SAIWA Use of Force and Physical Intervention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Western Australia security industry guidelines, when is a security agent legally permitted to use physical force?
- Whenever they believe a person may be a threat
- Only when it is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from harm (Correct answer)
- At any time to prevent a person from leaving private property
- Only when authorised by the property owner in writing
Correct answer: Only when it is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from harm
Physical force may only be used when it is reasonably necessary to protect the agent, a third party, or property from imminent harm.
Question 2: Which principle best describes the concept of 'minimum force' in security operations?
- Using no force under any circumstances
- Using the least amount of force required to achieve a lawful objective (Correct answer)
- Using force only after receiving written authorisation
- Applying maximum force quickly to resolve a situation faster
Correct answer: Using the least amount of force required to achieve a lawful objective
Minimum force means using only the level of force that is reasonably necessary to achieve the lawful objective, no more.
Question 3: A security agent applies excessive force when detaining a patron. Which of the following consequences may result?
- The agent receives a commendation for decisive action
- The employer is automatically immune from liability
- The agent may face criminal charges and civil liability (Correct answer)
- The patron's complaint is automatically dismissed
Correct answer: The agent may face criminal charges and civil liability
Excessive force can expose the security agent to criminal prosecution for assault and civil lawsuits for damages.
Question 4: Before resorting to physical intervention, a security agent should first attempt:
- Calling police immediately
- Verbal de-escalation and communication (Correct answer)
- Physical restraint to prevent escalation
- Evacuating all bystanders from the area
Correct answer: Verbal de-escalation and communication
Verbal de-escalation is the preferred first step as it may resolve the situation without any physical contact.
Question 5: A 'use of force continuum' in security training refers to:
- A schedule of approved weapons for security agents
- A legal document authorising the use of firearms
- A framework guiding the escalation and de-escalation of force proportional to threat level (Correct answer)
- A training record that must be renewed every five years
Correct answer: A framework guiding the escalation and de-escalation of force proportional to threat level
The use-of-force continuum is a guideline that matches the level of force to the level of threat presented, promoting proportional responses.
Question 6: When restraining a person, a security agent must ensure the restraint does NOT:
- Last more than five minutes without a break
- Be witnessed by a colleague
- Obstruct the person's breathing or cause positional asphyxia (Correct answer)
- Be applied while the person is standing
Correct answer: Obstruct the person's breathing or cause positional asphyxia
Positional asphyxia — where the body position restricts breathing — is a serious risk during restraint and must be avoided at all times.
Question 7: After any physical intervention, a security agent's primary duty is to:
- Leave the scene immediately to avoid confrontation
- Ensure the wellbeing of all parties and complete a detailed incident report (Correct answer)
- Confiscate any property belonging to the detained individual
- Notify the media about the incident
Correct answer: Ensure the wellbeing of all parties and complete a detailed incident report
Following any use of force, the agent must check on all involved parties' wellbeing and document the incident accurately in a written report.
SAIWA Use of Force and Physical Intervention 1
Under Western Australia security industry guidelines, when is a security agent legally permitted to use physical force?