Punjab PSEB Matric NSQF Private Security (Unarmed Guard) key terms

A business licensed to supply trained guards or security services to other people for payment. In Punjab it must hold a licence under PSARA and follow state rules on training and conduct.

A licensed security worker who protects people and property using observation, access control, reporting and lawful persuasion only. The guard carries no firearm and relies on presence, procedure and communication rather than force.

The written permission issued under the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005 that allows an agency to operate in a state. Working for an unlicensed agency is unlawful and can cost a guard his job and legal protection.

The officer, usually the District Magistrate or an officer authorised by the state government, who grants, renews, suspends and cancels PSARA licences in a district and hears complaints against agencies.

The fixed place, such as a gate, lobby or store, where a guard is stationed for a shift. The guard must normally stay at or near the post and may leave only with the supervisor's permission or for a valid emergency.

The short formal parade before a shift in which the supervisor checks uniform, turnout, fitness, knowledge of orders and equipment, then briefs the guards and posts them to their duties.

The overall neatness of a guard's appearance: clean pressed uniform, polished shoes, trimmed hair, shaved or tidy beard, visible ID card and correct badges. Poor turnout damages the client's confidence and the agency's reputation.

The structured briefing in which the outgoing guard tells the incoming guard about incidents, pending visitors, keys, equipment faults and special instructions, and both sign the register to confirm the exchange.

The act of one guard taking over the post from another at the scheduled time. The relieving guard arrives early, receives the handover, checks the post and only then signs on duty.

The set of rules and checks that decides who may enter a protected area, where and when. It combines identity verification, authorisation, passes, registers and physical barriers such as gates and turnstiles.

A written or electronic authorisation allowing a person or vehicle to enter, or goods to leave, a premises. Guards verify the pass details against the person or load and record the movement before allowing passage.

The bound or digital record in which a guard writes each visitor's name, address, phone number, ID details, purpose, time in, time out and the person visited. It is a legal record and must be written legibly and never altered.

An unauthorised person slipping through a door or gate behind a legitimate entrant without showing credentials. Guards prevent it by checking each person individually and by controlling door closing and turnstile use.

Moving on foot through an assigned area on a planned route at irregular intervals to detect fire, theft, intrusion, leakage or unsafe conditions. The guard observes, records and reports rather than simply walking the round.

The defined path and sequence of checkpoints a guard follows during a patrol. It usually includes vulnerable points such as stores, gates, rear walls and fire equipment, and is varied to avoid predictability.

Continuous alert observation from a fixed position, such as a gate or tower, to spot unusual movement, smoke, crowd build-up or unauthorised activity and to raise the alarm early.

Systematic watching of people, vehicles or areas using eyes, CCTV or other devices to detect and record activity. In private security it is limited to lawful observation of the premises and does not extend to spying on private life.

Watching camera feeds on a screen to detect incidents, verify alarms and preserve recordings. The monitor keeps a log of events and must know how to export footage with correct date and time for evidence.

A factual written account of an unusual event, giving date, time, place, people involved, what happened, action taken and who was informed. It must be accurate, objective and free of opinion or guesswork.

The main post register in which guards record every notable event, visit, message and relief during the shift. Entries are made in ink, in sequence, with time and signature, and are never erased or overwritten.

The documented record showing who found, handled, stored and transferred an item or recording from discovery to court. Any gap in the chain weakens the evidence and can lead to its rejection.

A written list of items recovered or taken charge of by a guard, describing each item and signed by the guard and witnesses. It protects the guard from allegations of theft and supports police investigation.

Careful, purposeful watching and listening to gather facts about people, vehicles, sounds and surroundings. Good observation notes details such as height, clothing, number plates and direction of movement immediately, before memory fades.

The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing any one of them extinguishes the fire, which is the basis of smothering, cooling and starving a fire.

A portable cylinder that discharges water, foam, dry powder or carbon dioxide to put out a small fire. The guard must know the correct type for each class of fire and the PASS technique: pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.

A device or system that gives audible and visual warning of fire so occupants can evacuate. On hearing it the guard alerts the control room, calls the fire service and helps people move to the assembly point.

A pre-identified safe open area where people gather after leaving a building so they can be counted. The guard guides people there, keeps routes clear and reports missing persons to the incident controller.

The planned actions taken in the first minutes of a fire, accident, bomb threat or medical crisis: raise alarm, inform control room, call emergency services, secure the area and help within trained limits.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives, such as stopping bleeding, CPR, recovery position and immobilising fractures. It aims to preserve life and prevent worsening.

Items worn to reduce the risk of injury or illness at work, such as helmet, safety shoes, gloves, mask, reflective jacket and ear protection. The guard must check, use and maintain the PPE issued for each task.

Any condition at the workplace that can harm a worker, such as slippery floors, electrical wiring, poor lighting, heat, traffic or violence from the public. Guards identify hazards, report them and take safe precautions.

The right under the law to use reasonable force to protect one's own body or property, or another person's, from unlawful attack. The force must be proportionate and used only while the danger exists, never as revenge.

The limited power of a private person to detain someone committing a non-bailable and cognizable offence, or a proclaimed offender, and to hand the person to the police without unnecessary delay. A guard has no wider arrest power than any citizen.

The minimum force that an ordinary prudent person would consider necessary in the circumstances. Guards use it only to prevent harm or escape, stop as soon as resistance ends, and must be able to justify every action.

The criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code in 2024, covering offences such as theft, trespass, hurt and criminal force. Guards must know the basic sections affecting their work and report offences to police.

Recognising and refusing bribery, gifts, favours or collusion that could influence a guard's decisions. The guard reports offers of illegal gratification, avoids conflicts of interest and follows the agency's code of conduct.

The written rules of behaviour expected from a guard, covering honesty, courtesy, sobriety, punctuality, confidentiality, no sleeping on duty and no unauthorised entry. Breach can lead to discipline or dismissal.

The courteous, helpful and consistent way a guard deals with visitors, staff and clients, including greeting, listening, giving directions and handling complaints politely without losing security discipline.

Calming an angry or aggressive person by speaking softly, listening, keeping distance, avoiding argument and offering a solution. It reduces the risk of violence and protects both the guard and the public.

The ability to use smartphones, computers, biometric devices and security software safely, including sending reports, scanning IDs and keeping passwords confidential. It supports modern access control and quick incident communication.

A handheld wireless set used for short voice messages between guard and control room. The guard uses clear, brief phrases, follows the call sign, avoids personal talk and keeps the battery charged.