SAIWA Use of Force and Physical Intervention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which factor most influences the level of force a security agent may lawfully apply?
- The physical size of the security agent
- The seriousness and immediacy of the threat presented (Correct answer)
- The number of bystanders present
- The value of the property being protected
Correct answer: The seriousness and immediacy of the threat presented
The seriousness and immediacy of the threat directly determines what level of force is proportionate and therefore lawful.
Question 2: A security agent can use force in self-defence only if:
- They feel uncomfortable around a person
- The threat is imminent and they use no more force than is reasonably necessary (Correct answer)
- Their employer has given written pre-approval
- The other person has made a verbal threat in the past
Correct answer: The threat is imminent and they use no more force than is reasonably necessary
Self-defence requires that the threat be imminent and the force used be reasonably necessary — past verbal threats alone do not justify force.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a non-physical de-escalation technique?
- Blocking the subject's exit route
- Using a firm, calm tone and active listening to reduce tension (Correct answer)
- Standing very close to intimidate the subject
- Calling for backup and waiting silently
Correct answer: Using a firm, calm tone and active listening to reduce tension
Using a calm, authoritative tone combined with active listening is a recognised verbal technique for de-escalating tense situations.
Question 4: In WA security industry practice, 'proportional force' means:
- Using maximum available force for any threat
- Matching the level of force to the level of resistance or danger (Correct answer)
- Using only bare hands regardless of the threat
- Applying force equally to all persons in a disturbance
Correct answer: Matching the level of force to the level of resistance or danger
Proportional force means the response must be calibrated to match the threat — greater threats may justify greater force, but force must never exceed what is necessary.
Question 5: A security agent witnesses a colleague using clearly excessive force on a detained person. The correct action is to:
- Do nothing to avoid conflict with a colleague
- Encourage the colleague to continue to resolve the situation quickly
- Intervene to stop the excessive force and report the incident to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Warn the detained person that more force may follow
Correct answer: Intervene to stop the excessive force and report the incident to a supervisor
Security agents have a duty to prevent unlawful conduct by colleagues; failing to intervene and report can result in shared liability.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'positional asphyxia'?
- A condition caused by using verbal commands for too long
- Difficulty breathing caused by the position a restrained person is placed in (Correct answer)
- An allergic reaction triggered by physical contact
- A form of panic attack experienced by security agents under stress
Correct answer: Difficulty breathing caused by the position a restrained person is placed in
Positional asphyxia occurs when a restraint position compresses the chest or restricts the airway, preventing adequate breathing.
Question 7: Unarmed security agents in WA are generally prohibited from using which of the following?
- Verbal warnings
- Open-hand control techniques
- Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray without specific authorisation (Correct answer)
- Incident report forms
Correct answer: Oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray without specific authorisation
OC (pepper) spray is a weapon that requires specific licensing and authorisation; unarmed agents are not permitted to carry or use it.
SAIWA Use of Force and Physical Intervention 2
Which factor most influences the level of force a security agent may lawfully apply?