What must the level of force used be proportionate to?

The correct response is that the level of force used must be proportionate to the action encountered. This principle establishes that security personnel should assess the nature and intensity of the threat they are facing and respond with a corresponding level of force. For example, if an individual is displaying aggressive behavior that poses a threat to others, the security guard may need to employ defensive or controlling measures. However, if someone is merely being verbally confrontational without any physical aggression, only minimal force, or even de-escalation techniques, may be necessary.

This approach aligns with the training and ethical standards required of security personnel, ensuring that their response is appropriate and justified given the circumstances. It is essential for maintaining safety and minimizing harm to all parties involved, including the individual being responded to.

In contrast, other options such as the officer's personal feelings or the location of the incident are not valid measures for determining the appropriate level of force. These factors may influence the situation but do not directly correlate with the necessity and justification of force used in response to specific actions encountered during an incident.