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PSIRA Grade E study materials
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PSIRA Grade E practice questions

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Question 1Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which body is responsible for regulating the private security industry in South Africa?

  1. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority Correct answer.
  2. The Department of Labour
  3. The National Prosecuting Authority
  4. The South African Police Service

Explanation

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) was established under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act to regulate and control the private security industry. It registers security service providers and enforces standards of conduct. Other bodies listed have different statutory functions.

Question 2Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What is the primary purpose of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act?

  1. To set municipal by-laws on security
  2. To create a state security agency
  3. To replace the criminal justice system
  4. To regulate the private security industry and its service providers Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act establishes a framework to regulate the private security industry, including registration, conduct and discipline of providers. It does not create a state agency or replace criminal justice institutions. Its focus is regulation of private security services.

Question 3Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A person wishes to offer security services for payment. What must that person obtain before providing such services?

  1. A firearm licence
  2. A tax clearance certificate
  3. A registration with PSIRA Correct answer.
  4. A permit from the local municipality

Explanation

Anyone who provides security services for reward must be registered with PSIRA as a security service provider. Registration is the core statutory requirement for lawful operation. Other documents may be needed for other purposes but do not authorise security service provision.

Question 4Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which of the following best describes a security service provider under the Act?

  1. Only companies with more than fifty employees
  2. Only businesses registered as close corporations
  3. Only former police officers
  4. Any person who renders a security service to another for reward Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act defines a security service provider broadly as a person who renders security services to another person for reward. It is not limited by company size, corporate form or prior police service. The defining feature is the rendering of security services for reward.

Question 5Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What does the PSIRA code of conduct primarily govern?

  1. The design of security uniforms
  2. The pricing of security contracts
  3. The professional and ethical behaviour of registered security service providers Correct answer.
  4. The tax obligations of security firms

Explanation

The code of conduct sets standards of professional and ethical behaviour that registered providers must follow. It addresses matters such as conduct toward the public and lawful performance of duties. Pricing, uniform design and tax are governed by other rules.

Question 6Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A registered security officer is asked to detain a suspect. Which principle best guides the lawful exercise of this power?

  1. The officer may use any force necessary without limit
  2. The officer must act within the law and may not exceed lawful powers of arrest or detention Correct answer.
  3. The officer may search any person without consent or legal basis
  4. The officer may detain anyone on the instruction of the client

Explanation

Security officers are not above the law and may only exercise powers such as arrest or detention where the law permits, using no more force than is lawful. They cannot rely on a client's instruction to justify unlawful detention. Exceeding lawful powers exposes the officer to criminal and civil liability.

Question 7Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which of these is an ethical obligation of a security officer toward members of the public?

  1. To conceal evidence that harms the client
  2. To intimidate persons to prevent complaints
  3. To treat all persons with courtesy and respect while performing duties Correct answer.
  4. To prioritise paying clients over all other persons in every situation

Explanation

Ethical conduct requires security officers to treat all persons with courtesy and respect while carrying out their duties. The duty to the client does not override lawful and respectful treatment of others. Concealing evidence or intimidating people is both unethical and unlawful.

Question 8Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What is the main consequence for a person who renders security services without being registered with PSIRA?

  1. The person automatically becomes registered
  2. The person commits an offence and may be prosecuted Correct answer.
  3. No consequence, because registration is voluntary
  4. The person must pay a higher fee later

Explanation

Rendering security services without registration is an offence under the Act and can lead to prosecution and penalties. Registration is compulsory, not optional. The law does not grant automatic registration or a mere fee adjustment.

Question 9Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security company director is convicted of a serious offence involving dishonesty. What is the most relevant regulatory implication?

  1. The conviction may affect the person's fitness to be registered or to remain registered Correct answer.
  2. Nothing changes because the conviction is personal
  3. The director must resign from all employment
  4. The company automatically gains more clients

Explanation

The Act requires registered persons to be fit and proper, and convictions for dishonesty are relevant to that assessment. The regulator may refuse, suspend or withdraw registration based on such convictions. The effect is regulatory, not an automatic employment ban.

