If a peace officer uses unnecessary force on a person under color of authority, Penal Code §149 provides:
Explanation
Penal Code §149 makes it a public-offense crime for a peace officer to assault or beat a person under color of authority without lawful necessity. Punishment ranges depending on injury; great-bodily-injury cases can trigger felony exposure (with state-prison sentencing options). The statute supplements, rather than replaces, civil remedies and POST/internal discipline. Options (b), (c), (d) understate the criminal exposure. The principle informs private-security training because excessive force can also expose guards to assault (§240) and battery (§242) charges.
Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §149This topic, taught in full in the California Guard Card (BSIS Security Guard) guide. California Guard Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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