Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

When is the use of physical intervention justified by security personnel?

1. When a person poses a minimal threat

2. When there is property damage

3. When a person poses an immediate threat to others

4. When a crowd is unruly

The correct answer is: When a person poses an immediate threat to others

The use of physical intervention by security personnel is justified when a person poses an immediate threat to others. This stems from the principle of self-defense and the responsibility of security personnel to protect the safety of individuals in their charge. When a situation escalates to the point where a person is threatening harm to others, security professionals are trained to take action to neutralize that threat and prevent possible injury or violence. In situations where there is an immediate risk, it becomes essential for security personnel to respond quickly and decisively to ensure the safety of all individuals present. Such actions may include physical intervention to restrain or separate the individual posing the threat from others. This decision is not made lightly; it relies on the assessment that without intervention, serious harm could result. The other scenarios presented, like a minimal threat or property damage, do not warrant immediate physical intervention. Instead, they might be managed through de-escalation techniques or by calling law enforcement if necessary. Unruly crowds can often be addressed with crowd control strategies rather than direct physical intervention unless the situation escalates to an immediate threat to safety.