Washington State Security Guard License Practice Exam

When should a use of force report be written?

1. When you arrest someone and place handcuffs on them

2. When you are defending yourself from an assailant

3. When your security dog runs off and attacks someone

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

A use of force report should be written whenever there is an incident in which a security guard employs physical force or intimidation, or any situation where the use of force is involved in their duties. This encompasses a variety of scenarios, including when a guard arrests someone and uses handcuffs, as this involves physical restraint of an individual. Additionally, if a security guard has to defend themselves from an assailant, it is crucial to document the event, as the use of force may be justified in self-defense but requires a detailed account for legal and administrative review. Similarly, if a security dog, which is considered an extension of the guard's capacity to enforce and maintain order, runs off and attacks someone, this incident must also be reported because it involves the application of force by a trained animal under the guard’s control. Therefore, all of these scenarios necessitate the documentation of a use of force report to ensure accountability, provide a record for potential legal scrutiny, and assist in evaluating adherence to protocols and policies regarding the use of force.