PSO PSO Surveillance and Observation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of conducting surveillance in a protective service role?

Accepted Answer

To detect and deter potential threats before they escalate

Answer

Surveillance in protective service is primarily used to detect and deter threats before they escalate into incidents.

Question 2

Which observation technique involves scanning an area in overlapping segments to ensure complete coverage?

Accepted Answer

Sector scanning

Answer

Sector scanning divides an area into overlapping segments so that no portion of the area is missed during surveillance.

Question 3

When writing a subject description for surveillance purposes, which detail should be recorded FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Height and build

Answer

Height and build are recorded first because they are the most stable identifiers and immediately visible from a distance.

Question 4

A PSO notices a vehicle parked in a restricted area with the engine running for 45 minutes. This is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

A suspicious indicator requiring documentation

Answer

An idling vehicle in a restricted area for an extended period is a suspicious indicator that a PSO should document and investigate.

Question 5

What is the purpose of a 'dead-angle' check during facility surveillance?

Accepted Answer

To inspect areas not visible from normal patrol routes or camera views

Answer

Dead-angle checks ensure that areas with no camera coverage or blocked sightlines are physically inspected during a patrol.

PSO - Protective Service Officer Practice Test