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US Security Guard License Exams (Florida Class D, New York, California, Texas)

Use of force (NY): practice questions

Our US Security Guard bank has 5 questions on this topic. Here are 3 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1 · New York

When may a New York private person use deadly physical force to make an arrest?

  1. To stop any shoplifter who runs out of the store with goods
  2. To stop any trespasser found on the property after dark
  3. Whenever the guard is in uniform and has given a warning
  4. For robbery, murder and similar grave crimes, in immediate flight
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D. For robbery, murder and similar grave crimes, in immediate flight — PL 35.30(4): deadly force only to defend against deadly force, or to arrest someone who committed murder, manslaughter 1st degree, robbery, forcible rape or forcible criminal sexual act and is in immediate flight.

Question 2 · New York

Under New York law, a person facing deadly physical force must generally retreat before using deadly force if:

  1. They are on their employer's property
  2. They are wearing a uniform and are on duty at the time
  3. The attacker is unarmed but is much bigger and stronger
  4. They know they can retreat in complete safety
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D. They know they can retreat in complete safety — PL 35.15(2)(a): there is a duty to retreat if it can be done with complete personal safety, except in one's own dwelling when not the initial aggressor, or for police and peace officers.

Question 3 · New York

Under Penal Law 35.30(4), a New York private person may use non-deadly physical force to arrest someone when they reasonably believe it is necessary and:

  1. The guard has a strong hunch
  2. The client has asked the guard to make the arrest
  3. The person is on the client's list of banned people
  4. The person has in fact committed the offense
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D. The person has in fact committed the offense — A private person acting on their own may use physical force (not deadly) when reasonably necessary to arrest or prevent the escape of a person who in fact committed the offense.

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