Security Guard Shows Us What Not To Do In A Use of Force

Published on March 28, 2025
Duration: 11:56

This video analyzes a security guard's use of force incident, highlighting critical mistakes in de-escalation and tactical application of a baton. The guard's actions, including striking a turned subject and resorting to deadly force after a fistfight, led to murder charges, underscoring the strict legal scrutiny on private security personnel. The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the force continuum and avoiding actions that escalate a situation or remove the justification for deadly force.

Quick Summary

Security guards have the legal standing of private citizens, not law enforcement, making their use of force highly scrutinized. Critical errors like ineffective baton techniques and striking a non-threatening subject can lead to aggravated assault charges. Deadly force is only justified if facing an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm, failing legal proportionality if initiated by the guard.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: McDonald's Use of Force Incident
  2. 00:46Incident Background: Pepper Spray & Baton Use
  3. 01:13The Altercation and Fatal Shooting
  4. 02:19Legal Outcome: Murder Charges Explained
  5. 02:55Legal Standing of Security Guards
  6. 04:30Tactical Critique: Baton Handling Errors
  7. 06:12Escalation: Aggravated Assault Analysis
  8. 09:36Deadly Force Justification Failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal implications for security guards using force?

Security guards generally possess the same legal rights as private citizens and lack law enforcement authority. Their use of force is heavily scrutinized, and they must prove they faced a life-threatening situation to justify deadly force, as seen in the second-degree murder charges in this case.

Why was the security guard's baton use criticized?

The guard's 'poking' technique with the baton allowed the subject to grab it, leading to a dangerous struggle. Striking the subject while their back was turned and hands were up was identified as aggravated assault, potentially undermining self-defense claims.

When is deadly force legally justified for a security guard?

Deadly force is typically justified only when the guard reasonably believes they or others are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. Resorting to deadly force after initiating a physical altercation or losing control of a weapon often fails legal proportionality and avoidance tests.

What is the difference between a security guard's authority and law enforcement?

Unlike law enforcement officers, security guards typically do not have special arrest powers or the authority to use force beyond that of a private citizen. This means their actions, especially involving force, are held to a stricter standard and must align with the legal justification available to any individual.

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