Use of force reports

A use of force report must be filed whenever you use physical force on another person in the course of your duties. This includes restraints, physical ejections, defensive contact, breaking up a fight, or any physical intervention — however brief.

This is one of the most legally significant reports you will file. The police, SIA, your employer's insurers, or a court may request it. It must be accurate, complete, and filed as soon as practicable — ideally the same shift.

When to file

• Physical ejection from the premises
• Restraint of any kind — escort hold, compliance technique, full restraint
• Defensive contact — where you blocked, deflected, or physically intervened to protect yourself or another person
• Any physical intervention, however brief or minor

If the incident also involved a crime, injury, or other significant event, file an incident report as well. Both reports should reference the same event — they complement each other.

How to file

1. Open the Reports tab and tap New Report, then select Use of Force Report.
2. Your GPS location is recorded automatically. Adjust if you have moved from where the incident occurred.
3. Work through all fields in order — the form guides you through the required information.
4. Attach photographs and note any CCTV timestamps before submitting.
5. If you cannot finish in one sitting, save as a draft — but do not leave it more than 24 hours.

What to include

• Precise sequence of events — Start from when you first became aware of the situation. What happened, in the exact order it happened.
• Verbal warnings and de-escalation attempts — What you said, when, and how the person responded. Courts will ask whether force was a last resort — document every verbal step first.
• Techniques used — Name the specific technique. For example: "two-arm rear restraint", "guided exit by the upper arm". Describe how much force and for how long.
• Why force was necessary — The specific behaviour or threat that led you to use force at that moment. This is the core of your legal justification.
• Injuries — To the subject, to yourself, and to any bystander, however minor. Even "subject complained of pain in left arm — no visible injury" is important to record. If there were no injuries, state this explicitly.
• Witnesses — Names and contact details of everyone who saw the incident, including colleagues.
• CCTV timestamps — Note the camera locations and approximate times so footage can be retrieved before it is automatically overwritten (typically within 24–72 hours).
• What happened after — Was police called? Was a crime reference number given? Was the subject arrested, released, or taken for medical attention?

Writing style

Use plain, factual language. Avoid emotive or interpretive words such as "aggressive", "threatening", or "obviously". Instead, describe observed behaviour: "Subject raised voice, clenched fists, and stepped forward to within arm's reach." Facts are far stronger than opinions in a legal context.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Delayed filing — Memory of a precise sequence of events fades quickly under stress. File the same shift. If you cannot, write brief personal notes immediately and use them when filing.
• Vague technique descriptions — "I restrained them" is insufficient. Name the technique and describe the hold.
• Omitting de-escalation attempts — If you tried verbal warnings first, document them. If you did not, note that they were not possible and explain why.
• Understating injuries — Note all physical effects, including minor ones and complaints of pain.
• Missing CCTV note — If cameras were present, record this in the report immediately so your employer can act on it.

Your professional and legal position

As a licensed security professional, you are accountable for every use of force. A thorough, timely report demonstrates that you acted lawfully, proportionately, and in line with your training. An incomplete or missing report makes it significantly harder to defend your actions if they are later challenged. Your company's SIA-licensed staff may also be required to maintain separate records — your manager will advise.