Oklahoma Security Guard Practice Exam

In what scenario should a security guard physically restrain an individual?

1. Whenever they feel threatened

2. Only when necessary to protect themselves or others from harm

3. To prevent someone from leaving

4. When ordered by a supervisor

The correct answer is: Only when necessary to protect themselves or others from harm

A security guard should physically restrain an individual only when it is necessary to protect themselves or others from harm. This principle is grounded in the concepts of self-defense and defense of others, where the use of force is justifiable when there is an imminent threat to safety. It is crucial that any physical restraint is reasonable and proportionate to the level of threat faced. In scenarios where a guard feels threatened, they must first assess the situation thoroughly before taking action. Just feeling threatened does not automatically justify physical restraint, as it may lead to unnecessary escalation if not appropriately managed. Similarly, restraining someone simply to prevent them from leaving or complying with a supervisor's order without a clear threat to safety is not warranted and could lead to legal ramifications or claims of excessive force. The overarching focus should always be on ensuring safety while minimizing force and respecting individual rights.