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Use of Force Awareness Course (US): Lessons 2026

These lessons explain what US law says about force for private security officers. Force law is mostly state law, so we use California, New York, Florida and Texas as examples. This is awareness only. It does not teach physical techniques, and it does not replace the use-of-force training your state may require.

  • Course lessons
  • 5 min read
  • Checked October 13, 2026

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Lesson 1: What force means for a guard

Force is any physical action used to control another person, from a hand on an arm up to deadly force. A guard has no special power to use force. In general, you rely on the same laws as any private person.

Even a small touch can have big results. California's official guard manual gives the example of a guard who grabs a person's arm during a detention that was not justified. That can lead to a battery claim.

Deadly force

Each state defines deadly force in its own words. New York Penal Law 10.00, for example, defines deadly physical force as force that, as it is used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury. Check how your own state defines it.

Lesson 2: The reasonable force test

California's guard manual says force must be not excessive and no more than is reasonable and necessary to overcome the resistance you face. If a person submits willingly, no force is necessary. So when the resistance stops, the force should stop too.

The manual also explains the Supreme Court case Graham v. Connor (1989). Under it, force is judged from the view of a reasonable person on the scene, not with hindsight, looking at all the facts. The case directly governs peace officers, but it is a useful way for guards to think about force.

Questions a court may ask

  • What threat did the person really pose?
  • Was the person resisting, or already calm?
  • Could the guard have stepped back or waited for police?
  • Did the force stop when the threat ended?

Lesson 3: Self-defense and the duty to retreat

Every state lets people defend themselves and others, but the details differ. New York Penal Law 35.15 allows physical force when you reasonably believe it is needed to defend against the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force.

A person who starts a fight usually cannot claim self-defense. Under PL 35.15, the only way back is to withdraw, make that clear, and then face continued unlawful force from the other person.

Retreat rules differ by state

StateDuty to retreat before deadly force
New York (PL 35.15)Yes, if you know you can retreat with complete personal safety (not required in your own home if you did not start it)
Florida (776.012)No, if you are not engaged in criminal activity and are in a place where you have a right to be

Lesson 4: Protecting property and making arrests

Guards protect property, but the law values life far more than things. California's guard manual says deadly force is allowed only to protect lives. Shooting someone to protect property is excessive force.

  • New York (PL 35.20): non-deadly force may be used to stop a crime that damages premises or a criminal trespass. Deadly force is never allowed for trespass alone. It is allowed only in narrow cases: to stop arson, or a burglary of a dwelling or occupied building.
  • Florida (776.031): force other than deadly force may be used to stop a trespass on property (other than a home) that is lawfully in your possession, if you reasonably believe it is needed. Deadly force is allowed only to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
  • California (PC 490.5): a merchant or its agent may use a reasonable amount of non-deadly force to detain a suspected shoplifter.

Force during a citizen's arrest

New York Penal Law 35.30(4) lets a private person use non-deadly force to make an arrest only when the person in fact committed the offense. A reasonable belief is not enough. If you are wrong, the force is not justified.

Lesson 5: Weapons permits and de-escalation

Carrying any weapon on duty needs extra state approval and training. Examples:

StateRule
CaliforniaA firearm needs a separate BSIS firearms permit. A baton needs baton training from a Bureau-approved facility.
TexasA security officer needs a security officer commission to carry a firearm on the job. A commissioned officer (other than a personal protection officer) must wear a distinctive security uniform, with the firearm in plain view (Occupations Code 1702.161 and 1702.169).

De-escalation

California law requires guard use-of-force training to cover de-escalation methods that use time, distance, cover and concealment. Slowing down and keeping space gives an angry person time to calm down. It also gives you time to call for help.

California guards must also complete 8 hours of training every year, including at least 2 hours reviewing appropriate use of force.

Lesson 6: After force is used

Your first duty after any use of force is the safety and health of everyone involved. California's manual says the right response to a medical emergency is almost always to call 911.

Positional asphyxia

A National Institute of Justice (NIJ) bulletin describes positional asphyxia: death caused by a body position that interferes with breathing. Risk is higher after a violent struggle, with drugs or alcohol, and when a person is held face down on the stomach.

  • The NIJ advises never sitting on a person's back.
  • Do not leave a person face down. The NIJ advises moving them off their stomach right away.
  • Watch their breathing closely.
  • If they say they cannot breathe, or they stop responding, get emergency medical help immediately.

Report and accountability

Write a full, honest report soon after the event: what the person did, what you did, and any injuries. Excessive force can lead to criminal charges, and both you and your employer can be sued.

Sources