ABST Use of Force and Conflict Resolution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of a security guard's use of force?
- Force used must always be greater than the threat to ensure safety
- Force used must be reasonably matched to the level of threat or resistance (Correct answer)
- Security guards must use the same technique every time
- Force is only proportional if approved by a supervisor first
Correct answer: Force used must be reasonably matched to the level of threat or resistance
Proportionality requires that the force used by a security guard corresponds appropriately to the level of threat or resistance presented by the subject.
Question 2: What should a security guard do immediately after using physical force on a subject?
- Leave the scene to avoid further confrontation
- Document the incident thoroughly and notify their supervisor (Correct answer)
- Confiscate the subject's personal belongings as evidence
- Continue patrolling without interruption
Correct answer: Document the incident thoroughly and notify their supervisor
After any use of force, a security guard must document the incident in detail and notify their supervisor to ensure accountability and legal protection.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'passive resistance' in the use of force model?
- A subject verbally threatening security but not moving
- A subject refusing to comply with lawful direction without physical aggression (Correct answer)
- A subject actively pushing or pulling against a security guard
- A subject fleeing the scene at high speed
Correct answer: A subject refusing to comply with lawful direction without physical aggression
Passive resistance occurs when a subject refuses to comply with lawful direction but does not physically attack or aggress against the security guard.
Question 4: When a security guard uses verbal judo, they are:
- Yelling commands to intimidate a subject into compliance
- Using calm, strategic language to redirect behaviour and reduce conflict (Correct answer)
- Reciting legal warnings before making physical contact
- Documenting verbal threats made by a subject
Correct answer: Using calm, strategic language to redirect behaviour and reduce conflict
Verbal judo involves using calm, empathetic, and strategic language to redirect a person's behaviour and resolve conflict without physical force.
Question 5: What legal authority does a security guard in Alberta have compared to an ordinary citizen?
- Security guards have full police powers on any property
- Security guards have the same powers as a citizen, plus additional authority granted on private property by the property owner (Correct answer)
- Security guards have fewer rights than ordinary citizens
- Security guards are authorized to carry firearms without a license
Correct answer: Security guards have the same powers as a citizen, plus additional authority granted on private property by the property owner
Security guards in Alberta have the same citizen arrest powers as any person under the Criminal Code, plus additional authority delegated by property owners to enforce trespass and property rules.
Question 6: Which of the following is the BEST example of an active resistance behaviour by a subject?
- Standing still and refusing to show ID
- Verbally arguing with a security guard
- Physically pushing a security guard to prevent being detained (Correct answer)
- Walking away slowly from a security guard
Correct answer: Physically pushing a security guard to prevent being detained
Active resistance involves physical actions by the subject — such as pushing or pulling — that oppose the security guard's attempts to gain control.
Question 7: When completing a use of force report, which of the following is MOST important to include?
- The security guard's personal opinion of the subject's character
- An objective factual account of events, actions taken, and justification for force used (Correct answer)
- Only the outcome of the incident without background details
- A summary written entirely from the subject's point of view
Correct answer: An objective factual account of events, actions taken, and justification for force used
A use of force report must include an objective, factual, and complete account of events and the justification for force used to ensure legal accountability.
ABST Use of Force and Conflict Resolution 2
What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of a security guard's use of force?