Communication, Reporting, Documentation and Use of Security Equipment
What the exam tests
This domain tests clear radio and spoken communication, factual report writing, document control and safe use of security equipment such as CCTV, scanners, alarms and fire panels.
Core rules
- Radio/phone: identify yourself, state the location, give the problem, request the need, and confirm. Speak slowly and use the phonetic alphabet for letters. Do not use slang or personal names on an open channel.
- Incident report: record date, time, place, people, what happened, action taken and who was informed - the 5W1H approach. Write facts, not opinions. Sign, date and correct errors with a single line and initials, not by overwriting.
- Documents: occurrence book, visitor register, key register, material gate pass, CCTV log and handover register. Maintain continuity and confidentiality.
- Equipment: check batteries, lenses, alarms and detectors at shift start; report faults; do not tamper with CCTV angles or evidence; use metal detectors and scanners according to instructions and with courtesy.
Worked example
A guard sees a man forcing a door. A weak report says: “Suspicious man near store.” A usable report says: “At 22:40, a male in a blue shirt, about 30 years, forced the west store door with a metal bar. I shouted; he ran towards the main gate. I informed control and the supervisor. Door damaged; no entry gained.” The second version gives time, description, action and outcome.
Traps that cost marks
- Writing “he looked suspicious” without observable facts.
- Back-dating or overwriting a register.
- Sharing passwords or leaving CCTV monitors unattended.
- Failing to log keys issued and returned.
- Using ambiguous radio speech during an emergency.
Exam tip
A good report answers who, what, when, where, why and how, and separates observation from inference.