Final answer:
The first level of force according to national use of force guidelines is the Presence of the security guards or law enforcement officers, which serves as a non-verbal form of crime deterrence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to national use of force guidelines, the first level of force is A. Presence of the security guards. This initial level, also known as officer presence, constitutes a form of force wherein the simple presence of law enforcement or security personnel can deter criminal activity and affirm the safety of a location without the use of physical force. The visible authority symbolized by uniformed officers frequently serves to prevent or stop undesirable behavior through non-verbal communication. This is supported by studies, as referenced in the work of John Jay Rouse, which highlight the relationship between police presence and the deterrence of crime. It's important to consider this level of force within a larger framework that includes higher levels of force, which may include verbal commands, physical restraint, less-lethal means such as pepper spray or a baton, and as a last resort, lethal force.