When armed with a pistol, when should the private security officer use it to immobilize a suspect?

The appropriate response for a private security officer when considering the use of a firearm, such as a pistol, is to deploy it only as a last resort. This principle is grounded in the use of force continuum, which emphasizes that lethal force should only be used in situations where there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm.

The rationale behind this guideline is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved—both the officer and the suspect—as well as to adhere to legal and ethical standards governing the use of firearms in security and law enforcement settings. The expectation is that officers will first attempt to de-escalate situations through verbal communication or other non-lethal means before resorting to lethal force.

This approach helps prevent unnecessary harm and promotes accountability among security personnel, ensuring their actions are justifiable under the circumstances they face.