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NZ Property Guard COA study materials
NZ Property Guard COA study resources

NZ Property Guard COA practice questions

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Question 1Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, a property guard who holds a current Certificate of Approval must carry it at all times while working and produce it on request to which party?

  1. A constable, or an authorised officer of the licensing authority Correct answer.
  2. Any member of the public who asks to see it
  3. Only the client who owns the property being guarded
  4. Only the guard's direct supervisor on site

Explanation

The Act requires the certificate holder to produce the Certificate of Approval on demand to a constable or to an officer authorised by the licensing authority. Ordinary members of the public and clients have no statutory power to compel production. A supervisor may ask as an employer matter, but that is not the statutory production duty.

Question 2Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is employed by a security firm to patrol a retail precinct. Which document primarily sets out the guard's authority to detain a suspected shoplifter?

  1. The guard's site-specific post orders
  2. The Crimes Act 1961 provisions on citizen's arrest Correct answer.
  3. The private property owner's trespass notice
  4. The guard's employment agreement with the security firm

Explanation

A property guard has no special arrest powers beyond those of any citizen; authority to detain comes from the citizen's arrest provisions in the Crimes Act 1961. An employment agreement or post orders cannot create legal powers. A trespass notice relates to excluding people from property, not to arrest powers.

Question 3Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard uses reasonable force to detain a person suspected of assaulting a staff member on the premises. Under the Crimes Act 1961, what is the guard's legal position?

  1. The guard may use any force necessary to obtain a confession
  2. The guard is protected only if the person is later convicted of the offence
  3. The guard may use force that is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent escape and deliver the person to a constable Correct answer.
  4. The guard has no protection because only police may use force

Explanation

The citizen's arrest provisions allow reasonable force to be used to detain an offender and hand them to police. The protection depends on the arrest being lawful and the force reasonable, not on a later conviction. Force to obtain a confession is never lawful, and private citizens are not barred from using any force at all.

Question 4Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which Act is the principal statute governing the licensing and conduct of property guards in New Zealand?

  1. The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act 1974
  2. The Security Guards Act 1998
  3. The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 Correct answer.
  4. The Policing Act 2008

Explanation

The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 is the principal statute regulating security personnel, including property guards, in New Zealand. The 1974 Act was its predecessor and has been replaced. The Policing Act 2008 governs police, not private security.

Question 5Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A person is convicted of an offence against the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. What is the maximum penalty a court may impose for an individual?

  1. Imprisonment for up to 12 months
  2. A fine not exceeding $2,000
  3. A community work order only
  4. A fine not exceeding $20,000 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act sets a maximum fine of $20,000 for an individual convicted of an offence against it, with higher maximums for bodies corporate. Lesser fines and community work are not the maximum available. Imprisonment is not the maximum penalty specified for these offences.

Question 6Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked by a police constable to help search a member of the public for stolen goods. What is the guard's legal position?

  1. A private guard has no power to search a person and should decline Correct answer.
  2. The guard may search if a supervisor is present as a witness
  3. The guard may conduct the search because police have delegated authority
  4. The guard may search only if the person consents in writing

Explanation

Private security personnel have no statutory power to search a person; searching a person without consent or lawful authority can constitute assault. Police cannot delegate their search powers to a civilian guard. Consent must be genuine and voluntary, not merely a written form, and a witness does not create authority.

Question 7Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of the following best describes the licensing body responsible for issuing Certificates of Approval to property guards?

  1. The New Zealand Police licensing authority Correct answer.
  2. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
  3. The Security Industry Association
  4. The local district court

Explanation

The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 establishes the licensing authority, which is administered through the New Zealand Police. MBIE and industry associations do not issue Certificates of Approval. District courts deal with prosecutions, not licensing.

Question 8Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard witnesses a person assaulting a security colleague. The guard decides to make a citizen's arrest. Which requirement must the guard satisfy for the arrest to be lawful?

