How-to for Security Guards: Using Your Flashlight as a Weapon

Being a security guard isn't always the easiest job in the world, even though some media depicts it that way. We all know those stereotypical security guards you see in the movies such as John Q. They are lazy, out of shape, and have minimal knowledge of what to do during a critical situation, or any situation for that matter.

In this article I am going to talk about a surprise weapon that security guards can use. Also, I will also tell you, as a security guard, what to do during an attack. First will be what surprise weapon a security guard can wield, or use, during certain situations.

The law depicts how much force someone may use in situations by saying that they must use equal force. So if you're a guard that stands at 5' and weighs 135 pounds, then the court will probably rule that the use of a weapon (depending on which weapon was used) was necessary against someone standing at 6'5" that weighs 250 pounds, and is currently induced in a state of rage due to drug abuse. However, I cannot stress this enough - do not brutally overuse the weapon, do not become, or be, the aggressor, and use less than or equal force. You must use split-second discretion in such situations, so judge each situation accordingly.

In the state of New York you must be licensed to carry a "weapon". These weapons include, but are definitely not limited to, knives, nightsticks, guns, tazors, stun guns, and so on. However, the one item that a security guard may use as a "weapon" without a license, as it is not a weapon at all really, is the flashlight. Any security guard that is patrolling a somewhat dangerous and/or dark area should be carrying one of these anyway. I am not talking about one of those miniature flashlights, I am talking about the kind that the police use - the big, black flashlights that are pretty heavy. Technically, these flashlights are, well, flashlights, not weapons. Since these larger flashlights pretty heavy, they can easily be used as a weapon. But as I said before, cautiously use it at your own discretion.

But what is the best way to use a flashlight? is there a specific way to swing the flashlight? Or is there a specific stance that I, the guard, should be standing in? Luckily, I will tell you these techniques.

When you walk up to a hostile person whom you believe will become overly-aggressive, hold the flashlight in your dominant hand and lay your hand on shoulder that correlates with the dominant hand (if you have a dominant right hand, than you should have the flashlight resting on your right shoulder and vice versa). In this position the head of the flashlight should be facing the person, your hand should be wrapped around the flashlight where the head meets the shaft, and you should be gripping tightly. The flashlight doesn't have to be turned on. If the light is on I suggest pointing it downwards, otherwise you're provoking an attack if you're point the light in their faces.

Now, if the person becomes aggressive and runs at or tries to attack you, swing the flashlight (sort of like a tennis racket). Where you swing depends on the situation and your precision. If the person is drugged up and much larger than you, I'd say for for a knock out to the head and call police. If they are the same size, a body shot to send a warning should do. If they proceed, use your discretion to decide where to swing next. In this situation, do not become the aggressor. If the initial attacker backs down, or is hurt, call the police. And no matter what happens, always report the attack.

Note: This article pertains to the law of the state of New York. I am in no way or form advocating the use of unnecessary weaponry. Instead, I am educating security guards in the state of New York on how they may legally protect themselves, and the best ways too. In all aggressive instances, you should call the police and report it to your headquarters.