SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Professional Conduct and Ethics Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the SAIWA Code of Ethics, what is the paramount responsibility of a security agent?
- To protect the property and assets of the client at all costs.
- To follow the specific instructions of their employer without deviation.
- The welfare, health, and safety of the community. (Correct answer)
- To ensure the profitability and reputation of their security agency.
Correct answer: The welfare, health, and safety of the community.
The SAIWA Code of Ethics explicitly states that the responsibility of members for the welfare, health, and safety of the community shall at all times come before their responsibility to sectional or private interests, or to other members.
Question 2: A security agent is asked by a client to provide confidential information about a former employee that was obtained during a previous assignment. Which principle of professional conduct is most relevant in this situation?
- Acting with integrity and honesty.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest.
- Maintaining client confidentiality. (Correct answer)
- Promoting the reputation of the security industry.
Correct answer: Maintaining client confidentiality.
The SAIWA Code of Ethics requires members to respect the relationship of confidence and trust with their principal and not disclose information learned during their duties without consent. Disclosing this information would be a direct breach of confidentiality.
Question 3: Which of the following actions would be considered a breach of the WA Security Industry Code of Conduct?
- Reporting another licensed security agent for unethical practices to the regulator.
- Exchanging information and experience with other industry participants to improve the profession.
- Refusing to represent a client whose interests conflict with an existing client's, even after full disclosure.
- Intentionally spreading false rumors about a competitor's business to gain an advantage. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Intentionally spreading false rumors about a competitor's business to gain an advantage.
The WA Security Industry Code of Conduct and the SAIWA Code of Ethics both prohibit intentionally or maliciously injuring the professional reputation, prospects, or business of another person or member in the profession.
Question 4: A security agent at a shopping centre observes a person acting suspiciously but has not witnessed any crime. The agent decides to publicly announce over the PA system that the person is a potential shoplifter and should be watched. This action is unprofessional primarily because it:
- Fails to promote consumer and community confidence. (Correct answer)
- Is not an effective method of loss prevention.
- Violates the agent's duty to their employer.
- May cause unnecessary alarm to the individual.
Correct answer: Fails to promote consumer and community confidence.
The WA Security Industry Code of Conduct is designed to promote consumer and community confidence. Publicly accusing someone without evidence undermines this confidence and the public interest by creating a hostile and potentially defamatory situation, rather than handling it discreetly and professionally.
Question 5: Under the 'Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996', professional conduct is underpinned by the requirement for all licensees to act in a way that serves the:
- Financial interests of the security firm.
- Directives of the WA Police Commissioner.
- Public interest. (Correct answer)
- Contractual obligations above all else.
Correct answer: Public interest.
A core principle derived from the 'Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996' and its associated Code of Conduct is that all activities must serve the public interest and be conducted with integrity. This principle is the foundation of a security agent's ethical obligations.
Question 6: While on duty, a security agent is offered a cash payment by a patron to ignore a minor breach of venue policy. According to the SAIWA Code of Ethics, what must the agent do?
- Accept the payment as it is a minor breach and avoids conflict.
- Negotiate a higher payment before agreeing.
- Refuse any improper financial or other inducement. (Correct answer)
- Report the patron to the client for attempted bribery.
Correct answer: Refuse any improper financial or other inducement.
The SAIWA Code of Ethics clearly states that members shall not offer or receive any improper financial or other inducement to secure or accept instructions. Accepting such a payment would be a direct violation of this ethical rule and compromise the agent's integrity.
SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Professional Conduct and Ethics Questions and Answers 1
According to the SAIWA Code of Ethics, what is the paramount responsibility of a security agent?