SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia WA Security Legislation Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, what is the primary legal power a licensed security officer has when dealing with a person they reasonably suspect of committing an offence on private property?
- To demand the person's identification and conduct a search of their belongings.
- To detain the person using any means necessary until police arrive.
- To perform a 'citizen's arrest' and use reasonable force to detain the person. (Correct answer)
- To issue an on-the-spot fine for trespassing or disorderly conduct.
Correct answer: To perform a 'citizen's arrest' and use reasonable force to detain the person.
Security officers in Western Australia do not have police powers. Their authority to arrest is the same as any other citizen. They can perform a 'citizen's arrest' if they have a reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed. The force used must be reasonable and they must hand the person over to the police as soon as is practicable.
Question 2: A security agent is required by the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 to maintain certain records. Which of the following is a prescribed record that must be kept?
- A daily log of all staff meal breaks.
- A register of all visitors who enter the premises.
- An incident register detailing any notable events. (Correct answer)
- A record of all verbal warnings given to the public.
Correct answer: An incident register detailing any notable events.
The Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 specifically mandate the keeping of an Incident Register for both security agents and crowd control agents. This register is for recording details of any incident that occurs involving the agent or their employees.
Question 3: A client has hired a security company to guard a commercial building. An officer on patrol discovers a door that has been forced open after hours. According to their duties and legislative responsibilities, what is the MOST appropriate initial action for the officer to take?
- Enter the building immediately to search for intruders.
- Contact their supervisor or control room to report the situation and await instructions. (Correct answer)
- Lock the door to prevent the intruder from returning.
- Call the building manager directly to inform them of the unsecured door.
Correct answer: Contact their supervisor or control room to report the situation and await instructions.
The officer's primary duty is to observe, report, and ensure their own safety. Entering a potentially dangerous situation alone is risky. The standard and safest procedure is to immediately report the finding to their supervisor or control room. This allows for a coordinated and safe response, which will include notifying the police and the client.
Question 4: Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for an individual applying for a Security Officer and/or Crowd Controller Licence in Western Australia for the first time?
- Holding a valid driver's licence.
- Being a member of the Security Agents Institute of Western Australia (SAIWA).
- Successfully completing a written examination based on their training course content. (Correct answer)
- Having prior experience in law enforcement or the military.
Correct answer: Successfully completing a written examination based on their training course content.
Amendments to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 require that all new applicants for Security Officer and/or Crowd Controller licences must pass a written exam based on their training. This is administered by SAIWA on behalf of the WA Police Force Licensing Services.
Question 5: According to the WA Security Industry Code of Conduct, a licensed security professional must always act in a manner that serves:
- The financial interests of their employer above all else.
- Their own personal safety, even if it means ignoring a potential incident.
- The specific instructions of the client, regardless of legality.
- The public interest and with integrity. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The public interest and with integrity.
The WA Security Industry Code of Conduct mandates that licensed security personnel must prioritize the public interest and act with integrity in all their professional duties. This principle underpins the ethical and professional standards expected of the industry.
Question 6: A licensed crowd controller is working at a licensed venue. A patron is asked to leave due to intoxication but refuses. Under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, what level of force is the crowd controller permitted to use to remove the patron?
- Any force deemed necessary to remove the individual quickly.
- Only the same level of force the patron uses against them.
- Such force as is reasonably necessary in the circumstances. (Correct answer)
- No physical force is permitted; they must wait for police.
Correct answer: Such force as is reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
If a person refuses to leave a licensed premise after being asked, they are committing an offence (trespass). A licensed security officer or crowd controller is permitted to use 'reasonable force' to remove them. The definition of 'reasonable' depends on the specific circumstances of the situation.
SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia WA Security Legislation Questions and Answers 1
Under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, what is the primary legal power a licensed security officer has when dealing with a person they reasonably suspect of committing an offence on private property?