  1. The guard must reasonably believe the person committed an offence and act within a reasonable time Correct answer.
  2. The guard must have the property owner's written permission
  3. The guard must obtain a warrant from the court
  4. The guard must first call the person's lawyer

Explanation

A citizen's arrest is lawful where the person making it reasonably believes an offence has been committed and acts promptly, using reasonable force. No warrant or written permission is required, and there is no requirement to contact a lawyer before acting.

Question 9Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of these is a key obligation of a property guard under the Privacy Act 2020 when dealing with information about members of the public?

  1. Retaining all CCTV footage indefinitely
  2. Collecting only information necessary for the guard's lawful purpose Correct answer.
  3. Sharing information with other tenants as a courtesy
  4. Disclosing personal information to anyone who requests it

Explanation

The Privacy Act 2020 requires agencies to collect only the personal information necessary for a lawful purpose. Sharing information as a courtesy, retaining footage indefinitely, and disclosing to anyone who asks all breach privacy principles. Guards must handle personal information in accordance with the information privacy principles.

Question 10Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is directed by a client to remove a trespasser from a shopping mall. What is the guard's most appropriate legal basis for acting?

  1. The guard's certificate of approval authorises removal
  2. The guard's employment contract with the security firm
  3. The guard's common law power to detain any person
  4. The occupier's authority to remove trespassers under the Trespass Act 1980 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Trespass Act 1980 gives occupiers and their authorised agents the power to require trespassers to leave private property. A certificate of approval licenses the guard but does not itself authorise removal. There is no common law power to detain any person, and an employment contract cannot create public powers.

Question 11Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of the following statements about a property guard's use of a guard dog is correct under New Zealand law?

  1. Guard dogs may be deployed without any registration or control requirements
  2. Guard dogs must be kept under control and their use is subject to animal control and dog control legislation Correct answer.
  3. Guard dogs may be used to intimidate people into leaving premises
  4. Guard dogs are prohibited for all private security work

Explanation

The use of guard dogs is subject to dog control legislation and general animal welfare requirements, including keeping the dog under control. There is no blanket prohibition on guard dogs for security work, but they cannot be used to intimidate people unlawfully.

Question 12Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is offered a cash payment by a member of the public to look the other way while a theft occurs. What is the guard's legal and ethical position?

  1. Accepting is lawful if the amount is under $100
  2. Accepting is a private matter between the guard and the payer
  3. Accepting may constitute corruption or bribery and must be refused Correct answer.
  4. Accepting is lawful if the guard reports it to the client later

Explanation

Accepting payment to ignore offending may constitute bribery or corruption under the Crimes Act 1961 and breaches the guard's duty to act honestly. There is no de minimis amount that makes it lawful, and reporting later does not cure the offence.

Question 13Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, which of the following persons is disqualified from holding a Certificate of Approval?

  1. A person who has been convicted of a dishonesty offence within the preceding five years Correct answer.
  2. A person who is over 65 years of age
  3. A person who has lived at the same address for ten years
  4. A person who has completed a first aid course

Explanation

The Act requires the licensing authority to consider criminal history, and a recent conviction for a dishonesty offence is a ground that can disqualify an applicant. Completing first aid, residential stability, and age are not disqualifying factors.

Question 14Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard on patrol sees a person breaking into a parked car. The guard is unarmed and alone. Which action best reflects the guard's legal obligations?

  1. Physically restrain the person immediately regardless of risk
  2. Confront the person and demand they empty their pockets
  3. Ignore the incident because it is outside the guard's post
  4. Observe, note details, and contact police without putting themselves or others at risk Correct answer.

Explanation

A guard's duty is to protect people and property, but the law does not require the guard to take unreasonable personal risks. Observing, recording details, and contacting police is appropriate. Physical restraint without lawful basis and demanding property from a person are unlawful, and ignoring the incident fails the guard's duty.

Question 15Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which Act creates offences for disorderly behaviour and offensive language that a property guard may need to respond to when managing patrons?

