NSCDC Private Guard Exam key terms

Physical assets, systems and networks so vital that disabling or destroying them would weaken national security, the economy, public health or public safety. Examples include power grids, pipelines, telecoms, dams, airports and hospitals.

A maintained inventory listing every protected facility, its location, owner, criticality rating and responsible guard post. It lets a private guard company plan manpower, patrols and escalation contacts for each site without guesswork.

A structured review that identifies weak points in a facility, such as unlit perimeter sections, single-entry gates or failed CCTV, and ranks them by likelihood and impact so guard resources are deployed where risk is highest.

The process of identifying threats to a site, estimating how likely each is and how severe the harm would be, then deciding which risks to avoid, reduce, transfer or accept. It normally precedes any guard deployment plan.

A written document setting out posts, patrol routes, access rules, key control, communication channels and emergency actions for a specific protected facility. Guards must be briefed on it before taking up duty.

Standing written instructions for a particular guard post describing duties, prohibited actions, persons to admit or deny, reporting times and what to do in an emergency. It is the guard's primary reference on shift.

Measures that decide who may enter a protected area, where and when. It covers identity checks, visitor passes, vehicle search, turnstiles, biometric readers and escort rules for unauthorised or unaccompanied persons.

A log recording each visitor's name, identity document, host, purpose of visit, time in and time out. It supports investigations after an incident and shows whether access procedures were actually followed.

The outer layer of protection around a site, including fences, walls, gates, barriers, lighting, sensors and patrol coverage. Its purpose is to delay intrusion long enough for guards or response teams to react.

Electronic sensors such as fence vibration detectors, infrared beams or door contacts that raise an alarm when unauthorised entry is attempted. Guards must know how to verify and respond to each alarm type.

The agreed procedure followed when an alarm activates: acknowledge, observe safely, verify whether it is genuine or false, report to control and police, and record the outcome. It prevents both panic and complacency.

Continuous or scheduled observation of camera feeds to detect intrusion, verify alarms and preserve evidence. Operators must know camera coverage, privacy limits, recording retention rules and how to export footage correctly.

A record of patrols completed, usually generated by checkpoint tags, clocking devices or written logs. It proves presence at required points and times and reveals gaps that supervisors must correct.

A factual written account of an unusual event, covering who, what, when, where, how and what action was taken. It must be accurate, non-speculative and filed promptly because it may support prosecution or disciplinary action.

Keeping physical items, documents, footage and witness details intact and uncontaminated until investigators take over. It includes securing the scene, restricting access, labelling items and recording every transfer of custody.

A graded indicator of how imminent or severe danger to a site currently is. Guards adjust patrol frequency, manning, search intensity and liaison with security agencies according to the level in force.

A documented set of actions for foreseeable emergencies such as fire, bomb threat, flood or armed attack. It assigns roles, evacuation routes, assembly points and external contacts, and must be rehearsed, not merely filed.

The recurring phases of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Understanding the cycle helps guards see their work as continuous risk reduction rather than only reacting after an event has occurred.

Long-term measures that reduce the impact of hazards before disaster strikes, such as drainage works, firebreaks, reinforced fencing or relocating equipment above flood level. It is cheaper than repeated recovery.

Readiness activities carried out before an emergency: training, drills, stockpiling supplies, maintaining contact lists and testing equipment. Good preparedness shortens response time and reduces confusion when an event occurs.

A rehearsed exercise in which occupants leave a building or site along designated routes to assembly points. Drills test alarms, signage, wardens and timing, and reveal blockages that must be corrected.

A pre-designated safe location where evacuated persons gather so they can be counted and accounted for. Guards must know primary and alternate points and prevent people from re-entering until cleared.

The process of counting persons at an assembly point and comparing the figure with staff, visitor and contractor records to identify who may still be inside. Discrepancies must be reported immediately to responders.

The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen and heat. Removing any one extinguishes or prevents fire, which explains why guards isolate fuel sources, close doors and use the correct extinguisher type.

Categories of fire based on the burning material, such as solid combustibles, flammable liquids, gases and electrical equipment. Using the wrong extinguisher can spread fire or electrocute the operator.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional help arrives, covering bleeding control, airway, breathing, burns and shock. Guards should act within their training and never exceed it.

Sorting casualties by urgency so limited resources treat those most likely to survive first. It uses simple categories such as immediate, delayed, minor and deceased, and is applied during mass-casualty incidents.

A clear chain of authority at an emergency scene, usually led by the senior responding agency, with guards supporting under direction. It prevents conflicting orders and keeps communication channels disciplined.

The steps taken when a threat is received: keep the caller talking, record exact words and background sounds, notify control and police, and decide on evacuation without touching suspicious objects or using radios nearby.

Rules for handling an unidentified item: do not touch or move it, clear and cordon the area, avoid radio or mobile use close by, note the location and description, and hand control to bomb disposal experts.

A controlled boundary set up around an incident to keep unauthorised persons out and preserve the scene. Guards typically man the inner or outer cordon and log everyone who crosses it.

A licensed business that provides security guarding, patrol or related protective services for payment. It must be registered, meet ownership and training standards, and operate only within the conditions of its licence.

The formal authorisation issued by the regulator permitting a company to provide private guard services. Operating without one, or outside its stated scope, is an offence and grounds for closure or prosecution.

The periodic process by which a licensed company applies to continue operating after its current licence expires. It normally requires updated records, proof of training, fee payment and a clean compliance history.

The enrolment of an individual guard with the regulator, including identity, biometrics, training record and employment history. It helps prevent persons with criminal records from moving unnoticed between companies.

Background screening of applicants and staff, covering criminal records, identity verification, references and employment history. Vetting is a licensing condition and must be repeated or updated at defined intervals.

An official visit or audit checking whether a company meets licence conditions, such as record keeping, uniform standards, training evidence and guard registration. Findings may lead to warnings, fines or suspension.

The standards of behaviour expected of guards and companies, covering honesty, lawful use of force, respect for the public, sobriety on duty and proper handling of detained persons. Breach can trigger disciplinary or licensing action.

Physical intervention by a guard, which must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to the threat faced. Minimum force is applied only to prevent harm or detain a suspect, and every application must be reported.

The limited power of an ordinary person to detain someone found committing an offence, or reasonably suspected of it, and to hand the person to police promptly. Guards have no special powers beyond this.