Physical Intervention Skills

What is 'reasonable force' in the context of door supervision?

• AAny force you think is necessary
• BForce that is proportionate to the threat and necessary to prevent harm✓
• CAs much force as possible
• DForce is never allowed

Answer: Reasonable force is proportionate to the threat and is the minimum necessary to prevent harm or protect persons or property. It must be justified and defensible in law.

What is the legal test for using physical force in the UK?

• AYou can use any force you feel like
• BForce must be necessary, proportionate, and lawful✓
• CPolice approval is required first
• DOnly security companies can use force

Answer: Under common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967, force must be necessary to prevent crime or protect persons/property, and must be proportionate to the threat. Excessive force is unlawful.

Can a door supervisor legally use physical force to remove someone from a venue?

• ANever, it's always assault
• BYes, if force is reasonable and the person is trespassing or breaching venue rules✓
• COnly police can use force
• DYes, any force is fine

Answer: Door supervisors can use reasonable force to remove trespassers or persons in breach of terms, provided the force is proportionate and no more than necessary. Excessive force remains unlawful.

What is 'self-defence' under UK law?

• AOnly available to police
• BA lawful right to use force to protect yourself or others from unlawful attack✓
• CYou cannot defend yourself at all
• DOnly available if attacked first

Answer: Under common law and the Criminal Law Act 1967, you have a right to use reasonable force in self-defence or to protect others from unlawful attack. The force must be proportionate.

What is 'duty of care' in the context of physical intervention?

• AYou have no duty to anyone
• BYour legal obligation to ensure reasonable safety and not cause unnecessary harm✓
• COnly medical staff have duty of care
• DDuty exists only during opening hours

Answer: Duty of care is your legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of those around you and not cause them unnecessary harm. This continues during and after physical intervention.

If a door supervisor uses excessive force during a removal, what could be the consequences?

• ANone, they were doing their job
• BCriminal charges (assault/GBH) and civil liability✓
• COnly a company warning
• DLicence loss is not possible

Answer: Excessive force beyond what is reasonable can result in criminal assault or GBH charges, civil liability, licence revocation, and dismissal. The force must always be proportionate.

What should be the priority order when managing a violent person?

• AUse physical force immediately
• BDe-escalation first, then physical intervention only if necessary✓
• CIgnore them
• DAlways fight back

Answer: De-escalation through calm communication is always the first approach. Physical intervention should only be considered as a last resort when de-escalation fails and there is genuine danger.

What does 'restraint' mean in physical intervention?

• AHitting someone hard
• BUsing control techniques to prevent someone from causing harm✓
• CPushing someone out the door
• DAny physical contact

Answer: Restraint refers to using control techniques to safely immobilize or manage a person's movements to prevent harm. This requires proper training and must be proportionate.

What is a potential risk of physical restraint?

• AIt has no risks
• BRisk of injury, panic, or positional asphyxia if not properly trained✓
• CIt's completely safe
• DOnly emotional harm

Answer: Improper restraint can cause serious injury or death, particularly positional asphyxia (restricting breathing). This is why proper training and proportionate use are critical.

When is physical intervention considered lawful?

• AWhenever a customer is upset
• BOnly when necessary, proportionate, and to prevent harm or protect persons/property✓
• CNever lawful
• DWhen you feel like it

Answer: Physical intervention is lawful only when it is necessary to prevent harm, protect persons or property, and the force used is proportionate to the threat. Any other use is assault.

What should a door supervisor do after using physical force against someone?

• ANothing, just move on
• BDocument the incident, ensure the person's safety, offer assistance, and report to police if needed✓
• CHide what happened
• DApologize and let them back in

Answer: After physical intervention, ensure the person's wellbeing, document what happened, report to management and police if appropriate, and provide first aid if needed. This protects everyone.

What is 'reasonable' force dependent on?

• AYour physical size
• BThe threat level, the person's behaviour, and available alternatives✓
• CYour experience level
• DThe time of night

Answer: Reasonableness depends on the actual threat (weapons, multiple attackers), the person's behaviour, your ability to de-escalate, and available alternatives. A proportionate response is tailored to the situation.