  1. The Trespass Act 1980
  2. The Summary Offences Act 1981 Correct answer.
  3. The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010
  4. The Crimes Act 1961

Explanation

The Summary Offences Act 1981 contains offences such as disorderly behaviour and offensive language in public places. The Crimes Act 1961 deals with more serious offences, the Trespass Act 1980 with trespass, and the private security Act with licensing.

Question 16Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked by a journalist to confirm whether a named person was involved in an incident at the premises. What should the guard do?

  1. Provide a copy of the incident report
  2. Refer the journalist to the client's designated spokesperson and avoid disclosing personal information Correct answer.
  3. Provide the person's contact details to help the journalist
  4. Confirm details because the incident happened in a public area

Explanation

Disclosing personal information about a named person to a journalist breaches privacy principles unless an exception applies. The guard should refer media enquiries to the client's authorised spokesperson. Providing contact details or incident reports would be an unauthorised disclosure.

Question 17Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

What is the primary purpose of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010?

  1. To regulate the licensing and conduct of private security personnel and private investigators Correct answer.
  2. To set minimum wage rates for security guards
  3. To govern the sale of security equipment
  4. To create a national police reserve

Explanation

The Act establishes a licensing regime for private security personnel and private investigators and sets conduct and offence provisions. It does not create a police reserve, govern equipment sales, or set wage rates.

Question 18Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is authorised by an occupier to remove a trespasser. The trespasser refuses to leave. What is the guard's lawful option?

  1. Confiscate the trespasser's phone as security
  2. Use reasonable force to remove the trespasser and contact police if necessary Correct answer.
  3. Threaten the trespasser with physical harm until they comply
  4. Lock the trespasser in a room until police arrive

Explanation

An authorised agent of the occupier may use reasonable force to remove a trespasser who refuses to leave, and should involve police where needed. Locking a person in a room may amount to false imprisonment, confiscating property is unlawful, and threats of harm are not reasonable force.

Question 19Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of the following best describes the standard of proof a property guard should apply when deciding whether to make a citizen's arrest?

  1. Beyond reasonable doubt, as in a criminal trial
  2. A hunch based on the person's appearance
  3. Reasonable belief that an offence has been committed Correct answer.
  4. Certainty confirmed by a confession

Explanation

The test for a citizen's arrest is whether the person making the arrest reasonably believes an offence has been committed. The criminal trial standard of beyond reasonable doubt does not apply to the arrest decision. A hunch is insufficient, and a confession is not required.

Question 20Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked to sign a statement about an incident that will be used in a court prosecution. Which obligation applies?

  1. The guard may omit facts that favour the accused
  2. The guard must record the facts accurately and truthfully Correct answer.
  3. The guard may exaggerate to ensure a conviction
  4. The guard may sign a statement prepared by someone else without reading it

Explanation

A statement used in court must be an accurate and truthful account of what the guard observed. Exaggerating, omitting relevant facts, or signing an unread statement can mislead the court and may amount to perjury or an offence against justice.

Question 21Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of the following is a lawful reason for a property guard to request a person's name and address?

  1. To intimidate the person into leaving
  2. To comply with a lawful requirement, such as recording a trespass notice Correct answer.
  3. To sell the information to a third party
  4. To build a marketing database for the client

Explanation

Personal information may be collected where necessary for a lawful purpose, such as recording a trespass notice or an incident. Building a marketing database, selling information, or intimidating a person are not lawful purposes under the Privacy Act 2020.

Question 22Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard who holds a Certificate of Approval changes employers. What must the guard do in relation to the licensing authority?

  1. Transfer the certificate to the new employer
  2. Surrender the certificate and reapply from scratch
  3. Notify the licensing authority of the change as required by the Act Correct answer.
  4. Nothing, because the certificate is personal and portable

Explanation

A Certificate of Approval is personal to the holder, but the Act requires holders to notify the licensing authority of relevant changes, including employment details. The certificate is not transferred to the employer, and a full reapplication is not required merely because the employer changes.

Question 23Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A guard working at a construction site finds a person unconscious from a suspected drug overdose. Which legal obligation is most directly engaged?

