GA Security Guard key terms

A credential issued by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies that authorizes a person or company to perform security services for hire in the state.

The state regulatory body that licenses security companies, registers individual guards, investigates complaints, and may suspend or revoke credentials for violations of Georgia law and board rules.

A pocket credential issued to an individual security officer showing the officer's name, employer, and registration status; officers must carry it while on duty and present it on request.

Performing security services for hire without a valid company license or individual registration, an offense that can bring criminal charges and civil penalties against both guard and employer.

A separate endorsement beyond basic registration that permits a security officer to carry a firearm on duty after completing required firearms training and meeting age and background standards.

The limited power of a private person to detain someone who commits a crime in the person's presence or who is fleeing from a felony, with the detainee promptly delivered to law enforcement.

A temporary restraint on a person's freedom of movement, such as blocking a path or holding someone briefly, that must rest on reasonable suspicion or a lawful basis and stay limited in scope.

Specific, articulable facts plus rational inferences that would lead an ordinary officer to believe criminal activity is occurring or has occurred; a lower standard than probable cause.

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and that a particular person committed it; required for a lawful arrest.

A brief investigative detention based on reasonable suspicion during which an officer may pat down outer clothing for weapons if the officer reasonably believes the person is armed and dangerous.

A limited frisk of a person's outer clothing for weapons, not evidence, permitted only when there is reasonable belief the person is armed; anything immediately identifiable as contraband may be seized.

Rule allowing an officer lawfully present in a location to seize evidence or contraband whose incriminating character is immediately apparent without a warrant.

A warrantless search permitted when a person with authority over the area gives voluntary, unambiguous permission; the person may limit the scope or withdraw consent at any time.

The constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants supported by probable cause and limiting government action, including that of security officers acting as state agents.

The amount of physical coercion applied to gain compliance, which must be objectively reasonable and proportionate to the threat, the offense, and the resistance encountered.

Force likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, permitted in Georgia only to prevent death or great bodily harm or to stop a forcible felony, and never solely to protect property.

The obligation of a security officer to stop or report a colleague's clearly excessive force when in a position to do so, and to render aid to injured persons afterward.

Techniques and habits that keep a firearm under the officer's control, including proper holstering, guarding against grabs, and maintaining distance from a subject during contact.

A documented, unbroken record of who collected, handled, transferred, and stored evidence from the moment of seizure to its presentation in court.

A written register recording each item seized, its description, identifying number, location found, date, time, and the name of the officer who took custody.

A factual written account of an event prepared by the officer involved, covering who, what, when, where, how, and what action was taken, written in chronological order and objective language.

The practiced ability to notice and later recall specific details of people, vehicles, and surroundings, including descriptions built from head to toe and distinctive features.

A planned sequence of checkpoints and areas an officer covers during a shift, varied in timing and direction to avoid predictability and to maximize visible presence.

Procedures that verify identity and authorization before allowing people or vehicles into a restricted area, using badges, logs, visitor passes, and challenge questions.

The process of registering guests, issuing temporary badges, recording entry and exit times, and confirming escort requirements so that only authorized persons are on the premises.

A written set of procedures telling occupants what to do during fire, severe weather, medical, or security emergencies, including evacuation routes, assembly areas, and assigned roles.

A pre-designated safe location outside a building where occupants gather after evacuation so that a head count can be taken and missing persons reported to responders.

The letter categories of fire and matching extinguishers: A for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, C for energized electrical equipment, D for metals, and K for cooking oils.

The four-step method for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side from a safe distance.

Georgia protection that limits civil liability for a person who gives emergency care in good faith without expectation of payment, provided the care is not grossly negligent.

Emergency technique of chest compressions, with rescue breaths if trained, used to circulate blood when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally until help arrives.

A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest; it prompts the user through each step with voice instructions.

The professional standards of honesty, integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, and respect for the rights of others that govern a security officer's conduct on and off duty.

A situation in which an officer's personal, financial, or family interest could improperly influence official decisions, requiring disclosure and withdrawal from the matter.

A gift, tip, favor, or payment offered because of the officer's position; accepting one can compromise impartiality and violate employer policy or licensing rules.

Infectious microorganisms such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV that can be transmitted through blood or body fluids, requiring gloves and other protective equipment.

The practice of treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious and using barriers such as gloves, eye protection, and hand hygiene with every exposure situation.

Gear worn to reduce exposure to hazards, including gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns for body fluids, plus vests and flashlights for patrol safety.

Observable signs of intoxication or drug influence such as odor, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, and erratic behavior, recorded objectively and reported to the supervisor.