The escalation of force
is the increase in the amount of force used in a conflict situation.
Ideally, the situation would allow for the guard to do a
step-by-step increase in the use of force. However, in the real
world, it is not always possible to respond in this ideal manner.
Generally, however, it is possible and appropriate to gradually
increase the level of force but stop short of using a firearm. The
levels for escalation of force are given below.
4. Self- Control: The
most important person to control in a conflict situation is
yourself. You may truly have no control over what anyone else does
in a conflict situation.
Visual presence: This
level is often called a visual deterrence. This means a guard simply
allows him/herself to be clearly seen. The fact that a guard can be
clearly seen by anyone may in itself inhibit a potential conflict
situation. For example, if a person is considering committing a
crime or engaging in hostile behavior then sees a guard standing or
patrolling nearby, that person may NOT commit the crime or engage in
hostile behavior. Thus a potential conflict situation, and the risk
of escalation in the use of force by the guard, may have been
avoided because the guard maintained a visual presence. A guard can
easily maintain a visual presence in a relaxed, alert and
non-threatening manner. This in turn may reduce the possibility of
force.
5. Verbal
Communication: Engaging in a
simple non-threatening, non-hostile verbal communication is often
not thought of as a possible show of force. But it can be. There are
many other factors involved in effective verbal communication than
just talking, especially in tense conflict situations. When engaging
the subject in verbal communications be aware of how the following
factors can inhibit or promote conflict:
6. Your physical
stance: Maintain a
non-threatening stance and appearance. For example, stand straight
and relaxed with your hands at your side. UNLESS JUSTIFIED, DO NOT
stand in a threatening ready position, such as with your hand on
your firearm or your hand on your baton. The more calm and
non-threatening your total physical stance and gestures are, the
more likely that you will appear non-threatening. This
non-threatening appearance may contribute to more effective
communications in a delicate situation.
7. Physical Closeness: Maintain
an appropriate distance from the subject. This not only may
contribute to your safety but may also cause you to appear less
threatening to the other person. What an appropriate distance is
depends on the factual situation. An appropriate distance may be one
foot in a loud, crowded nightclub, 10 feet during a crowded
demonstration or five feet in a parking lot. In a conflict
situation, it is generally best to never touch anyone and to always
maintain an appropriate and even safe distance, even if you must
take a step back from the suspect while talking and listening to the
subject.
