When is it appropriate for security officers to use physical force?

The use of physical force by security officers is justified primarily when it is necessary to prevent harm or protect others. This principle is rooted in the legal and ethical standards guiding security operations. Officers are trained to assess situations and respond appropriately; their focus should always be on de-escalation and preventing violence whenever possible.

Using force must be a last resort and should be proportional to the threat faced. For instance, if an individual poses an immediate risk to others or if someone is in danger, then a security officer is permitted to intervene using physical force to neutralize that threat. This approach aligns with the duty to maintain safety and order while ensuring that their response is reasonable and justifiable within the context of the situation.

In contrast, other scenarios that suggest using force based solely on personal feeling of threat or in all situations involving a suspect may lead to unnecessary violence and legal complications, as force should always be used judiciously and within the limits of the law.