  1. The guard's duty of care to summon emergency assistance Correct answer.
  2. The guard's duty to search the person for drugs
  3. The guard's duty to preserve the scene for evidence only
  4. The guard's duty to detain the person until police arrive

Explanation

A guard owes a duty of care to persons on the site and should summon emergency assistance for a person in medical danger. Preserving a scene does not displace the duty to help, searching a person is unlawful, and detaining someone who is unconscious and not suspected of an offence is not justified.

Question 24Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which of the following statements about the use of CCTV by a property guard is correct under the Privacy Act 2020?

  1. CCTV should be used only for a lawful purpose and footage handled in accordance with privacy principles Correct answer.
  2. CCTV may be installed anywhere without notice
  3. CCTV footage may be published online to deter crime
  4. CCTV may be used to monitor staff in private areas without their knowledge

Explanation

CCTV use must serve a lawful purpose and footage must be collected, stored, used, and disclosed in accordance with the information privacy principles. There is generally an expectation of notice, and covert monitoring of staff in private areas is highly restricted. Publishing footage online is a disclosure that requires a lawful basis.

Question 25Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

What does the term 'Certificate of Approval' signify for a property guard in New Zealand?

  1. That the guard has completed a university degree
  2. That the guard is licensed to work in the private security industry Correct answer.
  3. That the guard owns the security company
  4. That the guard is a sworn constable

Explanation

A Certificate of Approval is the licence issued under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 that permits a person to work in the private security industry. It does not confer police powers, company ownership, or an academic qualification.

Question 26Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is employed by a security firm and holds a current Certificate of Approval. The firm's licence is suspended by the Licensing Authority pending an investigation. What is the guard's legal position while working for that firm?

  1. The guard may continue working because the guard's own Certificate of Approval remains valid independently of the firm
  2. The guard commits an offence by carrying out security work for an unlicensed employer, even though the guard is individually certificated Correct answer.
  3. The guard may work only in an unpaid capacity until the firm's licence is restored
  4. The guard's Certificate of Approval is automatically cancelled when the employer's licence is suspended

Explanation

Under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, security work must be performed for a licensed operator, and each individual must also hold a Certificate of Approval. A valid personal certificate does not authorise work for an unlicensed or suspended employer. Working in that situation exposes the guard to liability under the Act.

Question 27Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is completing an incident report after detaining a suspected shoplifter. Which detail is most important to record to support a later prosecution?

  1. The exact time, place, actions observed, and identity of witnesses Correct answer.
  2. The guard's opinion of the suspect's character and demeanour
  3. A summary written several days later from memory
  4. Only the outcome of the detention

Explanation

Contemporaneous, factual records of what was observed, when, where, and by whom are the foundation of reliable evidence. Opinions, delayed reconstructions, and outcome-only notes weaken the evidential value. Accurate notes also protect the guard if the account is challenged.

Question 28Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard detains a person suspected of theft in a back room. The guard's employer has a policy of searching detainees. Which statement best reflects the guard's legal authority to search the person?

  1. The guard may search if another guard witnesses the search
  2. The guard may search only if the person consents or a statute or the common law provides authority Correct answer.
  3. The guard may search whenever the employer's policy authorises it
  4. The guard may search the person because detention implies a power of search

Explanation

A private citizen, including a property guard, has no general power to search a person merely because they have been detained. A search is lawful only with valid consent or where a statute or the common law provides authority. Employer policy cannot create a legal power that Parliament has not granted.

Question 29Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which legislation principally governs the licensing and conduct of property guards in New Zealand?

  1. The Crimes Act 1961
  2. The Privacy Act 2020
  3. The Summary Offences Act 1981
  4. The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 establishes the licensing regime for security operators and the Certificate of Approval for individuals such as property guards. The other Acts deal with offences, privacy, or general criminal law rather than the security industry's licensing framework.

Question 30Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard wishes to use a handcuff restraint on a person who is resisting detention pending police arrival. Which statement is correct?

