Imperative Security Guard Services

No Hands-On, Use of Force & Body-Worn Camera Policy

Applicable to California, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia

 

1. Policy Purpose

Imperative Security Guard Services is committed to protecting the safety of security guards, employees, clients, and all involved subjects. This policy establishes strict limits on physical engagement, emphasizes observation, reporting, de-escalation, and ensures all actions are lawful, documented, and accountable.

Security personnel are not law enforcement and shall avoid hands-on involvement whenever possible, relying instead on proper reporting and law enforcement response.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Imperative Security Guard Services personnel operating in:

• California

• Oregon

• Washington

• Virginia

It applies to both unarmed and armed guards, with specific restrictions based on assignment and applicable state law.

 

3. General Principles

A. Observation and Prevention

• Guards shall prioritize situational awareness and observation.

• Guards shall not pursue, detain, or physically engage subjects unless legally justified and unavoidable for immediate safety.

• When criminal activity or threats are observed, guards shall immediately notify law enforcement.

B. Reporting and Chain of Command

 All incidents must be reported promptly to:

• Chain of command

•  Law enforcement, when appropriate

• Written incident reports must be factual, objective, and completed per company procedures.

C. De-Escalation

Guards must:

• Use calm verbal communication

• Maintain safe distance and positioning

• Avoid provocative language or behavior

• Allow time and space for compliance when safe

• Request law enforcement assistance rather than escalate situations

 

4. No Hands-On Policy — Unarmed Guards

Unarmed guards are strictly limited in physical engagement.

• Hands-on force is prohibited except in immediate self-defense or defense of others from imminent harm.

• Guards shall not attempt physical restraints, takedowns, or control techniques as routine practice.

• The preferred response is observe, disengage, report, and call law enforcement.

• Any minimal physical action taken must be:

◦ Necessary to prevent immediate harm

◦ Proportionate

◦ Legally justified under applicable state law

 

5. Use of Force — Armed Guards

Armed guards may use force only when necessary, lawful, and proportionate, consistent with state law.

A. California

Deadly force may only be used when a guard reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to themselves or others. De-escalation and avoidance are required whenever feasible.

B. Oregon

Force may be used only to defend against imminent unlawful physical force. Deadly force is justified solely to prevent death, serious physical injury, or violent felonies posing immediate danger.

C. Washington

Force must be objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportionate. Deadly force is justified only to stop an imminent threat of serious injury or death after de-escalation efforts when feasible.

D. Virginia

Use of force is governed by general self-defense law. Deadly force may be used only when a guard reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent imminent unlawful force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.

 

6. Deadly Force

• Deadly force is a last resort.

• Deadly force is never authorized for the protection of property alone.

• Use is permitted only when a life is in real and immediate danger, as defined by applicable state law.

• Any deadly force incident will result in immediate notification of law enforcement and company leadership.

 

7. Body-Worn Camera Policy

A. Mandatory Recording

Imperative Security Guard Services provides body-worn cameras for accountability and safety.
All guards issued a body-worn camera shall have the camera powered on and actively recording at all times while on duty, unless otherwise directed by management or prohibited by law.

B. Recording Requirements

Body-worn cameras must be recording during:

• Patrol duties

• All public and employee interactions

• Incident response

• De-escalation efforts

• Any potential or actual use-of-force situation

Cameras should be activated prior to engagement whenever possible and remain on until the incident concludes.

C. Prohibited Actions

Guards shall not:

• Intentionally deactivate or disable cameras

• Obstruct the camera’s view

• Delete, alter, or tamper with recordings

• Use cameras for personal purposes

D. Documentation

All use-of-force incidents, including minimal defensive actions, must be captured on camera whenever possible and documented in an incident report.

E. Privacy and Legal Compliance

• Body-worn cameras shall be used in compliance with applicable California, Oregon, Washington, and Virginia recording and privacy laws.

• Access, storage, and release of recordings are managed by company leadership in accordance with legal requirements.

F. Failure to Comply

Failure to properly use a body-worn camera may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

 

8. Prohibited Conduct

1.  Escalating confrontations unnecessarily

2.  Engaging in unauthorized physical contact

3.  Acting outside legal authority

4.  Ignoring de-escalation options

5.  Failing to report incidents or use of force

 

9. Training and Compliance

All guards must complete training in:

1.  De-escalation techniques

2.  Legal use of force

3.  Body-worn camera usage

4.  Incident reporting

5.  State-specific legal requirements

 

10. Accountability

Any use of force or violation of this policy will be reviewed by management and may result in corrective action, retraining, suspension, or termination.

 

Policy Summary

Observe. Report. De-escalate. Document. Call Law Enforcement.
Physical force is not the standard response and is permitted only when lawfully necessary to protect life.