Use of Force
Doctrine
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Beowulf Defense And Security
Use of Force Doctrine
Drafted 2011
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Use of Force
Because of the missions that Beowulf Defense and Security may be expected to perform, employees must
read and understand the use of force policy as it pertains to the defensive and offensive need to protect
themselves, third parties, or other individuals incapable of defending themselves an aggressor.
Employees of BDS are held accountable any time the use of force becomes necessary—whether they’re
leaving the front door of their home or standing watch on the deck of a bulk carrier in the Indian Ocean.
While this document deals with the use of deadly force, and the use of firearms, principles apply to the
use of non-lethal physical force as well.
Force always must be reasonable and necessary to the situation at hand, and must be justified and
legally appropriate. Any time the use of force becomes necessary, employees are expected to report such
incidents at the first opportunity using the standardized reporting methods outlined later in this
document.
Rules for the Use of Force

Beowulf requires employees to take all reasonable steps to avoid the use of force. If force is
used, it shall be in a manner consistent with applicable law. In no case shall the use of force
exceed what is strictly necessary, and should be proportionate to the threat and appropriate to
the situation.

Beowulf requires that employees do not use firearms against persons except in self-defense or
defense of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury, or to prevent the
perpetration of a particularly serious crime involving grave threat to life.

Beowulf requires that the use of force or of firearms will comply with all national and
international obligations applicable to regular law enforcement officials of that state and, as a
minimum, with the standards expressed in the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of
Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990).
Deadly Force
Use of Deadly Physical Force – Beowulf policy states that an employee is justified in using deadly physical
force in the following situations:
1. To defend yourself, a principal client, or a third party from what is reasonably believed to
be an active threat brandishing a deadly weapon and who poses imminent danger to
human life or threat of serious bodily injury.
Beowulf Defense And Security
Use of Force Doctrine
Drafted 2011
3|Beowulf Defense and Security
2. Otherwise indicated, that the threat presents an imminent danger to human life or threat
of serious bodily injury to a third party unless immobilized immediately.
Elements of Deadly Force

Ability or Apparent Ability: Does the threat possess the ability to kill you or a third party or to
cause you or a third party serious bodily harm unless action is taken?

Opportunity: Does the violator have the opportunity to kill you or a third party or to cause you or
a third party serious bodily harm?

Imminent Jeopardy: By being within a situational dependent distance has the violator placed you,
the principal, or a third party in imminent danger?
NOTE: Beowulf defines this distance to be a minimum of 500 yards when on open terrain, and 50 yards
in an urban environment when not otherwise stated by the standing ROE

Preclusion: Have you reasonably exhausted all of your avenues of de-escalation at that time and
place—such as warning fire, verbal warnings, and attempts to exfiltrate the area without
confrontation?
Post Engagement
After a use of force incident, employees shall:
1. Summon law enforcement and notify them of the threat and that there was a use of force
escalation
2. Note: For persons on assignment, this may require notifying appropriate military forces
operating in the area as well
3. Summon the appropriate medical assistance (Indigenous Medical Services, Local Military
Forces (I.E. CTF152) as the local ROE calls for. Non-deployed persons must contact local
EMS.
4. **IF SAFE** Remain on scene to make the scene safe and secure and be vigilant for any
potential follow up threat while awaiting LE/Military/or a Medical response (As ROE dictates).
Once the responders are on scene, Beowulf employees will give their full and utmost cooperation.
5. When able, submit the form title ―Use Of Force Follow Up‖ located in the employee library
via email. If on assignment, refer to ROE for additional follow up measures.
Beowulf Defense And Security
Use of Force Doctrine
Drafted 2011
4|Beowulf Defense and Security