Question 10Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which conduct would most clearly breach the code of conduct for security officers?

  1. Refusing a bribe offered to ignore a security breach
  2. Reporting a colleague's unlawful conduct to a supervisor
  3. Attending a required training session
  4. Using a position of authority to solicit favours from a member of the public Correct answer.

Explanation

The code of conduct requires officers to act with integrity and not abuse their position for personal gain. Soliciting favours from the public abuses that position. Refusing bribes, reporting misconduct and attending training are consistent with the code.

Question 11Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which statement about the relationship between private security and the police is correct?

  1. Private security officers are exempt from the criminal law
  2. Private security officers may direct police operations
  3. Private security officers may exercise only the powers the law gives to private persons or specifically grants them Correct answer.
  4. Private security officers have the same powers as police officers

Explanation

Private security officers are private persons and may only exercise powers available to private persons, such as a citizen's arrest where lawful, or powers specifically granted by law. They do not share the general powers of police officers. They remain fully subject to the criminal law.

Question 12Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What does the term 'confidentiality' require of a security officer handling client information?

  1. Sharing client information freely with other clients
  2. Disclosing information only when it is lawful and necessary to do so Correct answer.
  3. Keeping information secret even from lawful authorities
  4. Publishing client details on social media

Explanation

Confidentiality requires officers to protect client information and disclose it only where the law requires or permits, such as a lawful court order. It does not authorise withholding information from lawful authorities. Free sharing or publishing breaches the duty.

Question 13Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which of the following is a recognised purpose of PSIRA's regulatory function?

  1. To promote the private security industry and maintain standards of conduct Correct answer.
  2. To set the salaries of all security officers
  3. To prosecute all criminal cases in court
  4. To grant firearm licences to security firms

Explanation

PSIRA's mandate includes promoting and regulating the private security industry and maintaining proper standards of conduct and service. It does not set salaries, issue firearm licences or conduct general criminal prosecutions. Those functions belong to other bodies.

Question 14Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer witnesses a colleague assaulting a detainee. What is the most appropriate ethical and legal response?

  1. Destroy any record of the incident
  2. Join in to maintain discipline
  3. Report the assault through the proper channels and, where necessary, to the police Correct answer.
  4. Ignore it to avoid conflict

Explanation

Assaulting a detainee is unlawful, and officers have a duty to report such conduct through proper channels and to the police where appropriate. Ignoring or concealing it makes the officer complicit. Joining in is itself a criminal act.

Question 15Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What does 'fit and proper person' most likely refer to in the registration context?

  1. A person's physical fitness test score
  2. A person's suitability based on honesty, integrity and lawfulness Correct answer.
  3. A person's years of experience only
  4. A person's level of education only

Explanation

Fitness and propriety concerns a person's character and suitability, assessed on factors such as honesty, integrity, criminal record and lawful conduct. It is not limited to physical fitness, education or experience. The regulator weighs these factors when registering providers.

Question 16Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which principle best describes the officer's duty regarding the use of force when making a lawful arrest?

  1. Force may be used to punish the suspect
  2. Force may be used whenever the officer is angry
  3. Force may be used to extract a confession
  4. Force may be used only to the extent that is reasonably necessary and lawful Correct answer.

Explanation

The law permits only reasonably necessary force in effecting a lawful arrest, and never force used for punishment or to extract confessions. Proportionality is central to legality. Excessive force exposes the officer to criminal and civil liability.

Question 17Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A client instructs a security officer to conduct a strip search of a shop customer suspected of theft. What is the correct legal position?

  1. The officer may conduct the search if other customers are not watching
  2. The officer may not conduct such a search because it exceeds lawful powers and violates dignity Correct answer.
  3. The officer may conduct the search if the customer looks nervous
  4. The officer may conduct the search on the client's instruction

Explanation

A private security officer generally lacks the power to conduct invasive searches such as strip searches, which would also violate the person's dignity and privacy. A client's instruction cannot create a power the law does not grant. The officer must decline and pursue lawful alternatives.

