied when it is necessary. Using force should be in response to the amount of resistance given by the offender.

If there is low-level resistance, force may not be required. When force is required, it should be done by trained security who have completed a quick situational assessment and have decided that force is the appropriate and reasonable action to overcome the resistance.

A Challenging Discussion?

Discussing use of force in security should not be a controversial topic. If the correct steps are taken, using force becomes an additional tool that security personnel have to respond to an incident. When force is used properly, it is measured and can be easily articulated. Ongoing conversations should be had about use of force within the security industry so that continual improvement can occur.