In which situations should a security guard use a "de-escalation" technique?

De-escalation techniques are specifically designed to manage conflicts or encounters that have the potential to become volatile. In these situations, a security guard can apply these techniques to calm individuals, diffuse tension, and minimize the likelihood of the situation escalating into violence. The goal is to promote a peaceful resolution through effective communication, empathy, and understanding, helping to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including bystanders.

While feeling threatened by a large crowd or responding to a direct physical attack might require immediate and assertive action, those scenarios are not ideal for de-escalation techniques. Instead, de-escalation is most effective in situations where there is a risk of conflict but where communication and negotiation can help resolve issues without resorting to force. Formal training exercises may teach these techniques; however, the need for de-escalation often arises in real-life encounters, making it essential for security personnel to apply these skills situationally when conflicts begin to unfold.