> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Tennessee Use of Force Continuum & Dallas’ Law: A Guide for Security Professionals - URL: https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/blog/use-of-force-continuum-dallas-law-tennessee/ - Published: 2026-10-18T22:23:38.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-18T22:23:38.000Z - Description: Master the Use of Force Continuum and ensure compliance with Tennessee's Dallas Law. Learn about mandatory training, non-lethal options, and proportionate response. - Author: Angel Rodriguez - Tags: #blog, Article by Alliance Training and Testing, B2B Feature, Compliance, Dallas's Law, de-escalation, Liability Management, physical security, Podcast by Alliance Training and Testing, risk management, security guard, security officer duties, security officer skills, security officer tips, security professional, security training A tense situation unfolds. Adrenaline spikes. A split-second decision can mean the difference between a peaceful resolution and a career-ending, or even life-altering, incident. For security professionals, this isn't a movie scene; it's a real possibility on the job. How do you ensure your response is justified, legal, and effective? The answer lies in a deep understanding of the **Use of Force Continuum**. What is Dallas’ Law? | Tennessee Use of Force Guide for Security Guards [‪@guardtrainingtn‬](https://www.youtube.com/@guardtrainingtn) This guide is designed for security professionals who need to navigate these high-stakes moments with confidence and clarity. We will break down the essential framework that governs physical intervention, explore the critical principle of proportionate response, and detail specific Tennessee legislation—Dallas' Law—that every guard in the state must know. As the leading provider of Dallas' Law Training in Tennessee, [**Alliance Training and Testing**](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/) helps professionals understand these concepts to protect themselves, their clients, and the public. ## **What is the Use of Force Continuum?** The Use of Force Continuum is a guideline—not a rigid set of rules—that helps law enforcement and security personnel determine the appropriate level of force to use in any given situation. It’s a tiered model that escalates or de-escalates based on a subject's actions and the threat they pose. The primary goal is to use the [**least amount of force necessary** ](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/blog/tn-hotel-alcohol-compliance-dallas-law/)to safely control a situation. This framework provides a structured way to think through responses, ensuring they are reasonable and defensible after the fact. ![The 5 Levels of the Continuum](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/The-5-Levels-of-the-Continuum.png) The 5 Levels of the Continuum ### **The 5 Levels of the Continuum** While models vary slightly, most follow these progressive levels. A professional must be prepared to move up or down this ladder as a subject's behavior changes. - **Level 1: Professional Presence.** This is the baseline. Your visibility in a professional uniform often deters unwanted behavior. Your presence communicates authority and control without any physical action. - **Level 2: Verbal Commands.** Clear, concise, and authoritative verbal commands are the next step. This includes everything from a simple "Sir, you need to leave the premises" to louder, more direct commands in a tense situation. De-escalation techniques are a critical skill at this stage. - **Level 3: Empty-Hand Control.** This level begins when a subject ignores verbal commands and becomes non-compliant or passively resistant. It is often divided into two sub-categories: - *Soft Techniques:* Using joint locks, pressure points, and restraint holds to guide a subject without causing injury. - *Hard Techniques:* Employing strikes, kicks, or other **defensive tactics** to stop a subject who has become physically aggressive. - **Level 4: Less-Lethal / Non-Lethal Force Options.** When empty-hand control is insufficient or too dangerous to attempt, officers may escalate to less-lethal tools designed to incapacitate a subject with a lower likelihood of causing death or serious injury. - **Level 5: Lethal Force.** This is the highest level on the continuum and is reserved for situations where an officer reasonably believes there is an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm to themselves or others. ## **The Core Principle: Proportionate Response** The non-negotiable principle of **proportionate** **response runs through every level of the continuum**. This legal and ethical standard requires that the force used be proportional to the threat faced. In simple terms, **the response must match the resistance**. Understanding and applying proportionate response is crucial for legal protection, public safety, and demonstrating professionalism. ## **Exploring Non-Lethal Force Options** When a situation requires more than empty-hand techniques but does not justify lethal force, security professionals may turn to **non-lethal force options**. Using any of these tools requires specific training and certification; improper use can lead to severe legal consequences. ![Exploring Non-Lethal Force Options](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/Exploring-Non-Lethal-Force-Options.png) Exploring Non-Lethal Force Options - **Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray:** An inflammatory agent that causes temporary blindness and difficulty breathing. Before carrying chemical spray, a security guard must complete at least four hours of training administered by a certified trainer. - **Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs / Stun Guns):** Devices that use electricity to temporarily immobilize a subject. Security guards must complete at least four hours of specialized training before carrying a stun gun. - **Batons / Impact Weapons:** Used to strike specific areas of the body to deter an attack or force compliance. Before carrying a baton, guards must complete at least four hours of instruction on proper use and associated liabilities. ## **Tennessee Law Spotlight: Strict Compliance with Dallas' Law** In 2021, Tennessee passed a significant piece of legislation known as [**Dallas' Law** ](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/courses/online-dallas-law-security-guard-certification-course-tn)(Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118), named after Dallas "DJ" Barrett. This law revolutionized training requirements to prioritize de-escalation and emergency response in nightlife and hospitality environments. ### **Who Must Comply?