The so-called '21-foot rule' (Tueller drill) is best understood as:
Explanation
Tueller's 1983 training principle illustrated reaction-time mechanics: an edged-weapon subject at ~21 feet can close that distance in approximately 1.5 seconds — roughly the time a holstered firearm can be drawn and fired. It is a training concept, NOT a legal authorization. Force at 21 feet (or any distance) still requires the §835a/Graham v. Connor reasonable-belief-of-imminent-threat analysis. Options (b), (c), (d) wrongly elevate a training principle into a legal rule, a path that has produced unjustified force in real cases.
Law Reference: Officer-safety training; Dennis Tueller (1983) 21-foot training principleThis 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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