Question 18Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which of the following best reflects the ethical principle of avoiding conflicts of interest?

  1. Using the employer's equipment for a private business
  2. Disclosing personal interests that could improperly influence duties Correct answer.
  3. Hiring relatives without disclosure to gain personal benefit
  4. Accepting gifts from suppliers to secure contracts

Explanation

Avoiding conflicts of interest requires officers to disclose personal interests that could improperly influence their duties. Accepting gifts to secure contracts, misusing equipment and undisclosed nepotism are conflicts of interest. Disclosure and transparency protect integrity.

Question 19Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What is the effect of a PSIRA registration being suspended?

  1. The provider may not render security services while suspended Correct answer.
  2. The provider must register with the police instead
  3. The provider may continue rendering services until the suspension is lifted
  4. The suspension only affects the provider's tax status

Explanation

A suspended provider is not lawfully entitled to render security services during the suspension. Continuing to provide services while suspended is an offence. Suspension is a regulatory measure, not a tax or police registration matter.

Question 20Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which statement about the use of a security officer's uniform and insignia is most accurate?

  1. Officers may use police insignia if the client approves
  2. Officers may wear unmarked uniforms to deceive the public
  3. Officers must not misrepresent themselves as police officers through their uniform or insignia Correct answer.
  4. Officers may wear any insignia resembling police ranks

Explanation

Security officers must not hold themselves out as police officers, and uniform or insignia that misleads the public in this way is improper. The client's approval cannot authorise misrepresentation. Honest identification is part of professional conduct.

Question 21Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer is off duty and witnesses a serious assault in public. Which statement best reflects the legal and ethical position?

  1. The officer may act as an ordinary citizen within the law and should assist where safe and lawful Correct answer.
  2. The officer has no relationship to the law when off duty
  3. The officer may use any force to stop the assault
  4. The officer has a legal duty to arrest the offender in every case

Explanation

Off duty, a security officer is essentially a private citizen who may act within lawful citizen powers, such as a lawful citizen's arrest where appropriate, and should assist where safe and lawful. There is no general legal duty to arrest in every case. Force must remain lawful and proportionate.

Question 22Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which best describes the ethical duty of a security officer regarding evidence at a crime scene?

  1. To preserve evidence and avoid tampering Correct answer.
  2. To sell evidence to the highest bidder
  3. To remove evidence that could implicate the client
  4. To alter evidence to support the client's version

Explanation

Ethical and legal duties require officers to preserve evidence and avoid tampering so that the truth can be established. Removing, selling or altering evidence obstructs justice. Preservation supports the integrity of any subsequent investigation.

Question 23Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which of the following is most consistent with the principle of accountability for a security officer?

  1. Blaming colleagues for one's own mistakes
  2. Avoiding all documentation to reduce risk
  3. Keeping written records of actions taken during an incident Correct answer.
  4. Refusing to explain actions to supervisors

Explanation

Accountability requires officers to document their actions and be able to explain them to supervisors and lawful authorities. Record keeping supports transparency and review. Refusing explanation, blaming others and avoiding documentation undermine accountability.

Question 24Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

What is the most accurate statement about the application of the Bill of Rights to private security officers?

  1. It does not apply to private persons under any circumstances
  2. It applies only to police officers
  3. It binds private security officers when they exercise public-like powers and must respect rights such as dignity and privacy Correct answer.
  4. It applies only to company directors

Explanation

The Bill of Rights binds the state and, in relevant circumstances, private persons, particularly where they exercise public-like powers. Security officers must therefore respect rights such as dignity, privacy and freedom from unlawful force. It is not limited to police or directors.

Question 25Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which action best demonstrates the ethical value of honesty in a security officer's report writing?

  1. Exaggerating details to strengthen the client's case
  2. Recording only facts observed and clearly distinguishing them from opinion Correct answer.
  3. Copying another officer's report without checking it
  4. Leaving out facts that weaken the client's position

Explanation

Honest reporting records facts as observed and distinguishes fact from opinion, supporting accuracy and integrity. Exaggeration, omission of relevant facts and copying unverified reports compromise accuracy. Honesty in reporting protects the officer and the investigation.

