PSIRA Grade D key terms

The statutory body established under South African law to regulate the private security industry. It registers security service providers and officers, sets minimum standards, and enforces compliance through inspections and disciplinary action.

The main law governing private security in South Africa. It creates PSIRA, defines who may render security services, sets registration requirements, and provides for offences and penalties for unregistered or improper conduct.

A person or business that supplies security services for reward, such as guarding, patrols, or reaction services. The provider must be registered with PSIRA and must employ only registered security officers.

A registered person employed to protect people, property, or premises. The officer may only perform duties covered by their registration grade and must carry proof of registration while on duty.

The official PSIRA document confirming that a person or business is registered to render security services. It states the registration grade and must be kept valid and available for inspection.

A small identity card issued to a registered security officer showing their name, photograph, registration number, and grade. The officer must carry it while on duty and show it to an authorised person on request.

The registration level assigned to a security officer, from Grade E upwards. Each grade reflects the training completed and limits the type of duties and supervision the officer may legally perform.

The rules of behaviour that registered security officers and providers must follow. It covers honesty, lawful conduct, fair treatment of the public, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest, and breaches can lead to disciplinary action.

A formal proceeding in which PSIRA or an employer examines allegations that a registered officer or provider broke the rules. Outcomes can include warnings, suspension, downgrading, or removal from the register.

The principles of right conduct expected of a security officer, including honesty, integrity, impartiality, respect for human dignity, and loyalty to lawful instructions. Ethical behaviour protects public trust in the security industry.

The duty not to reveal information learned during work, such as client details, access codes, or incident reports, to anyone who is not authorised to receive it. Breaching it can harm the client and is a disciplinary offence.

A situation where an officer's personal interests could improperly influence their duties, such as guarding premises where a relative is suspected of theft. The officer must disclose it and avoid acting where fairness is compromised.

Offering, giving, receiving, or accepting money or favours to influence an officer's actions, such as being paid to ignore a breach. It is a criminal offence and a serious breach of the code of conduct.

Failing to take the care a reasonable security officer would take in the same situation, such as leaving a gate unlocked or abandoning a post. It can lead to disciplinary action and civil or criminal liability.

Physical action taken to overcome resistance or defend against an attack. The law allows only the minimum force reasonably necessary in the circumstances, and excessive force can be a criminal offence.

The lawful use of reasonable force to protect oneself or another person from an imminent unlawful attack. The response must be necessary and proportionate, and force may not be used for revenge or after the threat has passed.

The power of an ordinary person, including a security officer, to detain someone reasonably suspected of committing an offence in their presence. The suspect must be handed to the police as soon as possible and treated lawfully.

Lawfully taking a person into custody to answer for an alleged offence. A security officer may only arrest in the limited circumstances the law permits and must follow correct procedure, including informing the person and calling the police.

Holding a person in custody after arrest or while awaiting police arrival. Detainees must be kept safe, may not be assaulted or humiliated, and must be handed over to the police without unnecessary delay.

Entering or remaining on premises without the owner's permission or lawful authority. A security officer may ask the person to leave and, if they refuse, may seek police assistance or act within the limits of the law.

The legal and moral obligation of a security officer to protect the safety and well-being of people on the premises, including visitors, staff, and detainees, and to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm.

Written instructions describing an officer's specific duties at a particular post, such as patrol times, access rules, and reporting requirements. The officer must read, understand, and follow them.

The oversight of security officers by a more senior or higher-graded person to ensure duties are performed correctly and standards are maintained. Officers must accept lawful supervision and report problems to their supervisor.

The process of controlling who and what enters or leaves a protected area, using identification checks, visitor registers, permits, and physical barriers. Its purpose is to keep unauthorised people and items out.

A record in which visitors' names, identity details, times of entry and exit, and the person visited are written. It provides an audit trail and helps account for everyone on the premises during an emergency.

Declining to let a person enter because they cannot prove identity, lack authorisation, or pose a risk. The officer should remain polite, explain the reason, and record the refusal where required.

A physical examination of a person, bag, or vehicle for prohibited items. Searches must be lawful and conducted with respect for dignity, following the site's rules and, where required, the person's consent.

An object that may not be brought onto the premises, such as weapons, drugs, or unauthorised tools. Officers must know the site's list and act according to instructions when such items are found.

A planned walk or drive through an area to check for hazards, intruders, and irregularities. Patrols should follow set routes and times, vary where possible, and be recorded to show the area was covered.

A fixed location on a patrol route where an officer records their presence, often with a book or electronic device. It proves the patrol was carried out and helps detect missed or irregular rounds.

A written or electronic record of patrols completed, including times, areas checked, and any irregularities found. It is a legal record that may be used in investigations and disciplinary or court proceedings.

The process in which an outgoing officer briefs the incoming officer on incidents, outstanding tasks, keys, and equipment before leaving. A clear handover prevents gaps in security and ensures continuity of duty.

The actions an officer takes when a fire, medical emergency, crime, or other urgent incident occurs, following the site's emergency plan. Priorities are protecting life, calling for help, and securing the scene.

The orderly movement of people out of a building or area during an emergency. Officers should guide people to assembly points, keep exits clear, and prevent re-entry until it is declared safe.

A designated safe place where people gather after evacuating a building. Officers help direct people there and assist with counting or accounting for staff and visitors.

A current list of numbers for police, ambulance, fire services, management, and key clients. Officers must know where it is kept and how to use it quickly when an emergency occurs.

A written record of an unusual event, such as a theft, injury, or disturbance, describing what happened, when, where, who was involved, and what action was taken. It must be factual, accurate, and completed promptly.

The official diary at a security post in which officers record incidents, patrols, handovers, and other events during a shift. Entries must be made in ink, in sequence, without erasing or removing pages.

Any condition that could cause injury or damage, such as a broken step, exposed wiring, or poor lighting. Officers should report hazards promptly and take reasonable steps to warn or protect people.

The rules and practices aimed at keeping workers and others safe from injury and illness at work. Officers must follow safety procedures, use protective equipment where required, and report unsafe conditions.