Are security guards in Oregon allowed to use physical force?

Security guards in Oregon are allowed to use physical force when it is necessary to prevent harm, and such force must be proportional to the situation at hand. This principle is rooted in the idea that the use of physical force should be a measured response to an immediate threat or danger. For instance, if a security guard observes someone attempting to harm another individual or committing an unlawful act, they are permitted to intervene, but the level of force used must correspond to the severity of the threat.

The requirement for the use of force to be proportional is crucial. It ensures that security guards do not escalate situations unnecessarily or use more force than is required to neutralize a threat. This is important not only for the safety of all parties involved but also for the legal ramifications of using force.

In contrast, options that suggest using force only in extreme emergencies or solely based on a feeling of being threatened do not adequately reflect the legal standards for security personnel. Additionally, the option that allows for the use of force whenever there is a perception of wrongdoing could lead to excessive force being used in situations that do not warrant it, which is against the principles guiding a security guard's responsibilities. Hence, the correct understanding emphasizes the need for a legitimate reason to use force, coupled with the