American Raptor Security (ARS)

Use of Force, No Hands-On & Body-Worn Camera Policy

Effective Date: January 30, 2026

1. Purpose and Legal Framework

This policy establishes standards governing use of force, physical engagement, observation duties, and body-worn camera (BWC) use by American Raptor Security (ARS) personnel.

This policy is designed to comply with:

RCW 18.170 – Private Security Services
RCW 9A.16 – Use of Force
RCW 9.73 – Washington Privacy Act
Applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations

ARS officers are assigned primarily as observers, deterrents, and professional witnesses. This policy promotes lawful conduct, public safety, and risk reduction.

2. Use of Force and De-Escalation Standards

ARS maintains a restrictive use-of-force policy that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

2.1 Primary Objective: De-Escalation

Officers shall prioritize verbal communication, situational awareness, and conflict resolution techniques as the first and preferred response.

Physical force is always a last resort.

2.2 Lawful Use of Force

Physical force may be used only when:

Immediately necessary for self-defense, or
Required to prevent imminent physical harm to another person

Any force used must be reasonable, necessary, and proportional to the threat.

2.3 Proportionality

When force is unavoidable, officers shall use the minimum level necessary to stop the threat and restore safety.

2.4 Immediate Cessation

All physical force must cease immediately when:

The threat has ended, or
The subject has complied with lawful instructions

2.5 Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited:

Chokeholds or neck restraints
Airway or vascular compression
Pain compliance techniques for passive resistance
Retaliatory or punitive force

Violations may result in termination.

3. No Hands-On and Observation Policy

American Raptor Security ARS enforces a strict No Hands-On standard for routine operations.

3.1 Professional Witness Role

Officers are expected to:

Observe
Document
Report
Deter through presence and communication

Officers are not law enforcement and do not perform arrests or physical removals.

3.2 Property and Rule Enforcement

Officers shall not use physical force to enforce site rules, policies, or property matters.

3.3 Trespass Procedures

If a subject refuses to leave:

Issue a clear verbal trespass warning
Maintain a safe distance
Contact local law enforcement
Document the incident

Physical removal is prohibited.

3.4 Self-Defense Exception

Physical contact is authorized only when necessary to prevent immediate physical harm.

3.5 No Pursuit Policy

Officers shall not pursue individuals beyond assigned property boundaries.

4. Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy

ARS utilizes BWCs to enhance transparency, accountability, and officer safety.

Washington is a two-party consent state. All recordings must comply with RCW 9.73.

4.1 Mandatory Activation

BWCs must be activated during:

Confrontational or escalating encounters
Trespass warnings
Use-of-force incidents
Threatening or hostile interactions

Recording should begin at the earliest safe opportunity.

4.2 Notification Requirement

When practicable, officers shall state:

“This interaction is being recorded for safety and quality purposes.”

4.3 Data Integrity

Editing, altering, deleting, or disabling BWCs is prohibited
Intentional failure to record is a disciplinary offense
Tampering may result in termination

4.4 Upload and Storage

All footage must be uploaded at the end of each shift
Data is stored on secure ARS systems
Access is restricted to authorized personnel

4.5 Retention Schedule

Footage Type Retention Period Standard Patrol 90 Days Incident / Use of Force Minimum 3 Years Legal Hold As Required

Retention may be extended for investigations or litigation.

5. Incident Response Guidelines

6. Reporting and Documentation

6.1 Incident Reports

Any use of force, threat, injury, or major disturbance must be documented in writing within 24 hours.

Reports must be submitted to ARS management.

6.2 Cooperation

Officers shall cooperate fully with internal reviews, law enforcement inquiries, and regulatory audits.

7. Training and Licensing Requirements

All ARS officers must:

Complete required pre-assignment training
Maintain current Washington Security Guard licensing
Carry valid credentials while on duty
Complete ongoing policy and compliance training

Failure to meet requirements may result in suspension.

8. Compliance and Discipline

Violations of this policy may result in:

Retraining
Suspension
Termination
License reporting
Legal action

ARS maintains zero tolerance for excessive force, misconduct, or unlawful recording.

9. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with:

State and federal law
Licensing requirements
Industry best practices

Updates will be published on the ARS website and distributed internally.

10. Legal Notice

This policy provides operational guidance and does not constitute legal advice. ARS recommends periodic review by qualified legal counsel licensed in Washington State.

Acknowledgment

All ARS personnel are required to read, understand, and comply with this policy as a condition of employment.

Situation

Verbal Trespass

Passive Resistance

Active Aggression

Physical Assault

Officer Response

Distance + Verbal Commands

No Physical Contact + Call Police

Retreat + Call Police

Self-Defense Only

BWC Requirement

Activate

Record