A security guard, observing a theft in progress, approaches the suspect. The suspect brandishes a small knife, making threats but not actively advancing. The guard, trained in de-escalation, attempts verbal commands to drop the weapon. The suspect remains stationary but maintains the threat. Which of the following best describes the security guard's lawful use of force options at this precise moment, considering the Use of Force Continuum and relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada?

Question: A security guard, observing a theft in progress, approaches the suspect. The suspect brandishes a small knife, making threats but not actively advancing. The guard, trained in de-escalation, attempts verbal commands to drop the weapon. The suspect remains stationary but maintains the threat. Which of the following best describes the security guard's lawful use of force options at this precise moment, considering the Use of Force Continuum and relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada?

Answer options:

• The guard is justified in deploying a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) if trained, as the threat of serious harm is present.
• The guard is limited to maintaining distance and continuing verbal commands, as the suspect has not yet initiated physical attack. ✅ The guard is permitted to use only necessary force to defend themselves or another from 'serious bodily harm or death,' and a knife threat warrants a proportional defensive response, potentially involving intermediate force or disarming techniques if safely feasible.
• The guard must retreat immediately and call law enforcement, as security guards are generally prohibited from engaging armed suspects.

Correct answer: The guard is permitted to use only necessary force to defend themselves or another from 'serious bodily harm or death,' and a knife threat warrants a proportional defensive response, potentially involving intermediate force or disarming techniques if safely feasible.

Explanation: Section 27 of the Criminal Code permits the use of force to prevent the commission of an offense, while Section 25 allows a person to use as much force as is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from 'serious bodily harm or death.' A brandished knife, accompanied by threats, represents a credible threat that would justify a proportional defensive response on the use of force continuum, moving beyond mere verbal commands.