Appropriate Use of Force
The legal standard
Force is judged by objective reasonableness under the totality of the circumstances-what a reasonable guard would do, not what you intended. Consider the severity of the offense, the immediate threat, and whether the person is actively resisting or attempting to escape. Force must be proportional and must stop when resistance stops.
The deadly-force line
Deadly force is force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. It is justified only to prevent an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to yourself or another. It is not justified to protect property, to stop a fleeing misdemeanant, or to gain respect. A guard carrying a firearm needs the exposed-firearm permit and must follow employer policy, which is often stricter than law.
Traps
Wrong answers include 'any force necessary,' 'force to teach a lesson,' and continuing force after handcuffing. Also watch for a question that makes force sound reasonable because the subject was insulting you-verbal abuse never justifies force. De-escalation should be attempted when feasible, and a guard has a duty to intervene or report when a colleague uses excessive force.
Rule of thumb
Use the least force that will accomplish the lawful purpose, and reassess after every action. If the person is no longer a threat or no longer resisting, your hands come off.
Example: a trespasser refuses to leave and pulls his arm away when you guide him. A light escort hold may be reasonable; striking him because he pulled away is not proportionate.