  1. Handcuffs may be used only where the guard has a lawful power to detain and the force used is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances Correct answer.
  2. Handcuffs may be used whenever the guard reasonably believes the person might try to escape
  3. Handcuffs may be used freely because the guard holds a Certificate of Approval
  4. Handcuffs may never be used by a property guard under any circumstances

Explanation

Any use of force by a private citizen, including restraints, must be justified by a lawful power and must be reasonable and proportionate. Handcuffs are not automatically authorised by holding a certificate. Excessive or unjustified restraint can amount to assault or false imprisonment.

Question 31Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked by police to provide the name and address of a person who was involved in an incident at the site. Which statement best describes the guard's obligation under the Privacy Act 2020?

  1. The guard must refuse because personal information can never be disclosed to police
  2. The guard may disclose the information freely because police are public officials
  3. The guard may disclose the information only with the person's written consent
  4. The guard may disclose the information if a Privacy Act exception applies, such as disclosure to avoid a serious threat or as required by law Correct answer.

Explanation

The Privacy Act 2020 restricts disclosure of personal information but contains exceptions, including where disclosure is necessary to avoid a serious threat to safety or is required by law. Police requests must be assessed against those exceptions rather than refused or granted automatically.

Question 32Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is on patrol at night and observes a person climbing through a window into a closed commercial building. The guard is alone and unarmed. Which action is most consistent with the guard's legal obligations?

  1. Wait until the person leaves and follow them to their home address
  2. Observe from a safe distance, record details, and contact police immediately Correct answer.
  3. Do nothing because the guard has no powers of arrest
  4. Enter the building alone and physically restrain the person until police arrive

Explanation

A property guard's priority is safety and preserving evidence while ensuring police are notified promptly. Entering alone and using force creates serious risk and may exceed lawful authority. Observing and reporting supports a lawful outcome without exposing the guard or others to harm.

Question 33Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked by a client to evict a trespasser from private property. Which statement best describes the guard's authority?

  1. The guard may remove the trespasser only if the trespasser has committed another offence
  2. The guard may use any force necessary to remove the trespasser
  3. The guard must always wait for police before asking the trespasser to leave
  4. The guard may use reasonable force to remove the trespasser if authorised by the occupier and the person refuses to leave Correct answer.

Explanation

An occupier, or a guard acting with the occupier's authority, may use reasonable force to remove a trespasser who refuses to leave. The force must be proportionate, and police assistance should be sought where risk is high. The authority does not extend to excessive force.

Question 34Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is offered a sum of money by a member of the public to ignore a theft in progress. Which statement best describes the guard's legal and ethical position?

  1. Accepting the money is lawful because the guard is not a public official
  2. Accepting the money is a matter of personal choice with no legal consequence
  3. Accepting the money may amount to corruption or bribery and must be refused and reported Correct answer.
  4. Accepting the money is lawful if the guard reports the offer afterwards

Explanation

Accepting payment to ignore a crime can constitute bribery or corruption offences and breaches the guard's duty to act honestly. The offer should be refused and reported to the employer and, where appropriate, police. Personal gain cannot justify abandoning the guard's responsibilities.

Question 35Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked to provide a written statement for a court prosecution. Which obligation applies to the guard's statement?

  1. The guard may copy another witness's statement to ensure consistency
  2. The guard may include assumptions about what probably happened to strengthen the case
  3. The guard must record only what they personally saw, heard, or did, and must sign it as true Correct answer.
  4. The guard may omit facts that are unhelpful to the prosecution

Explanation

A witness statement must be the witness's own truthful account of what they personally perceived or did. Speculation, copying others, and selective omission undermine the integrity of evidence and may amount to misleading conduct. The statement is signed as a true record.

Question 36Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which statement best describes the purpose of a Certificate of Approval for a property guard?

  1. It confirms the holder is a fit and proper person to perform security work under the Act Correct answer.
  2. It certifies that the holder has completed a first aid course
  3. It grants the holder police powers of arrest and search
  4. It authorises the holder to operate a security business without a separate licence

Explanation

A Certificate of Approval is an individual authorisation confirming the holder meets the fit and proper person standard to perform security work. It is distinct from an operator's licence and does not confer police powers. It also does not certify first aid competence.

