Mixed Deck — All COA Topics Flashcards

What does 'contemporaneous' mean in the context of incident reporting?

Answer: Recorded at or shortly after the time of the incident while the details are still fresh

Contemporaneous records are made at the time or very shortly after an event. They carry greater evidentiary weight than records made later from memory, as they are less subject to distortion or forgetting.

Under the Act, can a security company employ an unlicensed person to carry out security work?

Answer: No — any person performing security functions must hold a valid certificate of approval

The Act prohibits security companies from employing persons who do not hold a valid certificate of approval to perform security functions. There is no grace period for employment of unlicensed workers.

What is the purpose of an access control system managed by NZ security guards?

Answer: To monitor and control who enters and exits a premises, ensuring only authorised persons gain access

Access control systems managed by NZ security guards are designed to monitor and control entry and exit, ensuring only authorised individuals gain access. This includes checking IDs, managing visitor logs, issuing passes, and monitoring electronic access systems.

How should a security guard respond if a person complies after being verbally redirected?

Answer: Acknowledge the compliance positively and calmly — positive reinforcement supports the resolution

Acknowledging compliance positively reinforces the desired behaviour and reduces residual tension. It also demonstrates that the interaction was about the behaviour, not the person.

What are the key elements of a NZ security guard's patrol routine?

Answer: Varying patrol routes and times, checking all access points, monitoring for hazards, testing security systems, and documenting findings in a patrol log

Effective NZ security patrols involve: varying routes and timing (to avoid predictability), checking all doors, windows, and access points, looking for safety hazards, testing security systems, monitoring for suspicious activity, and documenting all findings in a patrol log.

A verbal trespass warning under the Trespass Act 1980 is:

Answer: Legally valid but more difficult to prove than a written notice

A verbal warning is legally recognised under the Trespass Act 1980, though a written notice provides clearer evidence if enforcement is later needed.

What is perimeter security and why is it important in NZ site protection?

Answer: The first line of defence comprising fences, walls, gates, lighting, and surveillance that deters and delays unauthorised access

Perimeter security is the first line of defence for any NZ site, comprising physical barriers (fences, walls, bollards), access control points (gates, vehicle barriers), lighting, surveillance (CCTV), signage, and alarm systems that work together to deter, detect, and delay unauthorised access.

Why is accurate documentation of security incidents critical?

Answer: It creates a legal record that supports investigations, prosecutions, and the security guard's defence if their actions are challenged

Accurate documentation creates a contemporaneous record of events that can support legal proceedings, protect the security guard from false allegations, and enable management review of incidents.

In NZ, what is the ethical obligation of a security guard who discovers their employer is engaging in illegal practices?

Answer: Report the illegal practices through appropriate channels — the Protected Disclosures Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation

NZ security guards who discover their employer engaging in illegal practices should report through appropriate channels. The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 protects employees who report serious wrongdoing from retaliation by their employer.

What is the guard tour system used in NZ security, and what is its purpose?

Answer: An electronic or mechanical system that records when and where a guard has patrolled, providing proof of patrol completion

A guard tour system (such as electronic wands, QR code scanners, or GPS-based systems) records timestamps at checkpoints throughout a patrol route, providing verifiable proof that the guard has visited each required location at the required times.

Under the NZ PSPPI Act 2010, what is the definition of a 'crowd controller' (bouncer)?

Answer: A person who monitors or controls the behaviour of people at licensed premises, entertainment events, or other venues

Under the PSPPI Act 2010, a crowd controller is defined as a person whose duties include monitoring or controlling the behaviour of persons at or near licensed premises, entertainment events, or other places of public gathering. They must hold a COA.

What first aid qualification is recommended for NZ security guards?

Answer: A current workplace first aid certificate (NZQA Unit Standards 6400, 6401, 6402) covering CPR, wound management, and medical emergencies

NZ security guards should hold a current workplace first aid certificate covering the NZQA Unit Standards for first aid (including CPR, wound management, and managing medical emergencies). This is particularly important given the nature of security work.

What does 'unlawful' in the context of defence under section 48 of the Crimes Act mean?

Answer: The force being defended against must itself be unlawful — force cannot be used to resist lawful authority

The Crimes Act defence applies to resistance against unlawful force. A security guard cannot lawfully use force to resist lawful Police action, for example, even if they disagree with it.

What personal information about a person involved in an incident should a security guard attempt to record?

Answer: Name, description (age, height, clothing, distinguishing features), and any identification provided — only what is necessary for the report

A description sufficient to identify the person and, where voluntarily provided, name and contact details should be recorded. Collection must comply with Privacy Act principles — only what is necessary and relevant.

What information should be recorded in a security incident report?

Answer: Date, time, location, persons involved, a factual description of events, actions taken, and witnesses

An incident report should capture all material facts: who, what, when, where, and how. Both the incident and the guard's response must be recorded — completeness and factual accuracy are essential.

What tone should a security incident report use?

Answer: Factual and objective — avoiding personal opinions, assumptions, or emotional language

An incident report is a factual document. Opinions, assumptions, and emotional language reduce its credibility and reliability. 'What was seen and done' — not interpretation or personal judgment.

A trespass warning issued under the Trespass Act 1980 applies to:

Answer: The specific individual warned, and no one else

A trespass warning is personal and applies only to the specific individual to whom it is directed; it cannot automatically bind other people.

What are the main workplace health and safety risks for security guards in NZ?

Answer: Physical assault, fatigue from shift work, lone worker risks, exposure to aggressive/intoxicated people, and environmental hazards

Key health and safety risks for NZ security guards include: physical assault, fatigue from night shifts and long hours, lone worker risks, dealing with aggressive or intoxicated persons, environmental hazards (weather, terrain), and psychological/stress-related risks.

What is the 'emotional survival' concept as applied to security guard de-escalation?

Answer: Managing personal fear and stress responses to maintain effective decision-making during confrontations

Managing your own stress and fear responses is critical for effective, safe decision-making in confrontations. A guard who is overwhelmed by their own emotional state cannot effectively de-escalate or respond proportionately.

When should a security officer document the details of a trespass warning they have issued?

Answer: As soon as practicable after issuing the warning, including full details of the incident

Good practice and professional standards require that a trespass warning is documented immediately after it is given, capturing the date, time, location, description of the person, and circumstances.