ABST - Alberta Basic Security Training Basic Security Procedures Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While conducting a foot patrol at a shopping mall, a security professional notices an individual trying the handles of several parked cars in the parking lot. According to the principle of 'finds committing', what is the security professional's authority in this situation?
- To immediately arrest the individual for attempted theft. (Correct answer)
- To use any force necessary to stop the individual.
- To only observe and report the activity to the police.
- To ask the individual for their identification and search their bag.
Correct answer: To immediately arrest the individual for attempted theft.
Under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, a property owner or their authorized agent (like a security guard) can arrest without a warrant a person whom they find committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property. Trying car door handles is a clear attempt at theft, which is a criminal offense the guard is witnessing firsthand.
Question 2: Which of the following is the PRIMARY purpose of conducting regular security patrols?
- To project an image of authority to the public.
- To deter, detect, and respond to potential security incidents. (Correct answer)
- To provide customer service and directions to visitors.
- To ensure employees are following company policies.
Correct answer: To deter, detect, and respond to potential security incidents.
The core function of security patrols is to prevent incidents from happening (deter), identify any unusual or unauthorized activity (detect), and take appropriate action when an incident occurs (respond). While other options can be secondary duties, the primary goal is always focused on security and safety.
Question 3: A security professional is stationed at a front desk and is responsible for access control. An individual arrives without proper identification and insists on entering a restricted area. What is the most appropriate first step the security professional should take?
- Immediately call the police to report a trespasser.
- Allow the individual access to avoid a confrontation.
- Politely deny access and explain the site's identification policy. (Correct answer)
- Physically block the individual from entering the area.
Correct answer: Politely deny access and explain the site's identification policy.
The first step in access control is to enforce the established policy through clear communication. The guard should professionally and politely state the rules for entry and deny access. Escalating to physical intervention or calling the police should only occur if the individual refuses to comply and attempts to force entry.
Question 4: When documenting an incident in a notebook, which principle is most critical for ensuring the notes can be used as evidence?
- Using personal shorthand to write notes faster.
- Including personal opinions about who was at fault.
- Recording information that is objective, factual, and chronological. (Correct answer)
- Waiting until the end of the shift to write down all details from memory.
Correct answer: Recording information that is objective, factual, and chronological.
Security reports and notes must be objective, factual, accurate, and written in chronological order to be considered credible evidence. Opinions, assumptions, and unverified information should be avoided. Notes should be taken at the time of the incident or as soon as possible thereafter to ensure accuracy.
Question 5: During a routine patrol of an office building after hours, a security professional discovers a broken window and signs of a forced entry. What should be their immediate priority?
- Enter the office to determine what was stolen.
- Clean up the broken glass to prevent injuries.
- Secure their own safety and then notify law enforcement.
- Contact the building manager to report the property damage. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Contact the building manager to report the property damage.
Upon discovering a potential crime scene, a security professional's first priority is their own safety. They should not enter the area as the suspect may still be present. The correct procedure is to withdraw to a safe location, notify the police immediately, and then inform site management while protecting the scene from contamination.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes an effective foot patrol technique?
- Always using the same route and schedule to ensure consistency.
- Varying the patrol route and timing to avoid predictability. (Correct answer)
- Engaging in long conversations with staff to build rapport.
- Keeping your eyes focused straight ahead to appear more alert.
Correct answer: Varying the patrol route and timing to avoid predictability.
Predictable patrol patterns can be exploited by criminals. Varying the route and timing of patrols makes it difficult for someone to predict the security guard's location, thus enhancing the deterrent effect of the patrol. While consistency in covering all areas is important, the pattern should not become routine.
ABST - Alberta Basic Security Training Basic Security Procedures Questions and Answers
While conducting a foot patrol at a shopping mall, a security professional notices an individual trying the handles of several parked cars in the parking lot.
According to the principle of 'finds committing', what is the security professional's authority in this situation?