Question 26Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, which body is empowered to register security service providers in South Africa?

  1. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority Correct answer.
  2. The Department of Labour
  3. The National Prosecuting Authority
  4. The South African Police Service

Explanation

The Private Security Industry Regulation Act establishes PSIRA as the statutory regulator responsible for registering and controlling security service providers. Police, labour and prosecuting bodies have different mandates and do not register security providers.

Question 27Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer is registered but later allowed their registration to lapse while continuing to work. What is the legal position of that officer's services?

  1. The services remain lawful because the officer was once registered
  2. The services are lawful if the client does not object
  3. The services are unlawful because rendering them requires current registration Correct answer.
  4. The services are lawful until PSIRA issues a formal warning

Explanation

Rendering security services requires a valid, current registration with PSIRA. Once registration lapses, the person is no longer registered and may not lawfully render those services. Historical registration does not authorise ongoing unregistered work.

Question 28Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which document sets out the standards of conduct that a registered security officer is expected to uphold in dealings with clients and the public?

  1. The officer's employment contract
  2. The client's service level agreement
  3. The company's internal leave policy
  4. The code of conduct for security service providers Correct answer.

Explanation

The code of conduct issued under the regulatory framework establishes the ethical and professional standards binding on registered security service providers. Internal policies and contracts may add obligations but do not replace the statutory code.

Question 29Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Why does the regulatory framework require security officers to be trained and to hold a valid certificate of competency?

  1. To reduce the number of security companies operating in an area
  2. To allow officers to perform police duties independently
  3. To ensure officers have the minimum knowledge and skills to act lawfully and competently Correct answer.
  4. To increase the fees that companies can charge clients

Explanation

Training and competency requirements exist to protect the public by ensuring officers understand the law and can perform their duties competently. They are a public-protection measure, not a commercial or market-control device.

Question 30Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer detains a shoplifting suspect and the suspect asks to make a phone call. Which response best reflects the lawful and ethical approach?

  1. Hand the suspect over to a colleague and leave the scene
  2. Refuse all communication until the police arrive, to prevent escape
  3. Confiscate the suspect's phone permanently as evidence
  4. Allow a reasonable call under supervision while ensuring the suspect does not abscond Correct answer.

Explanation

A person detained by a security officer retains basic rights, and a supervised reasonable call balances those rights against the risk of escape or interference. Blanket refusal and permanent confiscation exceed what the detention justifies.

Question 31Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer is offered a cash gift by a client to 'lose' a report of a minor incident. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Refer the client to a colleague who can decide
  2. Accept the gift but keep the original report on file
  3. Refuse the gift and submit an accurate report Correct answer.
  4. Accept the gift and adjust the report slightly

Explanation

Accepting payment to alter a report is dishonest and corrupt, and it undermines the integrity of records. The officer must refuse and record the incident truthfully. Passing the request to a colleague does not remove the ethical problem.

Question 32Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer sees a colleague repeatedly using insulting language toward a homeless person outside the premises. What does the code of conduct require of the officer?

  1. Record the incident only if the person complains
  2. Ignore it because it happens off the premises
  3. Report the conduct and treat the person with dignity Correct answer.
  4. Join in so the colleague is not isolated

Explanation

The code requires officers to treat all persons with dignity and respect and to report misconduct by colleagues. Abusive conduct is a breach regardless of whether the person complains or where on duty it occurs.

Question 33Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security manager discovers that a guard has been sharing a client's access codes with friends. Which regulatory concern does this conduct most directly raise?

  1. Breach of confidentiality and client trust Correct answer.
  2. Late submission of a leave form
  3. Failure to pay registration fees
  4. Using the wrong uniform colour

Explanation

Access codes are sensitive client information, and disclosing them breaches the duty of confidentiality and undermines client trust. The other matters are administrative and unrelated to the disclosure of protected information.

Question 34Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer is asked by police to help identify a suspect in a crowd. What is the most appropriate way to assist?