Question 37Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard observes a colleague using excessive force on a detained person. Which action best reflects the guard's legal and professional obligations?

  1. Ignore the conduct because it is the colleague's responsibility
  2. Join in to ensure the detention is maintained
  3. Record the incident only if the detained person complains
  4. Intervene to stop the excessive force if safe to do so, and report the incident through the appropriate channels Correct answer.

Explanation

Excessive force is unlawful, and a guard who observes it has a duty to act to prevent further harm where safe, and to report it. Remaining silent or participating can expose the guard to criminal and disciplinary liability. Reporting protects the detained person and the integrity of the security operation.

Question 38Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard is asked to obtain a person's name and address during an incident. Which situation provides a lawful basis for the request?

  1. The guard wants to share the details with friends
  2. The guard is curious about the person's identity
  3. The guard is investigating a suspected offence and the request is reasonable in the circumstances Correct answer.
  4. The guard wants to add the person to a marketing database

Explanation

A guard may request identifying details where it is reasonably necessary for a lawful purpose, such as investigating an incident or fulfilling a statutory duty. Curiosity, marketing, or personal use are not lawful or proper purposes. The request should be proportionate and handled consistently with the Privacy Act 2020.

Question 39Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

A property guard who holds a Certificate of Approval changes employers. What must the guard do in relation to the licensing regime?

  1. Apply to police for a new certificate
  2. Nothing, because the certificate is tied to the individual and remains valid regardless of employer
  3. Surrender the certificate and apply for a new one
  4. Notify the Licensing Authority of the change in circumstances as required by the Act Correct answer.

Explanation

Certificate holders must notify the Licensing Authority of relevant changes in circumstances, including a change of employer, as required under the Act. The certificate remains with the individual, but the regulator needs accurate records. Failing to notify can affect the validity of the authorisation.

Question 40Legal framework and regulatory obligations for property guards

Which statement best describes how the Privacy Act 2020 applies to a property guard's use of CCTV footage?

  1. CCTV footage may be shared publicly to deter future offending
  2. CCTV footage may be used for any purpose once it has been recorded
  3. CCTV footage is exempt from the Privacy Act because it is recorded by a private business
  4. CCTV footage is personal information and must be collected, used, and disclosed only for lawful and reasonably necessary purposes Correct answer.

Explanation

CCTV images of identifiable individuals are personal information under the Privacy Act 2020. The information privacy principles require lawful collection, secure storage, and use or disclosure only for purposes connected to the reason it was collected. Public release for general deterrence is not a lawful purpose.

Question 41Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

Under the New Zealand Property Guard Code of Conduct, what is the primary purpose of holding a Certificate of Approval (COA)?

  1. To certify the holder as a building inspector
  2. To authorise the holder to carry firearms on duty
  3. To confirm the holder is fit and proper to carry out property guard work Correct answer.
  4. To register the holder as a licensed real estate salesperson

Explanation

The COA is issued to individuals who satisfy the licensing authority that they are fit and proper persons to perform property guard duties. It is a personal authorisation tied to the holder, not a business licence or a qualification in another occupation. Carrying firearms and building inspection fall outside the scope of property guard licensing.

Question 42Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

A property guard's COA is issued in their individual name. What does this mean for the guard's ability to work for a different security employer?

  1. The COA transfers automatically with the guard to any new employer
  2. The COA becomes void whenever the guard changes employer
  3. The COA remains with the individual but the employer must hold the appropriate licence Correct answer.
  4. The COA must be surrendered and a new one applied for each time

Explanation

A COA is held by the individual and stays with them, but the company providing security services must separately hold the correct company licence. The two authorisations operate together. Changing employer does not void the individual's COA.

Question 43Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

Which behaviour best demonstrates a property guard acting within their lawful authority when dealing with a suspected shoplifter?

