Alaska Security Guard Certification Practice

In what circumstances can a security guard use physical force?

1. Only when necessary to prevent harm to themselves or others

2. Whenever they feel threatened

3. To detain individuals for questioning

4. To enforce company policies

The correct answer is: Only when necessary to prevent harm to themselves or others

A security guard is trained to use physical force only when necessary to prevent harm to themselves or others. This principle is rooted in the legal and ethical guidelines that govern the use of force in security situations. The justification for using physical force hinges on the idea of self-defense, defense of others, or to prevent an imminent threat. It's essential for security personnel to assess the situation carefully, ensuring that their response is proportional to the level of threat faced. In contrast, using physical force merely because a guard feels threatened, detaining individuals for questioning without appropriate justification, or enforcing company policies does not provide a valid legal or ethical basis for using such measures. These alternatives do not meet the lawful requirements for the application of physical force, which emphasizes the importance of necessity and proportionality in these high-stakes situations.