What do "use of force" guidelines typically depend on?

"Use of force" guidelines are fundamentally anchored in the level of threat encountered and the necessity of the response. This means that security personnel must assess the situation they are facing, determining how imminent and serious the threat is to themselves or others, and then decide on an appropriate response.

For example, if a security guard is confronted with a situation involving potential violence, the level of force applied would need to match the severity of the threat. If faced with verbal aggression, a lower level of force might be adequate, such as verbal de-escalation techniques. In contrast, if there is an immediate physical threat to safety, a higher level of force may be warranted, including physical restraint or defensive tactics, depending on the specifics of the incident.

The other considerations listed—time of day, public perception, and the opinions of fellow guards—may play roles in context and situational awareness but do not dictate the legal and procedural framework that governs when and how force can be appropriately applied. The focus of "use of force" guidelines is primarily on assessing threats and the necessities of the situation to ensure that responses are both justified and proportional.