CPL Emergency Entry Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A window-mounted air conditioning unit blocks a sash window that must be entered in an emergency. The locksmith should first:
- Break the glass pane
- Assess whether the A/C unit can be safely removed (Correct answer)
- Cut the window sash
- Pick the window latch from the exterior
Correct answer: Assess whether the A/C unit can be safely removed
Evaluating removal of the A/C unit is the safest first step, as it may allow entry without damaging the window or frame.
Question 2: When a deadbolt thumb turn is visible through a mail slot or cat flap, a locksmith may use:
- A loid
- A long bent tool to rotate the thumb turn (Correct answer)
- An air wedge
- A plug spinner
Correct answer: A long bent tool to rotate the thumb turn
A long bent tool inserted through an opening can reach and rotate an interior thumb turn to retract the deadbolt.
Question 3: Which lock type is MOST resistant to shimming or loiding as an emergency entry technique?
- Spring latch knob lock
- Deadbolt lock (Correct answer)
- Bathroom privacy lock
- Sliding door latch
Correct answer: Deadbolt lock
Deadbolts have a bolt that cannot be retracted by shimming because they require key or thumb turn rotation to retract.
Question 4: A commercial building entry requires bypassing a magnetic lock (mag lock) after a power failure. The correct approach is:
- Pick the mag lock cylinder
- Locate and use the REX (Request to Exit) device or backup power (Correct answer)
- Drill the mag lock body
- Use a shim between the door and frame
Correct answer: Locate and use the REX (Request to Exit) device or backup power
Magnetic locks release when power is cut; using the REX device or emergency backup power is the proper bypass procedure.
Question 5: During an emergency entry on a door with a high-security lock featuring anti-drill hardened steel inserts, the locksmith should:
- Use a carbide-tipped drill bit and slow RPM (Correct answer)
- Attempt destructive picking only
- Shim the latch
- Use an air wedge exclusively
Correct answer: Use a carbide-tipped drill bit and slow RPM
Carbide-tipped bits at low RPM can penetrate hardened steel inserts that would destroy standard drill bits.
Question 6: A locked push-bar panic exit device on the interior of a commercial door can often be opened from the exterior by:
- Picking the mounting screws
- Using a through-the-door tool to press the panic bar (Correct answer)
- Applying a loid to the panic bar latch
- Drilling the exit device
Correct answer: Using a through-the-door tool to press the panic bar
A through-the-door tool can pass through the letterbox or gap to press the interior panic bar and release the door.
Question 7: What is the primary safety consideration before beginning any emergency entry on a residential property?
- Checking the lock brand
- Verifying the requesting party's authority and identity (Correct answer)
- Estimating the lock age
- Selecting drill bit size
Correct answer: Verifying the requesting party's authority and identity
A locksmith must verify that the requesting person has legal authority to access the property before performing any entry.
CPL Emergency Entry Techniques 3
A window-mounted air conditioning unit blocks a sash window that must be entered in an emergency.
The locksmith should first: