SAIWA Licensing and Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, what are the main licence classes available in WA?
- Guard, Investigator, and Consultant only
- Classes covering guard, crowd control, investigator, consultant, installer, and bodyguard functions (Correct answer)
- A single universal licence
- Only guard and crowd control
Correct answer: Classes covering guard, crowd control, investigator, consultant, installer, and bodyguard functions
The Act provides multiple licence classes covering various security functions.
Each class has specific training requirements and authorises different functions. An individual may hold multiple classes.
Question 2: What is the legal responsibility of a security guard regarding use of force in WA?
- Any level of force deemed necessary
- Force must be reasonable, proportionate, and used only as a last resort (Correct answer)
- No physical force under any circumstances
- Determined by company policy alone
Correct answer: Force must be reasonable, proportionate, and used only as a last resort
Force must be reasonable, proportionate to the threat, and used only when no other option is available.
Security agents do not have special force powers beyond those available to ordinary citizens. Excessive force can result in criminal charges and licence cancellation.
Question 3: A security agent suspects a person of shoplifting. What legal powers do they have?
- Same arrest powers as police
- Citizen's arrest powers when they witness a serious offence being committed (Correct answer)
- No powers at all
- Power to search without consent
Correct answer: Citizen's arrest powers when they witness a serious offence being committed
Security agents can exercise citizen's arrest powers when they personally witness a serious (indictable) offence.
These powers are more limited than police powers. The agent must personally witness the offence, it must be serious, and the person must be handed to police promptly.
Question 4: What is an agent's responsibility regarding notification of change of personal details to the licensing authority?
- No notification required until renewal
- Notify the licensing authority within 7 days of any change of name, address, or contact details (Correct answer)
- Only address changes need notification
- Notification is optional
Correct answer: Notify the licensing authority within 7 days of any change of name, address, or contact details
Licensed agents must notify the Licensing Enforcement Division within 7 days of any personal detail changes.
Failure to maintain current details is a breach of licence conditions and can result in penalties.
Question 5: What responsibility does a licensed agent have regarding physical identification while on duty?
- Only carry ID if requested by police
- Must wear or carry security identification including licence number visibly while performing duties (Correct answer)
- No identification requirements
- Only a driver licence is required
Correct answer: Must wear or carry security identification including licence number visibly while performing duties
Agents must display or carry their security identification including licence number while performing security functions.
This allows public verification, enables compliance checks, and provides accountability for the agent's actions.
Question 6: Can a security agent detain a person suspected of trespassing on private property?
- Yes, indefinitely
- Ask the person to leave and contact police if refused; detention only justified for serious offences (Correct answer)
- No authority to interact with trespassers
- Yes, but only during daytime
Correct answer: Ask the person to leave and contact police if refused; detention only justified for serious offences
For simple trespass, request departure and contact police if refused. Physical detention is only justified for serious offences.
Trespass alone is generally minor and does not justify physical detention. If a serious offence is also being committed, citizen's arrest powers may apply.
SAIWA Licensing and Responsibilities 2
Under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, what are the main licence classes available in WA?