Tennessee Security Guard Practice Exam 2026 - Free Security Guard Practice Questions and Study Guide

A security guard is legally permitted to use physical force primarily when it is necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent harm. This principle is rooted in the justification of self-defense and defense of others, which allows the use of reasonable force to prevent physical injury or to stop a crime that poses a risk to safety.

In a situation where an individual poses a threat to the guard or another person's safety, the guard is justified in responding with appropriate physical force to mitigate that threat. The focus here is on immediate danger; the force used must be proportional and necessary to neutralize the threat without escalating the situation unnecessarily.

The other scenarios presented do not align with the legal framework surrounding the use of force. Detaining a suspect indefinitely does not comply with legal guidelines regarding personal liberty unless specific legal conditions are met. Forcing someone to leave an area may exceed the scope of authority given to a security guard, which is typically limited to preventing harm rather than engaging in eviction. Lastly, during a verbal confrontation, the use of physical force generally might not be justified unless there is an accompanying threat of physical harm, making de-escalation the preferred response.