HK Security Personnel Permit Exam cheat sheet

Security Personnel Permit (SPP) Examination Content

• The Security Personnel Permit (SPP) is issued by the Commissioner of Police under the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance (Cap. 460); all security guards in Hong Kong must hold a valid SPP.

• Two categories of SPP: Category A (for work at premises not designated as Category B) and Category B (for work at Category B premises such as those with high security risk, e.g., banks, jewellery shops, or premises specified by the Commissioner).

• Eligibility: applicant must be 18 or above, have no criminal record (or have a relevant conviction spent or exempted), and pass a recognized training course (e.g., 16-hour QASRS training) before applying.

• SPP validity is typically 5 years; renewal requires application before expiry, and the permit must be carried at all times while on duty.

• The SPP examination tests knowledge of the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance, the Code of Practice for Security Personnel, and basic security procedures.

• Under Cap. 460, it is an offence to work as a security guard without a valid SPP; penalties include fines and imprisonment.

• The Code of Practice for Security Personnel sets standards for uniforms, identification, use of force, arrest powers, and handling of incidents.

• Security personnel have powers of arrest under common law and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance (Cap. 221) for arrestable offences, but must hand over arrested persons to police promptly.

• Use of force must be reasonable and proportionate; firearms are generally prohibited for security guards except in specific licensed circumstances (e.g., armored transport with special permit).