CA Security Guard flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Private person arrest authority

In California, a security guard has the same arrest authority as a private citizen under Penal Code 837, not the broader powers of a peace officer.

Merchant's privilege

Penal Code 490.5 permits a merchant or agent to detain a suspected shoplifter in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time to investigate, using only necessary force.

Probable cause

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and that the person detained committed it.

Delivery to peace officer

After a citizen's arrest, the guard must deliver the arrestee to a peace officer without unnecessary delay and state the facts of the arrest.

Objective reasonableness

Force is judged by what a reasonable guard would do under the same totality of circumstances, not by hindsight or the guard's intent.

Deadly force limit

Deadly force may be used only to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury, never solely to protect property or to stop a fleeing suspect.

Duty to intervene

A guard who observes another person using excessive force must intervene when feasible and report the incident to a supervisor.

De-escalation first

When time and circumstances permit, guards should use communication, distance, and cover to reduce the threat before resorting to force.

Active listening

Fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to a speaker; includes paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting feelings.

Nonverbal communication

Body language, posture, gestures, facial expression, and tone convey much of a message; an open, non-threatening posture reduces escalation.

Radio protocol

Identify your unit, give your location, describe the incident, state what you need, and wait for acknowledgment; keep transmissions brief and clear.

Personal space zone

Social distance of roughly four to twelve feet is appropriate for strangers; moving closer may be perceived as a threat and escalate.

Report chronology

Write events in time order, including date, time, location, persons, actions, statements, evidence, and disposition of the incident.

Objective reporting

Record observable facts and direct quotes rather than opinions, conclusions, or labels such as suspicious without supporting detail.

Chain of custody

Document every transfer of evidence, including who had it, when, where, and why, to preserve its admissibility in court.

Head-to-toe description

Describe a person from head down: hair, face, scars, tattoos, clothing, shoes, gait, and distinguishing marks or speech.

First impression

A guard's appearance, greeting, and courtesy shape public trust; professional conduct reduces complaints and increases voluntary cooperation.

Complaint handling

Listen without arguing, acknowledge the person's feelings, gather facts, avoid promises, and refer the complaint to a supervisor.

Cultural awareness

Recognize differences in language, customs, and communication style; avoid stereotyping and treat all persons with equal respect.

Media inquiries

Guards should not give statements to the media; politely refer reporters to the supervisor or designated public information officer.

Crowd types

Crowds range from casual and expressive to aggressive and mob-like; identify mood and leaders to choose the safest response.

Multiple warnings

Before dispersing a crowd, give clear warnings with time, exit routes, and consequences, and document that the warnings were given.

Escape route

Guards should maintain a clear path in and out of crowd areas and avoid being surrounded or trapped.

Assembly rights

Lawful assembly and free speech are protected; force or dispersal is justified only when conduct becomes unlawful or violent.

Subpoena duty

A subpoena legally compels appearance; failure to appear can result in contempt, so notify the employer and attend on time.

Testify to facts

Answer only what is asked, state facts you personally observed, and say I don't know rather than guessing.

Refreshing memory

Notes may be used to refresh recollection on the stand; opposing counsel may ask to see the notes you used.

Court demeanor

Dress professionally, stand when addressing the judge, speak clearly, and remain calm and polite under cross-examination.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm the building, Contain the fire, and Evacuate or Extinguish if it is safe to do so.

PASS extinguisher

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle side to side.

Active shooter response

Run if safe, Hide if escape is impossible, Fight only as a last resort, and call 911 when safe.

Emergency call details

Report what happened, the exact location, number of people involved, injuries, and your name and callback number.