Jamaica PSRA Guard Exam flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Minimum basic training hours

The PSRA requires at least 80 hours of basic training for a registered security guard before deployment, covering law, powers of arrest, report writing, patrol, and emergency response.

Citizen's arrest power

A private security guard has no greater arrest powers than an ordinary citizen; any detention must be based on lawful grounds and the person handed to police promptly.

Reasonable use of force

Force used by a guard must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to the threat; deadly force is justified only in defence of life, not to protect property alone.

Report writing essentials

A guard's report should record date, time, location, persons involved, a chronological factual narrative, action taken, and the guard's signature and badge number.

Powers under Firearms Act

The Firearms Act governs possession and use of firearms in Jamaica; a guard may only carry a firearm if individually licensed and authorised by the employer.

Access control procedure

Access control requires verifying identity and authorisation before admitting persons or vehicles, logging entries and exits, and challenging anyone without valid credentials.

Patrol purpose

Patrols deter crime, detect hazards and irregularities, and provide visible reassurance; guards should vary routes and record times at checkpoints.

Emergency evacuation role

During fire or emergency evacuation, guards direct occupants to exits, keep routes clear, assist vulnerable persons, and account for the area without re-entering unsafe zones.

First aid duty

Basic first aid and CPR form part of guard training; a guard should assess the scene, call for medical help, and provide care within the limits of training.

Notebook as evidence

A guard's pocket notebook is a contemporaneous record that may be used in court; entries must be made promptly, in ink, and never altered or removed.

PSRA mandate

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

Guard registration requirement

No person may work as a security guard unless registered with the PSRA and holding valid identification; unregistered deployment is an offence.

Police record certificate

Applicants for guard registration must provide a clean police record certificate and satisfy character and fitness criteria set by the Authority.

Company registration

A private security company must be registered with the PSRA, maintain a registered address, and keep records of all guards it employs.

Licence renewal

Guard registration is time-limited and must be renewed; an expired registration bars lawful deployment until renewal is completed.

Suspension or revocation

The PSRA may refuse, suspend or revoke a registration for criminal conviction or breach of the Act, after giving the person an opportunity to be heard.

Inspector powers

Authorised PSRA inspectors may enter security premises and inspect records and identification; obstructing an inspector is an offence under the Act.

Uniform and insignia rules

Guards must wear approved uniforms and identification that do not imply police or military authority; only PSRA-approved badges and insignia may be used.

Employer notification duty

Security companies must notify the PSRA of relevant changes such as termination of guards or change of business address, and keep personnel files current.

Display of registration

A registered guard or company must be able to produce proof of registration on request by the Authority, a client, or an authorised inspector.

Consequences of unregistered work

Working or operating as an unregistered security guard or company exposes the individual and employer to prosecution, fines, and loss of registration.

Honesty and integrity

Guards must be truthful, impartial and courteous, avoiding discrimination on grounds of race, sex, religion or disability in carrying out duties.

Confidentiality duty

Information about clients, premises, personnel or security arrangements learned on duty must not be disclosed except when required by law or authorised.

Anti-bribery rule

Guards must not accept gifts, money or gratuities that could influence their duties, and must report any attempt at bribery to their supervisor.

Self-identification

Before detaining or challenging a person, a guard should identify themselves, state their role, and give the lawful reason for the action.

Limits of authority

Guards must not conduct unlawful searches, impersonate police, or detain a person longer than necessary to hand them over to the police.

Fitness for duty

A guard must report for duty sober, in correct uniform, punctual and alert; sleeping on post or intoxication is a disciplinary offence.

Truthful incident reporting

Guards must promptly and accurately report incidents, hazards and suspected crime; falsifying a report is a disciplinary and potentially criminal matter.

Human rights respect

Guards must treat all persons with dignity, avoiding harassment, threats or degrading treatment; complaints may be made to the employer and the PSRA.

Conflict of interest

A guard must not use their position for personal gain or act where a personal relationship compromises impartiality, and should declare such conflicts.

Professional appearance

Correct uniform, clean grooming, visible identification and a courteous manner project authority and build public trust in private security services.