  1. Detain the person the officer thinks is the suspect without grounds
  2. Refuse all cooperation because the officer is privately employed
  3. Point out anyone who looks suspicious to speed things up
  4. Provide accurate observations and cooperate within the officer's lawful role Correct answer.

Explanation

Private security officers may and should cooperate with the police by giving truthful observations, but they must not fabricate suspicion or detain without lawful grounds. Cooperation must stay within the officer's lawful role.

Question 35Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A client asks a security officer to keep a detainee locked in a back room overnight without contacting police. What is the correct response?

  1. Comply because the client is paying for the service
  2. Refuse, as detention must be lawful and promptly handed to the police Correct answer.
  3. Comply if the detainee is suspected of theft
  4. Compromise by releasing the detainee after four hours

Explanation

A security officer has no authority to hold a person secretly or indefinitely, and detention must be lawful and promptly handed over to the police. Client instructions cannot authorise unlawful detention.

Question 36Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

Which statement best explains why the Bill of Rights binds private security officers in their work?

  1. It applies only to government employees, so it never affects private officers
  2. It applies only to officers employed by large companies
  3. It applies to all persons and organs of state, and officers exercise powers that affect people's rights Correct answer.
  4. It applies only when an officer is off duty

Explanation

The Bill of Rights applies to all law and binds the legislature, executive, judiciary and all organs of state, and its rights protect everyone. Security officers exercise powers such as detention and search that directly affect those rights, so they must act consistently with them.

Question 37Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer is asked to search a client's employee's handbag based only on a manager's hunch. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Refuse any search under all circumstances
  2. Search it immediately because the manager gave permission
  3. Search it secretly to avoid embarrassing the employee
  4. Conduct the search only if there is a lawful basis and proper consent or authority Correct answer.

Explanation

A search intrudes on privacy and must rest on a lawful basis such as valid consent or contractual authority that is itself lawful. A manager's hunch alone is not a sufficient basis, and secret searches are improper.

Question 38Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A PSIRA-registered officer is convicted of theft and the regulator considers whether the officer remains fit to hold registration. Which factor is most relevant to that assessment?

  1. The officer's physical fitness test score
  2. The number of hours worked per week
  3. The officer's length of service alone
  4. The nature of the offence and its bearing on honesty and trustworthiness Correct answer.

Explanation

Fitness to hold registration turns on character and trustworthiness, so the nature and seriousness of an dishonesty offence is central. Length of service, fitness scores and working hours do not establish integrity.

Question 39Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security company owner wants to employ a relative who has no registration to guard a site 'temporarily'. What is the correct legal position?

  1. The relative may work if the client signs a waiver
  2. The relative may not render security services until properly registered Correct answer.
  3. The relative may work if supervised by a registered officer
  4. The relative may work for up to one month without registration

Explanation

No person may render security services unless registered with PSIRA, and supervision, short periods or client waivers do not create an exception. Employing an unregistered person exposes both the individual and the company to regulatory consequences.

Question 40Legal and ethical framework of the private security industry

A security officer who is also a part-time employee of a client is asked to investigate a theft at that client while reporting to the security company. Which principle is most directly engaged?

  1. Conflict of interest and the duty of loyalty Correct answer.
  2. Working hours and overtime rules
  3. Uniform and insignia standards
  4. Firearm storage requirements

Explanation

Holding dual roles can create competing loyalties and duties, which engages the ethical principle of avoiding conflicts of interest. The officer must disclose the conflict and manage it so that impartiality and loyalty are preserved.

Question 41Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

What is the primary purpose of a security officer's visible presence at a site?

  1. To arrest suspects without involving the police
  2. To take over the duties of the site manager
  3. To deter unlawful or unwanted conduct before it happens Correct answer.
  4. To conduct criminal investigations independently

Explanation

A security officer's core function is preventive: visible, professional presence discourages wrongdoing and reassures lawful users of the site. Arrest and investigation are powers exercised within strict legal limits and normally in cooperation with the police.

