PLRD Patrolling, Surveillance, and Professional Conduct — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of conducting random patrols rather than fixed-route patrols?
- Random patrols are less predictable, making it harder for potential offenders to plan around them (Correct answer)
- Random patrols reduce the distance officers need to walk during their shift
- Random patrols allow officers to skip less important areas of the premises
- Random patrols are required by PLRD licensing conditions for all officers
Correct answer: Random patrols are less predictable, making it harder for potential offenders to plan around them
Randomising patrol routes removes predictability from the security routine, which significantly deters potential offenders who might otherwise time their actions to coincide with a predictable patrol gap.
Question 2: A security officer notices an unfamiliar vehicle parked in a restricted area at night. What is the appropriate action?
- Record the vehicle details, attempt to identify the owner, and report to the supervisor or police if needed (Correct answer)
- Immediately tow the vehicle from the premises
- Attach a notice on the vehicle and continue the patrol
- Ignore it unless the vehicle is still there during the next patrol
Correct answer: Record the vehicle details, attempt to identify the owner, and report to the supervisor or police if needed
An unfamiliar vehicle in a restricted area requires investigation. The officer should record details such as registration number and time, attempt to identify the owner, and escalate to a supervisor or police if the vehicle cannot be explained.
Question 3: What information should be recorded in a security officer's patrol log?
- Time of patrol, areas covered, observations made, and any incidents or anomalies noted (Correct answer)
- Only incidents that result in police involvement
- A general statement confirming the premises was found to be secure
- The officer's personal notes about colleagues on duty
Correct answer: Time of patrol, areas covered, observations made, and any incidents or anomalies noted
A patrol log should be comprehensive, recording the time, areas covered, all observations including normal conditions, and any anomalies or incidents. This creates an accurate audit trail for the premises.
Question 4: A security officer observes CCTV footage showing a person attempting to break into a vehicle in the car park. What is the correct action?
- Call the police, record the footage, and observe the suspect's movements without direct confrontation alone (Correct answer)
- Rush to the car park immediately and physically apprehend the suspect
- Continue monitoring and take no action until the break-in is completed
- Contact the vehicle owner before alerting the police
Correct answer: Call the police, record the footage, and observe the suspect's movements without direct confrontation alone
The officer should call the police, preserve the CCTV footage as evidence, and keep the suspect under surveillance. Solo confrontation of a potential vehicle crime suspect poses safety risks and may not be legally necessary.
Question 5: Which of the following behaviours violates the professional conduct standards expected of a Singapore security officer?
- Sleeping during an assigned duty shift (Correct answer)
- Writing detailed patrol log entries after each round
- Reporting an observed safety hazard to the premises manager
- Wearing the correct uniform and identification badge on duty
Correct answer: Sleeping during an assigned duty shift
Sleeping on duty is a serious breach of professional conduct for a security officer. It renders the officer unable to fulfil their protective function and may violate the terms of their PLRD licence and employment contract.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure when a security officer discovers a suspicious package at a protected premises?
- Do not touch it, clear the area, call 999, and await police instructions (Correct answer)
- Open the package carefully to determine whether it is a real threat
- Move the package to an isolated area outside the building
- Take a photograph and send it to the client before calling police
Correct answer: Do not touch it, clear the area, call 999, and await police instructions
A suspicious package must never be touched or moved. The area should be cleared immediately, police called on 999, and no further action taken until professional explosive ordnance disposal teams arrive.
PLRD Patrolling, Surveillance, and Professional Conduct
What is the primary purpose of conducting random patrols rather than fixed-route patrols?