Use of ForceQuestion 60 of 200
On the 'force continuum,' a security guard should escalate force based on:
a.The level of resistance and threat presented, applying only the minimum reasonable force necessary to control the situation
b.The number of bystanders present
c.The arrestee's apparent socioeconomic status
d.The political pressure on the security company
Explanation
Reasonableness and proportionality govern force decisions. Modern continuum training teaches: presence, verbal commands, empty-hand control (soft and hard), less-lethal tools (OC, baton), and finally deadly force — each step justified only by the resistance/threat actually presented. Guards must avoid 'pre-escalation' and revert to lower-force options as resistance subsides. Bystander counts, demographics, or external pressures (a, c, d) are improper bases for force decisions and create civil and criminal exposure.
Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §835; Common-law reasonable forcePractice all 200 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- Under Penal Code §693, resistance by the party about to be injured may be made:
- Under Penal Code §694, lawful resistance by 'other parties' (defense of others) authorizes:
- May a private security guard use deadly force solely to protect property (e.g., merchandise or a vehicle)?
- Verbal de-escalation should generally be attempted:
- Once an arrestee is fully restrained (e.g., handcuffed and seated, no longer resisting), further use of force by the guard is:
- If a security guard uses excessive force on a person, which California criminal statutes most directly apply?
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