TDG - 2000.01

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The most important point, something everyone missed, is that these two men could have every right to be in the warehouse at that time. You do not know that they are stealing -- what if they own the place? Now one man did lunge at you, but that could have been a reflex action, a startle response on his part. Or he could have been knocked in the back by Man #2's box when he stopped suddenly. Either way, he's trying to regain his balance, and you hit him over the head with a torch!

So in this scenario, maintain your distance and call for backup, but before using force ensure that you are responding to a real threat rather than simply your surprise.

Some respondents with military, police and security backgrounds found it hard to accept the condition of the handgun, namely that there was no round in the chamber. I did this for two reasons. The first was to see if anybody drew the weapon and pointed it without first working the action to put a round into the chamber. Basically, this checked how observant you were and how closely you paid attention to details. Secondly, this is not an uncommon rule in security companies (or the military for that matter) and regardless of personal preferences you have to work with the restrictions you are given.

My advice here is to avoid getting caught up in the circumstances of the scenario. You have no control over why you are there, simply react accordingly, doing the best you can with what you have.

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Assuming there was indeed a need for force, there seemed to be a preference for hitting out with the torch held in the left hand. Admittedly, that was why I put it there, to see if people would use it. Note, however, that hitting someone in the head with a torch could constitute felony assault in the United States, and serious assault in most other countries. Admittedly you thought it a reasonable defence, but a court could see it as undue force. So why chance it? If you were getting attacked with a knife or something then yes, use the torch, but in this scenario, you know nothing about the attacker or the situation. So start gentle and escalate only if necessary.

My defence did utilise a strike, but it was controlled and used only enough force to stop Man #1's momentum. I made sure he was slowed up (in this case by putting him on his back), but note that I did it as gently as possible! Next I created distance whilst identifying myself. In my opinion this is a better response than simply whacking him with the torch, but you must rely on your training and experience and draw your own conclusions.

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Another point involves responding to scenarios. When answering, be sure that you have covered any follow-up that you would expect to perform, as you need to take the situation to a point that it is stable or controlled. Make sure you tell us that you've called for back up, or whatever. Show that you have considered the legal and ethical implications and ramifications of your actions. In a simple scenario such as this there's not too much involved, but in future ones the pressure will be increased.

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