Jamaica PSRA Guard Exam cheat sheet

The Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) requires a minimum of 80 hours of basic training for a registered security guard before deployment; training content and hours are set by the Authority's training standards.

Core subject areas in the basic training curriculum include: roles and responsibilities of a security guard, law and the guard, powers of arrest and use of force, report writing, patrol and access control, emergency response, and customer relations.

Jamaican law relevant to guards: the Constabulary Force Act, the Offences Against the Person Act, the Larceny Act, the Firearms Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Private Security Regulation Authority Act.

A guard's arrest power derives from the common law citizen's arrest and statute; a private guard has no greater powers than an ordinary citizen and must hand a detained person to the police promptly.

Use of force must be reasonable and proportionate; deadly force is only justified in defence of life, never to protect property alone.

Training records must be kept by the employer/training provider and produced on request during PSRA inspection; refresher and specialised training (firearms, canine, cash-in-transit) require additional certification.

Report writing essentials: date, time, location, persons involved, chronological narrative, action taken, signature and badge number; notebooks are evidential and must be retained.

Fire safety and emergency drills, first aid/CPR, and occupational health and safety form part of the practical component of the 80-hour programme.

The Private Security Regulation Authority Act establishes the PSRA to register and regulate private security operations in Jamaica; it registers both security companies and individual guards.

A person may not be employed as a security guard unless registered with the PSRA and holding a valid guard's identification/licence; operating or working unregistered is an offence.

Applicants must satisfy character and fitness criteria: no disqualifying criminal record, clean police record certificate, and supporting references/identification.

Security companies must be registered, maintain a registered business address, keep records of guards employed, and display or produce registration on request.

Registration is subject to renewal; a lapsed or expired registration means the guard cannot lawfully be deployed until renewed.

The PSRA may refuse, suspend, or revoke registration for misconduct, criminal conviction, or breach of the Act or regulations; guards have a right to be heard.

Employers must notify the Authority of changes (e.g., termination of guards, change of address) and maintain up-to-date personnel files.

Uniforms, badges, and identification must not imply police or military authority; only PSRA-approved insignia may be used.

Inspectors authorised by the PSRA may enter premises and inspect records; obstructing an inspector is an offence.

Guards must act with honesty, integrity, impartiality, and courtesy; discrimination on grounds of race, sex, religion, or disability is prohibited.

Confidentiality: information learned on duty (client business, personal data, security arrangements) must not be disclosed except as required by law or authorised.

Conflict of interest and corruption: accepting bribes, gifts, or gratuities that could influence duties is prohibited; report any attempt to the supervisor.

Use of force and authority must be lawful, necessary and proportionate; guards must identify themselves and state the reason for any detention.

Guards must not exceed their authority: no unlawful searches, no impersonating police, no detention beyond the time needed to hand over to police.

Appearance and conduct: correct uniform, sobriety, punctuality, no sleeping on post, no personal phone use that compromises vigilance.

Reporting obligations: report incidents, hazards, and suspected criminal activity promptly and truthfully; falsifying a report is a disciplinary and possibly criminal matter.

Respect for human rights and dignity: no harassment, threats, or degrading treatment; complaints against guards are handled through the employer and the PSRA.