Use of Force Training for Armed Security Guards: What You Need to Know

As an armed security guard, you may face situations where you have to use force to protect yourself or others from harm. However, using force is not a simple or easy decision. You have to consider the legal and ethical implications of your actions, and the potential consequences for yourself and others. You also have to follow the rules and regulations of your security guard company and the state you work in.

That’s why you need proper training on the principles and limitations of the use of force. This training will help you understand when and how to use force lawfully and ethically, and how to avoid unnecessary or excessive force. In this blog post, we will explain the basics of the use of force training for armed security guards, and what you need to know to use force responsibly.

What is the Use of Force?

The use of force is the application of physical or verbal coercion to achieve a desired outcome. It can range from verbal commands and warnings, to physical restraint and control, to the use of lethal or non-lethal weapons. The use of force is not always violent or harmful, but it can be, depending on the situation and the level of force used.

The use of force is not a right, but a privilege and a responsibility. As an armed security guard, you have the authority and the duty to use force when necessary, but you also have the obligation to use it appropriately and reasonably. You have to balance the need to protect yourself and others, with the respect for human rights and dignity.

What are the Principles of the Use of Force?

The use of force is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on the circumstances and the factors involved in each situation. However, there are some general principles that guide the use of force, and that you should follow as an armed security guard. These principles are:

• Necessity: You should only use force when there is no other reasonable option to achieve your lawful objective. You should try to use the least amount of force necessary to resolve the situation, and avoid escalating the level of force unless absolutely required.

• Proportionality: You should use force that is proportional to the threat and the objective. You should not use more force than what is needed to stop the threat or achieve the objective. You should also consider the potential harm and damage that your force may cause to yourself, the subject, and others.

• Precaution: You should use force with care and respect for human life and dignity. You should try to minimize the risk of injury or death to yourself, the subject, and others. You should also try to de-escalate the situation and communicate with the subject before, during, and after the use of force.

What are the Limitations of the Use of Force?

The use of force is not unlimited or unrestricted. It is subject to certain limitations and restrictions, both legal and ethical. These limitations are:

• Legality: You should use force in accordance with national and international law. You should also follow the policies and procedures of your security guard company and the state you work in. You should be aware of the laws and regulations that govern the use of force, such as the self-defense law, the castle doctrine, the stand your ground law, and the duty to retreat law. You should also know the legal definitions and standards of the use of force, such as the reasonable person standard, the totality of the circumstances, and the objective reasonableness.

• Accountability: You should be accountable for your use of force. You should be prepared to justify and explain your use of force, and to face the consequences of your actions. You should also cooperate with any investigation or review of your use of force, and provide accurate and complete information and evidence. You should also report your use of force to your supervisor and your security guard company, and follow their instructions and guidance.

• Transparency: You should be transparent about your use of force. You should document and record your use of force, and provide all the relevant details and facts. You should also be honest and truthful about your use of force, and not falsify or omit any information or evidence. You should also respect the rights and privacy of the subject and others involved in the use of force, and not disclose any confidential or sensitive information without authorization.

How to Train on the Use of Force?

The use of force training for armed security guards is not a one-time event, but a continuous and ongoing process. You should regularly update and refresh your knowledge and skills on the use of force, and keep up with the latest trends and developments in the field. You should also seek feedback and guidance from your supervisor and your security guard company, and learn from your own and others’ experiences.

There are different ways to train on the use of force, such as:

• Classroom training: This is where you learn the theory and the concepts of the use of force, such as the principles, the limitations, the laws, and the regulations. You also learn the best practices and the standards of the use of force, and how to apply them in different scenarios and situations.

• Practical training: This is where you practice the skills and the techniques of the use of force, such as the verbal and non-verbal communication, the physical restraint and control, and the use of weapons. You also practice the decision-making and the judgment of the use of force, and how to react and respond to various threats and challenges.

• Simulation training: This is where you experience the reality and the pressure of the use of force, such as the stress, the adrenaline, and the emotions. You also experience the consequences and the outcomes of the use of force, such as the injury, the death, and the legal and ethical issues. You use realistic and interactive scenarios and situations, such as role-playing, video games, and virtual reality.

Contact Us Today

For inquiries or to discuss how AAA Security Guard Services can meet your security needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to provide expert insights and tailored solutions to ensure the safety of your premises. Reach us via telephone at +1 817–677–8803 or send an email to info@aaaguards.com. Feel free to visit our website at aaaguards.com for more information on our comprehensive security services.

Visit us at one of our convenient office locations:

1. 320 Decker Dr #11, Irving, TX 75062
2. 1901 Central Dr. Unit 400, Bedford, TX 76021
3. 405 TX-121 Building A Suite A250, Lewisville, TX 75057
4. 4500 Mercantile Plaza Suite 300, Fort Worth, TX 76137
5. 5050 Quorum Dr. Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75254

We look forward to the opportunity to serve you with professionalism and dedication.