When is deadly force justified according to security practices?

The justification for using deadly force in security practices is primarily rooted in the immediate threat to life or severe bodily harm. When a suspect pulls a gun from a waistband, it is an indication that they are prepared to use it, creating an imminent threat to the lives of others. The presence of a firearm significantly escalates the situation, and the potential for lethal harm is real and immediate. Therefore, security personnel may be justified in responding with deadly force to protect themselves and others from that serious threat.

In other scenarios, such as when a suspect is fleeing or merely verbally threatening, the justification for deadly force is not present since these situations do not guarantee an immediate danger to life. Feelings of intimidation alone, without a visible and credible threat, do not merit the use of lethal force either, as security measures should prioritize de-escalation and the protection of life whenever feasible.