When is the use of force considered unlawful?

The use of force is considered unlawful when it exceeds what is necessary to control a situation because it violates the principle of proportionality, which is a key tenet in both law enforcement and private security operations. This principle dictates that any force used must be appropriate to the threat faced and necessary to achieve the intended outcome. In situations where a security guard or officer uses more force than is necessary, not only can it result in harm to the individuals involved, but it may also lead to legal consequences for the individual who employed the excessive force. Legal standards typically require that the amount of force used aligns with the level of resistance encountered; therefore, any force that goes beyond what is necessary is likely to be seen as excessive and unlawful.

The other options do not inherently describe unlawful use of force. The use of force to protect property can be justified under certain circumstances, particularly if it is reasonable and necessary to prevent damage or theft. Executing force in front of witnesses does not determine its legality; what matters is whether the force used was justified based on the situation. Lastly, force authorized by superiors implies that there is a proper chain of command involved, and if that authorization aligns with legal and procedural standards, it is considered lawful.