Is it legal for a guard to use any force during a citizen’s arrest?

The use of force during a citizen's arrest is governed by principles of law that prioritize the protection of all individuals involved, including the person being arrested. The correct answer indicates that only reasonable and necessary force is allowed. This means that the guard may only use the minimum amount of force needed to detain the individual and prevent them from fleeing.

Permitting only reasonable and necessary force aligns with the legal standards designed to prevent excessive force or escalation of violence during such encounters. It ensures that the response is proportional to the situation and that the rights and safety of all parties, including the suspect, are respected. If the force used is excessive or unjustified, it can lead to civil liability or criminal charges against the guard.

In the context of flat-out permissive or restrictive views on force—such as all force being allowed or no force at all—these do not adhere to the established legal framework surrounding citizen's arrests. It's essential that individuals acting as private security remain aware of their responsibilities and the legal boundaries within which they operate.