Security Operations & Procedures Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'security survey' conducted at a facility?

Answer: To systematically identify vulnerabilities, threats, and the adequacy of existing countermeasures

A security survey is a comprehensive assessment that identifies gaps between current security posture and the protection needed.

Under what circumstance is a private security officer generally authorized to use force?

Answer: When force is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others from imminent harm or to stop an in-progress felony

Force must be proportional to the threat and legally justified; excessive force exposes both the officer and employer to civil and criminal liability.

A facility uses a 'mantrap' (also called an airlock or sally port) at its main entrance. What is the security benefit of this design?

Answer: It traps one individual at a time, enabling verification before inner door access is granted

Mantraps prevent tailgating and force individual authentication between two controlled doors before access to the secured interior.

Which of the following BEST describes an 'active shooter' response protocol commonly taught under programs like ALICE or Run-Hide-Fight?

Answer: Evacuate if possible, hide if not, and fight only as a last resort

Active shooter protocols prioritize escape, then concealment, with physical resistance reserved as a final option when no escape or hiding is possible.

What is 'continuity of operations' (COOP) planning in the context of security operations?

Answer: Pre-planning to maintain essential security functions during and after a disruptive event

COOP ensures that critical security functions continue without significant interruption even when normal operations are disrupted by emergencies.

A security officer at a data center is asked by a visitor presenting a law enforcement badge to view server logs without a warrant or subpoena. The officer should:

Answer: Deny access and refer the request to legal counsel or management

Private facilities generally require proper legal process (warrant/subpoena) before disclosing records; immediate compliance without legal review creates liability.

The term 'chain of custody' in security operations refers to:

Answer: The documented chronological record tracking evidence from collection through final disposition

Chain of custody ensures evidence integrity by documenting every person who handled it and every transfer, critical for legal admissibility.