Question 42Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

A security officer is posted at the entrance of a shopping centre. Which action best reflects the duty to control access?

  1. Refusing entry to anyone the officer personally dislikes
  2. Checking that persons entering have a legitimate reason to be on the premises Correct answer.
  3. Allowing every person entry to avoid conflict
  4. Searching every visitor's bags as a routine

Explanation

Access control means verifying that people entering have a lawful or legitimate purpose on the premises, applied consistently and politely. It is not blanket exclusion, blanket admission, or routine invasive searching.

Question 43Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

When a security officer observes a crime in progress, what is the most appropriate first priority?

  1. Confronting the suspect physically without support
  2. Recording the incident in the occurrence book before acting
  3. Pursuing the suspect alone into an unlit area
  4. Ensuring personal safety and alerting backup or the police Correct answer.

Explanation

Personal safety and timely communication come first, because an injured or isolated officer cannot protect anyone. Backup or police are then able to respond to the crime with proper support.

Question 44Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

What does the occurrence book (OB) primarily record?

  1. The officer's personal opinions about colleagues
  2. A chronological record of events and actions during a shift Correct answer.
  3. The financial accounts of the client company
  4. The training history of the security company

Explanation

The occurrence book is a contemporaneous, factual log of incidents, patrols, handovers and actions taken during a shift. It serves as an official record that may later support reports or legal proceedings.

Question 45Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

A security officer on duty must report for a shift. Which behaviour best demonstrates professional responsibility?

  1. Arriving late but working extra hours to compensate
  2. Borrowing a colleague's uniform if one's own is dirty
  3. Sleeping during quiet periods to stay alert later
  4. Arriving on time, in correct uniform, and fit for duty Correct answer.

Explanation

Professional responsibility requires punctuality, correct dress and fitness for duty so the officer can perform effectively from the start of the shift. Reliability underpins the trust the client places in the service.

Question 46Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

Which of the following best describes the security officer's duty regarding confidential client information?

  1. Discussing it openly to show how important the site is
  2. Publishing it if it seems interesting to the public
  3. Keeping it confidential and disclosing only on a need-to-know basis Correct answer.
  4. Sharing it with friends who promise to keep it secret

Explanation

Confidentiality is a core professional obligation: information learned on duty is disclosed only to those who genuinely need it for the assignment. Breaching it undermines client trust and may have legal consequences.

Question 47Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

What is the main purpose of a patrol by a security officer?

  1. To detect and deter risks across the whole site Correct answer.
  2. To avoid remaining at a fixed post
  3. To check on colleagues' private conversations
  4. To exercise and pass the time during a shift

Explanation

Patrolling allows the officer to observe conditions across the site, deter wrongdoing through visibility and detect hazards or irregularities. It is a planned, purposeful activity, not simply movement for its own sake.

Question 48Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

A visitor asks a security officer for directions to a specific office. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Give clear directions politely and, if needed, direct the visitor to reception Correct answer.
  2. Tell the visitor to find it themselves
  3. Escort the visitor personally into the office without permission
  4. Ignore the visitor to maintain a stern image

Explanation

Courtesy and helpfulness are part of the officer's public-facing role, while access procedures must still be respected. Directing the visitor to reception keeps the access process intact.

Question 49Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

A security officer notices a fire extinguisher blocking a fire exit. What is the correct action?

  1. Photograph it and wait for someone else to act
  2. Move the obstruction and report the hazard Correct answer.
  3. Leave it because it is not the officer's department
  4. Tell visitors to step over it

Explanation

Hazards that could endanger life must be addressed promptly; removing the obstruction restores safe egress. The officer should also report the matter so it is corrected and recorded.

Question 50Roles and responsibilities of a security officer

Which statement best describes the security officer's relationship with the South African Police Service?

  1. The officer replaces the police in all matters
  2. The officer has no need to contact the police
  3. The officer commands police officers on scene
  4. The officer works with the police and reports crimes to them Correct answer.

Explanation

Private security supports, but does not replace, the police; officers report crimes and cooperate with investigations. On scene, police retain their statutory authority.