HI Security Guard flashcards

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

Governing statute for Hawaii guards

HRS Chapter 463 governs private detectives and guards in Hawaii, administered by the Board of Private Detectives and Guards, which sets licensing, training, and continuing education requirements.

Continuing education approval requirement

A continuing education course counts toward a guard's renewal only if the board has approved the course and the instructor before it is delivered; unapproved training does not qualify.

Guard arrest authority

A security guard has no special arrest powers and may detain only under citizen's arrest authority available to any private person, then must promptly transfer custody to police.

Deadly force standard

Deadly force is justified only when a reasonable person believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to self or another; property protection alone never justifies it.

De-escalation first response

De-escalation means creating distance, using calm verbal commands, calling police, and delaying physical contact until imminent harm makes it unavoidable.

Report writing essentials

Reports record who, what, when, where, and how in objective language, with times noted, and original notes are retained because they may be used as evidence.

Training record retention

Guards should keep certificates showing course title, date, hours, and instructor for the full license cycle, because renewal requires proof of completed continuing education.

Post orders defined

Post orders are site-specific written instructions from the client or employer that supplement training but cannot override legal limits on guard authority or use of force.

Approved instructor role

An approved instructor submits course outlines and materials for board review and delivers only board-approved content; instruction outside that approval does not count.

Renewal cycle timing

Continuing education hours must be completed within the licensing cycle; hours earned before the cycle or after the deadline generally do not count toward renewal.

Core curriculum subjects

Board-approved curricula typically cover legal authority and limits, report writing, emergency procedures, de-escalation and use of force, and professional conduct.

License carry requirement

A guard must carry the license while on duty and display it on request; failing to carry it is a separate violation from working without a license.

Unprofessional conduct examples

Grounds for discipline include excessive force, false reports, sleeping on post, intoxication on duty, and abandoning a post without being properly relieved.

First aid and CPR training

Approved curricula commonly include first aid and CPR/AED training; the guard should keep certification cards in the training file with other course records.

Incident report timing

An incident report is completed before the end of shift, reviewed for accuracy, and never altered after submission except by a documented, dated addendum.

Impersonating law enforcement

Guards must not use badges, titles, or uniforms implying police authority, and must not state or suggest that they are law enforcement officers.

Suspect description order

Descriptions are recorded top-down: sex, race, age, height, weight, hair, clothing, then distinguishing marks, plus direction of travel and time observed.

Access control procedure

Access control means checking identification against the approved list, logging entry and exit times, and denying entry without confirmation from the site supervisor.

Emergency response sequence

The sequence is: assess scene safety, call 911, give first aid within training, secure the area, then document the event in writing.

Suspicious package protocol

Do not touch or move a suspicious item; clear the area, note the exact time and location, and notify police immediately without using radios near the item.

Evidence preservation steps

Preserve the scene, avoid contaminating items, photograph before moving anything, and record a chain of custody for every item handled.

Use-of-force reporting duty

Any physical force used must be documented in writing and reported to the supervisor during the same shift, regardless of whether injury occurred.

Confidentiality of guard reports

Guard reports and client information are not shared with media or unauthorized persons; release occurs only under subpoena or with client authorization.

Professional introduction script

A guard identifies self by name and title, states the reason for contact, and uses neutral language to avoid escalating the encounter.

Citizen's arrest limits

A private person may detain someone for a breach of peace committed in their presence, but must use minimal force and hand the person to police without delay.

Observation versus inference

Reports state observed facts, not conclusions; write 'the man ran' rather than 'the man seemed guilty' so the account stays objective and defensible.

Post abandonment rule

Leaving a post before a relief guard arrives is abandonment, a disciplinary violation, unless an emergency or supervisor authorization justifies it.

Radio communication discipline

Radio traffic is brief and factual: identify the unit, state location and nature of the problem, and avoid speculation or names over open channels.

Pat-down search authority

A guard may pat down only with consent or legal justification tied to a lawful detention, and must stay within the scope needed for safety.

Workplace violence warning signs

Warning signs include threats, escalating anger, fixation on grievances, and weapons interest; guards report these to the supervisor rather than confronting the person.

Active threat response

Under active-threat training, guards avoid, deny, defend, and evacuate when possible, calling 911 with location and description rather than engaging without training.

Training certificate filing

Certificates are filed by course title and date and kept for the full cycle, because the board may request proof of continuing education at renewal or audit.