Nevada Private Security Guard Practice Exam

In what scenarios is a security guard justified in using physical force?

1. During any confrontation

2. Only in self-defense or defending others from harm

3. To enforce company policies

4. When told to by a superior

The correct answer is: Only in self-defense or defending others from harm

A security guard is justified in using physical force primarily in scenarios of self-defense or when defending others from imminent harm. This approach aligns with legal standards and training in the field of private security. The principle here is that physical force should only be employed as a last resort and within the bounds of what is necessary to prevent harm. When a security guard finds themselves in a threatening situation, they are trained to assess the level of threat and determine the appropriate response. If an individual is in immediate danger, the guard can use reasonable physical force to prevent injury to themselves or others, provided that the force used is proportional to the threat faced. Using force during any confrontation is not permissible as it could lead to excessive force claims or escalate a situation unnecessarily. Enforcing company policies sometimes might involve verbal de-escalation or other non-physical methods, depending on the nature of the policy violation. Finally, acting solely on direction from a superior does not justify the use of physical force unless that direction is appropriate and lawful, as blindly following orders could lead to misuse of force.