ABST - Alberta Basic Security Training Introduction to Security Industry Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary role of a security professional as defined by the Security Services and Investigators Act of Alberta?
- To enforce all federal and provincial laws.
- To protect an organization's property, personnel, and information. (Correct answer)
- To conduct arrests and criminal investigations.
- To provide emergency medical services.
Correct answer: To protect an organization's property, personnel, and information.
The Security Services and Investigators Act defines a security guard's role as protecting an organization's property, personnel, and information against threats like fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. While they may assist with incidents, their primary function is protection, not law enforcement or medical services.
Question 2: A security professional in Alberta is required to be licensed. Who is the governing body responsible for issuing this license?
- The local municipal police service.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
- The Government of Alberta, specifically through Alberta Justice. (Correct answer)
- A private industry-led association.
Correct answer: The Government of Alberta, specifically through Alberta Justice.
In Alberta, the licensing of security professionals is a provincial responsibility managed under the Security Services and Investigators Act. Alberta Justice is the government body that issues these licenses, ensuring all applicants meet the required standards.
Question 3: While on duty at a shopping mall, a security professional observes an individual shoplifting. According to the Criminal Code of Canada, what is the security professional's authority in this situation?
- They have the same authority as a police officer to make an arrest.
- They can perform a citizen's arrest because they witnessed an indictable offence. (Correct answer)
- They are only authorized to observe and report and cannot detain the individual.
- They must obtain a warrant before they can take any action.
Correct answer: They can perform a citizen's arrest because they witnessed an indictable offence.
Under Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada, any person, including a security professional, may arrest without a warrant someone they find committing an indictable offence. Shoplifting is considered an indictable offence. The security professional is acting as a private citizen in this capacity and must deliver the arrested person to a peace officer forthwith.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the principle of 'professional deportment' for a security professional?
- Completing detailed and accurate incident reports.
- Maintaining a professional appearance and a calm, courteous demeanor. (Correct answer)
- Conducting frequent and random patrols of the assigned area.
- Having advanced knowledge of all site-specific emergency procedures.
Correct answer: Maintaining a professional appearance and a calm, courteous demeanor.
Professional deportment refers to a security professional's conduct and appearance. This includes being well-groomed, wearing a proper uniform, and interacting with the public in a calm, respectful, and courteous manner. It is a key component of professionalism in the security industry.
Question 5: A security professional is asked by their supervisor to perform a task that they believe is illegal. What is the most appropriate course of action for the professional to take?
- Follow the supervisor's order to avoid being insubordinate.
- Perform the task but anonymously report the supervisor afterward.
- Refuse to perform the task and report the request to a higher authority or the proper regulatory body. (Correct answer)
- Ask a colleague to perform the task instead.
Correct answer: Refuse to perform the task and report the request to a higher authority or the proper regulatory body.
A security professional's primary duty is to act lawfully and ethically. If a supervisor orders an illegal act, the professional must refuse. The proper response is to decline the order and report the situation to a higher level of management within the company or, if necessary, to the provincial registrar responsible for security licensing.
Question 6: Under the Security Services and Investigators Act regulations, what is a key requirement regarding the uniform worn by a security professional?
- It must be black or navy blue in color.
- It must be approved by the local police service.
- It must not resemble the uniform of a police officer. (Correct answer)
- It must have the security professional's name embroidered on it.
Correct answer: It must not resemble the uniform of a police officer.
The regulations under the Security Services and Investigators Act explicitly state that a security professional's uniform must not resemble that of a police officer or other law enforcement agencies. This is to prevent public confusion and ensure a clear distinction between private security and public law enforcement.
ABST - Alberta Basic Security Training Introduction to Security Industry Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the primary role of a security professional as defined by the Security Services and Investigators Act of Alberta?