** [**Dallas' Law** ](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/online-dallas-law-certification-tn/)applies to **any security guard or officer** (both armed and unarmed) who is employed by a contract security company or proprietary security organization to perform services at a commercial establishment that holds a license or permit for on-premises alcohol consumption. This includes door staff and bouncers. The law also removed previous training exemptions for unarmed guards employed directly by in-house Proprietary Security Organizations (PSOs). ### **The 4 Mandatory Training Pillars** ![The 4 Mandatory Training Pillars](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/The-4-Mandatory-Training-Pillars.png) The 4 Mandatory Training Pillars To comply with Dallas' Law, guards must complete state-mandated training in four specific areas. Each module is strictly regulated to ensure thorough instruction: - **De-escalation Techniques:** Guards must complete at least one hour of de-escalation training. - **Proper and Safe Restraint:** Guards must complete proper and safe restraint training that is no less than one hour in duration. - **First Aid:** Guards must complete at least one hour of first aid training. - **CPR:** Guards must complete at least one hour of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. ### **Timelines and Recertification** ![Timelines and Recertification](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/Timelines-and-Recertification.png) Timelines and Recertification - [**The 15-Day Rule**](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/blog/tn-security-10-day-reporting-rules/)**:** Any security guard providing services at an alcohol-serving establishment must complete this additional training within 15 days of being employed by the organization or placed at that specific post. - [**Refresher Courses**](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/bundles/tn-security-bouncer-renewal-bundle)**:** To maintain compliance, guards must complete a 2-hour biennial refresher course every two years. ### **Penalties for Non-Compliance** Failure to comply with [Dallas' Law](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/bundles/tn-security-bouncer-bundle) carries severe consequences for both the individual and the business: ![Penalties for Non-Compliance](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/Penalties-for-Non-Compliance.png) Penalties for Non-Compliance - **For Security Guards:** Risk of registration suspension, revocation, civil penalties, or misdemeanor charges. - **For Business Owners:** Knowingly employing unregistered or untrained security staff is a Class A misdemeanor. This can trigger a mandatory 30-day suspension of the establishment's liquor license or local beer permit by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission or local beer board. ### **The Alliance Training and Testing Advantage** ![The Alliance Training and Testing Advantage](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e1/40/e140aa70-b7e1-4c14-9a63-d79885d1aafa/content/images/2026/10/The-Alliance-Training-and-Testing-Advantage.png) The Alliance Training and Testing Advantage Getting certified doesn't have to disrupt your schedule. State-approved online certification courses through [**Alliance** **Training** **and** **Testing**](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/about-alliance-training-testing/) typically cost about $60 to $75 and take about 4 to 5 hours to complete. Our platform offers a streamlined, expertly designed curriculum that meets all statutory requirements, so you can work legally and safely. ### **Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)** **1\. Does Dallas' Law apply to unarmed security guards in Tennessee?** Yes. Any security guard or officer—armed or unarmed—must complete Dallas' Law training if they perform security or patrol services at a commercial establishment licensed or permitted for on-premises consumption of alcohol. **2\. How long do I have to complete the** [**Dallas Law training**](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/courses/online-dallas-law-security-guard-certification-course-tn)**?** A security guard who has not yet completed the required training must complete it within fifteen (15) days of being employed to provide services at an establishment that serves alcohol on-premises. **3\. What happens if a security guard uses excessive force?** A security guard who uses excessive or disproportionate force can face severe consequences, including termination of employment, civil lawsuits from the victim, and criminal charges such as assault or battery. This is why a thorough understanding of the Use of Force Continuum and proportionate response is critical. **4\. Can a security guard skip steps on the Use of Force Continuum?** Yes. The continuum is a guideline, not a rigid ladder. If a subject immediately presents a lethal threat, a security professional may move directly to the appropriate level of force to stop that threat, provided the response is proportional to the subject's actions. ### **Call to Action** **Are you a security guard looking for a certification course? Or a venue owner checking compliance rules for your door staff?** Don't risk your license or your business. Stay fully compliant with Tennessee state law today. **Get Certified with Alliance Training & Testing:** - [Online Dallas Law Certification Course (TN)](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/online-dallas-law-certification-tn/) - [Complete TN Security & Bouncer Bundle](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/bundles/tn-security-bouncer-bundle) - [TN Security & Bouncer Renewal Bundle](https://securityguardlicensetn.com/bundles/tn-security-bouncer-renewal-bundle) *Read more about compliance:*[ TN Hotel Alcohol Compliance & Dallas' Law](https://www.guardtrainingtn.com/blog/tn-hotel-alcohol-compliance-dallas-law/) What is Dallas’ Law? TN Security Guard Training & Use of Force Guide ‪@guardtrainingtn‬