PNP-SOSIA Security Officer Exam key terms

A belief based on specific facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable officer to suspect criminal activity; required for investigative stops and certain searches.

Facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and that a specific person committed it; required for arrests and search warrants.

A judicial order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a specific person for a specific offense, based on a sworn showing of probable cause.

A court order authorizing officers to search a specified place for specified items, issued upon a sworn showing of probable cause.

Urgent situations that justify a warrantless search or entry, such as imminent danger to life, destruction of evidence, or hot pursuit of a suspect.

Rule allowing officers to seize evidence of a crime without a warrant when they are lawfully present and the incriminating nature of the item is immediately apparent.

Warrantless search of an arrested person and the immediate area within their control, permitted to find weapons and prevent destruction of evidence.

A warrantless search permitted when a person with authority voluntarily agrees, without coercion, to allow the search; consent may be limited or withdrawn.

A brief detention based on reasonable suspicion during which an officer may ask questions and, if warranted, conduct a limited pat-down for weapons.

A limited pat-down of a person's outer clothing during an investigative stop, permitted when an officer reasonably suspects the person is armed and dangerous.

Advice given before custodial interrogation informing a suspect of the right to remain silent, that statements may be used against them, and the right to counsel.

Questioning by law enforcement after a person has been taken into custody or otherwise deprived of freedom in a significant way, triggering Miranda protections.

A documented, unbroken record of who handled evidence, when, and where, from collection through presentation in court, used to prove integrity.

A written register recording each item of evidence collected, including description, time, location, collector, and subsequent transfers.

The principle that evidence must be accounted for at every moment from seizure to court to prevent tampering, loss, or substitution.

A factual written account of an event, prepared by the officer involved, containing who, what, when, where, why, and how, without opinion or conjecture.

A mandatory written account submitted after any use of force, detailing the circumstances, the force applied, and the officer's justification.

A framework describing levels of resistance and corresponding responses, from presence and verbal commands to physical control and deadly force.

Techniques to reduce tension and resolve conflict without force, including communication, time, distance, cover, and tactical repositioning.

Controlled physical techniques used to protect oneself and others, including blocks, holds, and takedowns, applied proportionally to the threat.

Methods of controlling a person's movement, such as handcuffing or leg restraints, used to prevent harm while minimizing risk of injury.

Fatal breathing impairment caused by body position, often when a restrained person is placed face-down with pressure on the back or neck.

The process of restricting entry to a facility or area to authorized persons, using measures such as badges, locks, guards, or electronic systems.

The outermost layer of physical security, including fences, walls, gates, lighting, and patrols, designed to deter, detect, and delay intrusion.

Verification of a person's identity before granting access, typically by examining a photo ID and comparing it to the person and an authorized list.

Procedures for registering, badging, escorting, and tracking visitors to ensure only authorized persons enter and are accounted for.

The systematic inspection of people and property using methods such as metal detectors, X-ray, or pat-downs to detect prohibited items.

The identification of prohibited items, such as weapons, drugs, or unauthorized tools, through search, screening technology, or observation.

A portable device that emits an audible or vibrating alert when close to metal, used to pinpoint metallic objects during screening.

A doorway-style screening device that alerts when a person passing through carries a significant amount of metal.

Use of X-ray imaging to inspect bags and parcels, allowing operators to identify shapes and densities of prohibited items.

Measures to prevent, detect, and respond to fire, including extinguishers, alarms, evacuation routes, and assembly points.

A planned sequence for moving people safely from a building during an emergency, including alarm signals, routes, and accountability.

A designated safe location outside a building where evacuees gather to be counted and receive further instructions.

Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person before professional medical help arrives, aimed at preserving life and preventing worsening.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, used to maintain circulation when a person's heart has stopped.

A portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm in sudden cardiac arrest.

A documented set of procedures for responding to emergencies, including roles, communication, evacuation, and coordination with outside agencies.

A network of cameras and recording devices used to monitor activity, deter crime, and provide evidence, subject to privacy and legal limits.

Closed-circuit television: a system of cameras transmitting signals to a specific set of monitors for real-time monitoring and recording.

A portable communication device allowing officers to transmit and receive messages, often with channels, codes, and emergency buttons.

Standard rules for radio communication, including call signs, clear speech, priority of messages, and avoidance of sensitive information.

A process of addressing disputes by identifying interests, improving communication, and finding mutually acceptable solutions without force.

A communication technique involving full attention, paraphrasing, and reflecting feelings to understand a person's message and build rapport.

Techniques for managing large groups safely, including containment, direction, communication, and proportional use of force when necessary.

The maintenance of peace and safety in public spaces through prevention, lawful enforcement, and coordination with other agencies.

A set of principles guiding professional conduct, including integrity, impartiality, confidentiality, and respect for human rights.

Fundamental entitlements belonging to all people, such as life, liberty, dignity, and fair treatment, which security officers must respect.

Behavior consistent with the standards of the security profession, including honesty, courtesy, accountability, and lawful exercise of authority.

A situation where personal interests could improperly influence official duties, requiring disclosure and avoidance to maintain integrity.

A lawful arrest by a private person of someone who has committed an offence, subject to strict limits and immediate delivery to police.

The lawful use of reasonable force to protect oneself from imminent harm, limited to what is necessary to stop the threat.

Unlawful entry onto property without consent or lawful authority, or remaining after being asked to leave by an authorized person.

The unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner, including shoplifting and employee theft.

An intentional act that causes a person to fear immediate physical harm, whether or not contact occurs.

The intentional and unlawful application of physical force to another person, such as hitting, pushing, or spitting.

A portable device for suppressing small fires, classified by the type of fire it can safely extinguish, such as water, foam, CO2, or dry powder.

A stable side-lying position used for an unconscious but breathing person to keep the airway open and reduce choking risk.

A credentialing method using ID badges to identify authorized personnel and control access to specific areas.

An alarm system that detects unauthorized entry into a protected area using sensors such as door contacts, motion detectors, or glass-break detectors.