Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

What is the most important rule about the use of force for a security professional?

1. Use as much force as needed to control the subject

2. More force than necessary could lead to criminal charges

3. Maintain strict physical restraint in all scenarios

4. Always defer to police for any confrontation

The correct answer is: More force than necessary could lead to criminal charges

The choice highlighting that more force than necessary could lead to criminal charges underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities of security professionals when addressing confrontational situations. It emphasizes the principle of proportionality in the use of force, which necessitates that security personnel must only employ the amount of force that is reasonably necessary to protect themselves, others, or to prevent a crime. This principle is vital because exceeding necessary force can result in serious legal repercussions, including criminal charges, civil liability, and damage to the security professional's reputation and career. It calls attention to the importance of being able to justify actions taken in a confrontation. Security professionals must always act within the confines of the law and organizational policies, ensuring their responses are measured and appropriate to the circumstances they face. In contrast, the other options do not encapsulate the most critical aspect of the use of force. While utilizing as much force as needed could potentially be a rationale in some contexts, it lacks the necessary checks on the discretion of the professional. Strict physical restraint might not always be applicable or appropriate, as it could escalate a situation unnecessarily. Deferring to police in every scenario, while often prudent, is not a universal rule and does not address situations where immediate action may be required to ensure safety.