What is the term for the legal authority to use force when necessary?

The correct term for the legal authority to use force when necessary is commonly referred to as the "Use of Force Continuum." This concept outlines the appropriate levels of force a security guard, law enforcement officer, or another entity may use in various scenarios, ensuring that their response is proportionate to the situation at hand. The continuum usually ranges from mere presence and verbal commands to more aggressive actions like physical restraint or lethal force, depending on the level of threat perceived.

Understanding the use of force continuum is critical for security personnel as it provides a framework within which they can operate legally and ethically. This helps ensure that force is only used when absolutely necessary and is appropriate to the level of threat, thereby minimizing the risk of escalation and ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

Other terms listed, while they contain elements related to the use of force, do not represent the concept in its entirety. For instance, reasonable force statutes focus on the legality behind the force used but do not detail the gradation of how force should be applied in varying situations. Similarly, self-defense regulations pertain specifically to the defense of oneself or others, rather than the broader guidelines of force application in security contexts. Force justification guidelines suggest conditions under which force can be deemed acceptable but do not