Nova Scotia Security Guard License Practice Exam

Under what conditions is it appropriate for security personnel to use physical restraint?

1. When a suspect appears intimidating

2. When there is a clear and imminent threat

3. When instructed by a supervisor

4. When a suspect refuses to cooperate

The correct answer is: When there is a clear and imminent threat

Physical restraint by security personnel is appropriate primarily when there is a clear and imminent threat to safety. This means that if a situation arises where an individual poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, the use of physical restraint may be necessary to prevent harm. Security personnel are trained to evaluate threats carefully, and acting in a way that protects everyone involved aligns with their duty to maintain safety. While other scenarios might seem to justify physical restraint, they lack the immediate urgency required for such action. For instance, an intimidating demeanor may create unease but does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat. Similarly, simply being instructed by a supervisor is not a sufficient basis; the situation must still warrant the use of restraint in order to ensure safety and legality. Refusing to cooperate can be frustrating, but it does not alone justify the use of physical restraint unless it escalates into a dangerous situation. Therefore, the basis for using restraint must always be tied to an actual and pressing threat to safety.