  1. Using reasonable force only where necessary and justified to prevent escape or harm Correct answer.
  2. Threatening arrest to obtain a confession
  3. Searching the person's bag as a matter of routine before police attend
  4. Detaining the person indefinitely until police arrive regardless of delay

Explanation

A guard may use only the force that is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances, such as preventing escape or harm while awaiting police. Routine searches and threats to obtain confessions exceed lawful authority. Detention must be for a lawful purpose and not indefinite.

Question 44Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

A property guard is offered a cash payment by a member of the public to allow them into a restricted area. What is the correct professional response?

  1. Refer the offer to a colleague to decide
  2. Accept it and record the payment in the daily log
  3. Accept it if the amount is small and no one is harmed
  4. Decline the payment and refuse entry in line with site instructions Correct answer.

Explanation

Accepting inducements to breach access controls is dishonest and conflicts with the guard's duty to the client. The correct response is to decline and enforce the access rules. Recording or passing the decision to a colleague does not make the conduct acceptable.

Question 45Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

What does the fit and proper person test for a COA primarily assess?

  1. The applicant's physical fitness score on a standardised test
  2. The applicant's honesty, integrity and suitability to hold a position of trust Correct answer.
  3. The applicant's length of service in any prior occupation
  4. The applicant's academic qualifications in security studies

Explanation

The fit and proper test focuses on character, honesty, integrity and whether the person is suitable to hold a position of trust. It is not a physical fitness assessment or an academic qualification check. Prior service length alone does not establish suitability.

Question 46Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

A guard discovers that a colleague has been falsifying incident reports to make their shift look quieter. What is the guard's professional obligation?

  1. Report the falsification through the appropriate channels Correct answer.
  2. Quietly correct the reports without telling anyone
  3. Ignore it because it is a matter between the colleague and the client
  4. Confront the colleague publicly in front of site visitors

Explanation

Falsifying records is dishonest and undermines the reliability of security reporting, so the guard should report it through proper channels. Silently correcting reports conceals the misconduct. Public confrontation is unprofessional and does not address the integrity issue.

Question 47Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a property guard and the client whose site they protect?

  1. The guard may act as the client's legal adviser on trespass matters
  2. The guard has no accountability to the client once on site
  3. The guard is the client's employee and must follow any instruction given
  4. The guard owes the client a duty of care and contractual service within the law Correct answer.

Explanation

The guard provides services to the client under a duty of care and within the law, but is not the client's employee and cannot be directed to act unlawfully. Providing legal advice is outside the guard's role. Accountability to the client continues throughout the assignment.

Question 48Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

A guard is asked by police to provide a statement about an incident at the site. How should the guard respond?

  1. Offer opinions about the suspect's character as fact
  2. Provide only details that support the client's position
  3. Provide a truthful and accurate account of what they observed Correct answer.
  4. Refuse because client confidentiality overrides any police request

Explanation

The guard should cooperate with police by giving a truthful, accurate account of their observations. Confidentiality does not justify refusing a lawful request for a statement. Shaping the account to favour the client or presenting opinion as fact would be dishonest.

Question 49Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

Which action by a property guard would most likely breach the Privacy Act principles when handling visitor information?

  1. Telling a visitor why their details are being collected
  2. Storing visitor sign-in records securely for the required period
  3. Sharing a visitor's personal details with an unrelated third party for no lawful purpose Correct answer.
  4. Collecting only the visitor details needed for site access control

Explanation

Personal information should be collected for a lawful purpose and not disclosed to unrelated parties without justification. Collecting only necessary details, secure storage and informing visitors of the purpose are all consistent with privacy principles. Unnecessary disclosure is the breach.

Question 50Roles, responsibilities and professional conduct

A guard working alone at night is unsure whether a situation justifies calling police. What is the most appropriate professional approach?

  1. Leave the site to seek advice from a friend
  2. Assess the risk and call police early if safety or serious harm is a concern Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the situation escalates before taking any action
  4. Handle every situation personally to avoid burdening police

Explanation

Guards should assess risk and involve police early where safety or serious harm is a concern, rather than waiting for escalation. Personal handling of every situation and abandoning the site both increase risk. Early, proportionate escalation is the professional standard.