HK Security Personnel Permit Exam key terms

The permit issued under Hong Kong's Security and Guarding Services Ordinance allowing a person to be employed as a security guard. It carries a category and conditions, and must be carried while on duty.

Hong Kong legislation regulating the security industry. It establishes the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority, the permit system for guards, and licensing of security companies providing guarding services.

The statutory body that administers the permit and licence system for the security industry, sets permit conditions, and handles disciplinary matters against permit holders and licensees.

The classification on a permit showing the type of security work the holder may perform. Categories cover different guard duties and settings, and a holder may only work within the category shown.

Restrictions or requirements printed on or attached to a permit, such as the category of work allowed or any special limitation. Breaching a condition can lead to suspension or revocation.

The physical or official document showing a guard's permit details. Guards must produce it for inspection when required by an authorised officer, employer, or client representative.

The process of applying to continue a permit before it expires, usually involving a fresh application and payment. Working on an expired permit is an offence.

A permit whose validity period has ended. A guard must not perform security work while the permit is expired, and doing so breaches the ordinance and can lead to prosecution.

A temporary removal of the right to work as a guard, imposed as a disciplinary or administrative measure. The holder must stop security work for the suspension period.

Permanent cancellation of a permit by the authority. The person may not work as a security guard unless a new permit is later granted under the ordinance.

Measures the authority may take against a permit holder or licensee for misconduct or breaches, ranging from warnings to suspension or revocation of the permit or licence.

The licence required by a company that supplies security guards to clients. Operating a guarding business without a licence is an offence under the ordinance.

Performing security guard work without a valid permit or for an unlicensed security company. It is a criminal offence and exposes both the guard and the operator to penalties.

Carrying out security duties not covered by the category on a person's permit. This breaches permit conditions and may result in disciplinary action against the guard.

The limited legal authority a security guard has, generally similar to any citizen's, such as preventing crime and making a citizen's arrest. Guards are not police officers and have no special police powers.

The power of any person, including a guard, to arrest someone reasonably suspected of an arrestable offence, or to prevent a breach of the peace, and to hand the person to police promptly.

An offence for which the law allows arrest without a warrant, generally one carrying a possible prison sentence. Guards must be able to recognise common examples such as theft or assault.

Physical action taken by a guard to protect people or property. It must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate to the threat, and only the minimum force needed may be used.

The level of force a court would consider appropriate in the circumstances. A guard who uses excessive force may face criminal or civil liability, even when the initial intention was lawful.

The lawful use of force to protect oneself from an imminent attack. The response must be necessary and proportionate, and force used after the danger has passed is not justified.

Force beyond what is necessary and proportionate in the situation. It can turn a lawful intervention into an unlawful act, exposing the guard to criminal charges and civil claims.

Dishonestly taking another person's property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner. Guards often encounter suspected theft and must respond lawfully and record details.

Unlawfully applying force to another person, or threatening immediate force in a way that causes the person to fear it. Guards must avoid committing assault while managing confrontations.

Entering or remaining on property without lawful authority or permission. Guards may ask a trespasser to leave and may use reasonable, minimal force if the person refuses.

Procedures for deciding who may enter and leave a site, such as checking passes, registering visitors, and controlling keys. It is a core duty for many guards.

Recording a visitor's identity, contact, host, and time of entry and exit. Accurate records help with security, emergency evacuation, and later investigation.

A scheduled or random walk-through of a site to detect hazards, deter crime, and check that security points are secure. Guards should vary routes and record findings.

A location a guard must visit and record during patrol, often using a reader or key. Falsifying a clocking record is dishonest and may lead to disciplinary action.

A written record of an event such as an accident, theft, or confrontation. It should be factual, timed, and free of opinion, and may be used in court or disciplinary proceedings.

Protecting items, scenes, or recordings that may be needed for investigation. Guards should secure the area, avoid contamination, and hand evidence to police properly.

The proper management of recorded video, including secure storage, chain of custody, and lawful release. Altering or deleting footage can destroy evidence and breach data protection rules.

Rules limiting how personal information such as names, identity numbers, and images is collected, used, and disclosed. Guards must not share personal data without proper authority.

The duty not to reveal information learned through work, such as client details, access codes, or incidents. Breaching confidentiality can damage the employer and lead to discipline.

The expected standards of behaviour for guards, covering honesty, appearance, punctuality, courtesy, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Breaches may result in disciplinary action.

A situation where a guard's personal interest could improperly influence their duties, such as working for a rival or accepting gifts. It should be declared and avoided.

Offering or accepting an advantage to influence a person's duties. Guards must refuse gifts or money intended to secure favours and should report attempts under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Checking that a person is who they claim to be, using a permit, identity document, or access pass. It supports access control and helps prevent impersonation on site.

The organised movement of people out of a building during fire, gas leak, or other danger. Guards help direct occupants, keep exits clear, and assist those needing help.

Measures to prevent and respond to fire, including keeping escape routes clear, knowing extinguisher locations, and following alarm procedures. Guards are often first responders.

Practices that protect guards and others from injury on duty, such as safe lifting, correct uniform and footwear, and reporting hazards. Guards should not take unsafe risks.