Penal Code §835a, as amended by AB 392 (2019), declares that the authority to use physical force is a 'serious responsibility' to be exercised:
Explanation
Penal Code §835a(a)(1) reflects the legislative findings of AB 392, declaring that 'the authority to use physical force, conferred on peace officers by this section, is a serious responsibility that shall be exercised judiciously and with the highest regard for the dignity and sanctity of every human life.' Subsequent provisions emphasize de-escalation, alternatives to force, and limit deadly force to imminent threats. Although §835a directly governs peace officers, its principles inform reasonableness expectations for private security in civil-liability analysis.
Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §835a(a)This 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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Related questions on this topic
- The U.S. Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor (1989) 490 U.S. 386 established that the constitutional reasonableness of force is judged from:
- Under Penal Code §835a(c)(1), as amended by AB 392, deadly force by a peace officer is justified only when necessary in defense of human life — specifically when the officer reasonably believes, based on the totality of the circumstances, that deadly force is necessary to:
- Tennessee v. Garner (1985) 471 U.S. 1 held that deadly force against a fleeing felon is constitutionally permissible only when:
- Penal Code §835a(a)(2) (consistent with SB 230's training mandate) requires officers to:
- Penal Code §692 provides that lawful resistance to the commission of a public offense may be made by:
- Under Penal Code §693, resistance by the party about to be injured may be made:
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