![]() ![]() ![]() There is a wide range of reasonable responses under the changing circumstances of a dynamic situation like a fight that requires hands-on self-defense.Īt this level, the minimal force would involve the use of bare hands to guide, hold, or restrain. Sometimes security officers will need to get involved physically for self-defense, separate combatants, or to take someone into custody. Certain situations may arise where words alone and strong warnings do not reduce aggression in an offender. Security Guard Force Continuum: Level ThreeĬontrol Holds & Restraints. However, not all aggressive people respond to words alone. Ongoing training and experience improve the ability of a security officer to communicate effectively with everyone including the police. The right combination of words and gestures in combination with officer presence can de-escalate a tense situation and prevent the need for a physical altercation. The choice of words and intensity can be increased as necessary or used in short commands in serious situations. It’s always best to start out calm but firm and non-threatening. The content of the message is as important as your demeanor. Words can be whispered, spoken normally, or shouted to be effective. Used in combination with a visible officer presence, the use of the voice can usually achieve the desired results. Security Guard Force Continuum: Level Two At this level, gestures should be non-threatening and professional. Without saying a word, an alert officer can deter crime or direct criminals away by the use of body language and gestures. Included in officer presence are standing, walking, running, and use of vehicle lights, horns, or speakers. ![]() ![]() The mere presence of a highly visible uniformed security officer or a marked security vehicle is often enough to stop a crime in progress or prevent future crime. Security Guard Force Continuum: Level One The force level should always be appropriate for the circumstances and adjust up and down as the situation requires. It is common for the level of force to go from level two to level three and back again in a matter of seconds. Each level is designed to have an elastic factor as the need for force changes as the situation evolves. The force continuum is broken down into six broad levels. The concept of a force continuum has been around for years and is taught at most police academies. Security Guard Force Continuum: Six Universal Levels Choosing just the level of force necessary to overcome the obstacle is usually judged as reasonable. You should always consider the use of force as a measured continuum from no force to deadly force. The choices and variations are endless.ĭo not use excessive force under the wrong circumstances. Chemical sprays or batons might be needed for self-defense. See my web page Shoplifting: Detention & Arrest.Īfter officer presence and verbal commands fail, a violent suspect might require more physical force to subdue and prevent escape. The preference always is to get a law enforcement response to affect the arrest.įor example, a petty shoplifting suspect might respond to the physical presence of the security officer, and their verbal commands, and should require no more than holding force to make detention. This means considering the seriousness of the crime, the risk of harm to everyone, and the immediacy of the situation. One common definition of reasonable force is simply not to be excessive, under the circumstances. The law varies from state to state but generally allows citizens to make an arrest and use reasonable force in doing so. However, when a security guard or security officer needs to take someone into custody for a crime, he or she must use reason and common sense. Most security officers merely observe and report and call the police if a crime occurs in their presence. Unlike police officers, security officers are not required to ever make an arrest. Security Guard Force Continuum: Reasonable Force Of course, the security officer would have to be properly licensed, hold necessary permits, be fully trained, and only carry legal and authorized weapons. For the purpose of this article, assume the security officer is fully equipped with a handgun, expandable baton, pepper spray, and handcuffs. Of course, it depends on the situation and how the officer is equipped. How Much Force Can Be Used Under the Security Guard Force Continuum? So how much force is a security officer allowed to use when performing their duty in a potentially dangerous situation? Security guards and security officers assigned to an active post may find themselves in a situation where they are required to take a criminal into custody or defend themselves. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |