Armed Guard / CIT flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Objective reasonableness

Legal standard judging force by what a reasonable guard knew and faced at the moment, without hindsight. It asks whether the force used was proportionate to the threat.

Deadly force justification

Permitted only to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to self or others. Defense of property alone generally does not justify deadly force.

Citizen's arrest authority

A private person may arrest for a felony or breach of peace committed in their presence, then must promptly deliver the person to police. State law varies.

Duty to retreat

The obligation to avoid force by withdrawing when safely possible. Many states waive it in one's home or workplace, but rules differ in public spaces.

Force must stop

Once the threat ends or the subject is controlled, further force becomes unlawful. Continued force can convert lawful defense into assault.

Articulable facts

Specific, observable facts a guard can state that justify a stop or detention. Mere suspicion or appearance alone is legally insufficient.

Treat as loaded

Every firearm is handled as loaded until you personally verify it is unloaded, including the chamber. This prevents unintentional discharges.

Muzzle discipline

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. The muzzle is the primary safety and prevents injury if a discharge occurs.

Trigger finger discipline

Keep the finger off the trigger, indexed along the frame, until the sights are on target and the decision to fire is made.

Know your target

Be certain of the target and what lies beyond it before firing. Bullets can pass through and strike unintended persons.

Holster requirements

A holster must fully cover the trigger guard and retain the weapon during movement or struggle. This prevents accidental trigger contact and loss.

Unintentional discharge reporting

Any unintentional discharge, loss, or theft of a firearm must be reported immediately to the supervisor and police, per policy and law.

Observe-assess-decide-act

A decision cycle: gather information, assess the threat, choose a response, and act, then reassess continuously as the situation changes.

Cover versus concealment

Cover stops or deflects bullets; concealment only hides you from view. Always prefer cover when shots are possible.

Contain before confronting

Isolate the threat and protect bystanders before engaging. Guards should avoid pursuing alone and should call for police early.

Post-incident actions

After force is used: secure the scene, render aid if safe, preserve evidence, and remain until police relieve you. Document the timeline promptly.

Primary photo ID

Unexpired government-issued ID such as a state license, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document, checked for photo match.

Document security features

Holograms, microprinting, UV features, and consistent fonts and alignment help detect forged or altered identity documents during verification.

Identity verification steps

Compare the photo to the person, confirm name and date of birth, and check the expiration date before granting access or completing a transaction.

Immigration status limits

Private guards verify documents but do not make legal status determinations. Only certain federal agencies can verify immigration status.

Chain of custody

A written log recording every transfer of evidence, with names, times, and signatures. It preserves integrity and admissibility in court.

Facts not conclusions

Reports record observable actions and direct quotes rather than opinions or labels. This keeps documentation objective and defensible.

Report essentials

A complete report answers who, what, when, where, why, and how in chronological order, with exact times, names, and witness details.

Correcting report errors

Errors are corrected with a single line-through and initials. Never erase or use correction fluid on a report or evidence log.

De-escalation sequence

Calm tone, active listening, empathy statement, clear options, then time and space. Lowering volume often lowers the other person's volume.

Active listening

Paraphrase the person's concern and confirm understanding before responding. It reduces tension and shows the person is being heard.

Offering choices

Provide choices within policy to restore a sense of control. Avoid ultimatums that provoke resistance and escalate the encounter.

When de-escalation fails

Disengage to a safe position, call for backup, and continue verbal containment. Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety.

Severe bleeding control

Apply direct pressure first; if bleeding remains uncontrolled on a limb, apply a tourniquet high and tight and note the time.

Adult CPR rates

Compressions at 100 to 120 per minute and about 2 inches deep, with a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Choking adult response

Encourage coughing; if ineffective, give abdominal thrusts until the object clears or the person becomes unresponsive, then begin CPR.

Fire response steps

Activate the alarm, call for help, evacuate occupants, and never re-enter a burning structure. Account for personnel at the assembly point.