Use of Force, Self-Defence and Firearms Regulations
The legal baseline
Self-defence in Belgium is governed by the Criminal Code: force must be necessary, proportionate, immediate and directed against an unlawful attack on persons or, within strict limits, on property. The key concept is proportionality - the response may not exceed what is needed to stop the attack. Necessity, imminence and the absence of a less harmful alternative are examined case by case.
Firearms in CIT
A CIT guard may carry a firearm only when authorised, trained and on duty within the scope of that authorisation. Know the rules on storage, carrying condition, drawing, and the strict conditions for firing: only in a situation of legitimate self-defence or defence of others, never to protect property alone, never as a warning shot, and always with awareness of backstop and bystanders. After any use, the weapon is secured as directed, and the facts are reported immediately.
Traps in questions
- Treating the weapon as a deterrent tool: displaying it to intimidate is not a lawful use.
- Confusing defence of property with defence of persons.
- Ignoring the backstop and the risk to third parties.
- Assuming that an authorised weapon may be used anywhere, including off duty.
- Forgetting the reporting and post-incident obligations.
Rule of thumb
The force ladder: presence and communication → positioning and escape → physical control → weapon as last resort. A weapon is justified only when life is at stake and no lesser option exists.
Worked example
An armed robber demands the case while pointing a weapon at a bystander. The guard's priority is to avoid escalation and protect life; firing is considered only if it is the only way to stop an imminent threat to life and can be done without endangering others. Property alone never justifies lethal force.