Under which condition would a security guard need to apply force according to policies?

Applying force is a serious action that security guards must approach with caution and a solid understanding of the lawful and ethical guidelines governing their conduct. The correct understanding is that force can be justified when there is an immediate threat of harm to oneself or others. This is rooted in the principles of necessity and proportionality, which means that any use of force must be appropriate to the situation at hand and necessary to prevent harm.

For example, if a guard witnesses an altercation where someone is about to be physically assaulted, they are often trained to intervene in order to prevent injury. This immediate need to protect life or prevent serious injury is a key factor that legitimizes the use of force.

In contrast, the other conditions such as a verbal command being ignored, a subject being confrontational, or enforcing regulations do not inherently create a situation where the application of physical force is warranted. These scenarios might require different responses such as de-escalation techniques, communication skills, or calling for additional assistance rather than direct force. It's crucial for security personnel to prioritize safety and use force only as a last resort when absolutely necessary for self-defense or the protection of others.