Security Duties
This domain covers the day-to-day duties a guard actually performs on post - gate duty, patrol, sentry duty, key control and shift handover. Questions usually test the correct sequence of actions, what belongs in the handover register, and which behaviours amount to negligence.
Core duties
- Gate duty: control entry and exit of people, vehicles and materials; check passes; keep the gate register.
- Sentry/static duty: remain at the assigned point, observe the allotted field, and stay in communication with the control room.
- Beat/patrol duty: move on a fixed route at irregular intervals, checking doors, windows, locks, lights, fire points and unauthorised persons. Irregular timing prevents observers from predicting the round.
- Key control: keys are signed out and in; no duplicate custody; the key register records time, purpose and signature.
- Escort duty: accompany visitors, cash, or material movements as ordered.
Relieving and handover
A guard may not leave post until properly relieved. The handover must cover: pending events, keys and equipment held, faults reported (lights, locks, CCTV), visitors or contractors still inside, and any written orders received during the shift. Both guards sign the handover column of the register with time.
Worked example. At 06:00 a guard is relieved. During his shift a water tanker entered and had not exited, and gate light No. 3 was fused. Correct reasoning: he records the tanker's entry time and number as still inside, notes the fused light, briefs the relieving guard, and both sign. If a theft occurs later, the register establishes the facts.
Behavioural duties
- Do not sleep, drink, use a mobile phone for entertainment, or leave the post unattended.
- Do not accept gifts, tips or tea from unknown persons; this creates obligation and a security risk.
- Do not gossips about the employer's business; maintain confidentiality.
- Report every incident, however small, in writing before the shift ends.
Traps that cost marks
- Describing the guard as 'punishing' a trespasser rather than reporting him.
- Forgetting to record the time of an entry, which weakens the log as evidence.
- Treating a near miss as not worth reporting.