PLRD Powers of Arrest and Detention 2

Question 1

Can a security officer search a detained person's belongings following a citizen's arrest in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

No, only a police officer has the authority to conduct a lawful search

Answer

Under Singapore law, only police officers have the statutory authority to conduct searches of a detained person. A security officer conducting an unauthorised search may face criminal liability.

Question 2

A visitor refuses to leave a private premises after being asked to do so by a security officer. What legal provision supports the security officer's actions?

Accepted Answer

The person may be committing criminal trespass under the Penal Code

Answer

Under the Penal Code, remaining on private property after being asked to leave may constitute criminal trespass. Security officers acting on behalf of the property owner can ask persons to leave.

Question 3

A security officer suspects a person of carrying a weapon. Which of the following is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Alert the police immediately and keep the person under observation

Answer

When a security officer suspects a person is carrying a weapon, the correct procedure is to alert the police and maintain surveillance without escalating the situation independently, as searching the person is not within the officer's legal authority.

Question 4

Under Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code, which of the following offences is classified as non-seizable, meaning it does NOT support a citizen's arrest?

Accepted Answer

Mischief causing minor property damage

Answer

Mischief causing minor damage is typically a non-seizable offence, meaning police need a warrant to arrest for it and a citizen's arrest is not justified. Seizable offences like theft and outrage of modesty do support citizen's arrest.

Question 5

What must a security officer do if a person they have detained claims they are being wrongfully held?

Accepted Answer

Call the police immediately to take over custody

Answer

When a detained person disputes the lawfulness of their detention, the security officer must promptly contact the police to assume responsibility, as the officer has no authority to adjudicate such claims.

PLRD Security Practice Test

PLRD Security Practice Test

PLRD Powers of Arrest and Detention 2