PLRD Security Officer Duties 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What documentation must a security officer maintain during their shift?
- No documentation is required
- An occurrence book/daily activity report recording all incidents, patrols, visitor details, deliveries, and unusual observations during the shift (Correct answer)
- Only a sign-in sheet
- Only photographs of incidents
Correct answer: An occurrence book/daily activity report recording all incidents, patrols, visitor details, deliveries, and unusual observations during the shift
The occurrence book (OB) is a critical record documenting all events: patrol times, incidents, visitor logs, deliveries, maintenance work, alarms, and handover notes for the next shift.
Question 2: What is the proper handover procedure between security shifts in Singapore?
- Just leave when the next person arrives
- Brief the incoming officer on ongoing issues, pending actions, special instructions, key incidents, and verify all equipment and keys are accounted for (Correct answer)
- Send a text message with updates
- No handover is needed
Correct answer: Brief the incoming officer on ongoing issues, pending actions, special instructions, key incidents, and verify all equipment and keys are accounted for
A proper handover ensures continuity of security: brief on ongoing incidents, pending tasks, special instructions from management, status of all equipment, and any access control changes.
Question 3: When can a security officer in Singapore use force?
- Whenever they feel threatened
- Only in self-defence or defence of others, using reasonable and proportionate force as a last resort (Correct answer)
- Security officers are never allowed to use force
- Only with permission from their supervisor
Correct answer: Only in self-defence or defence of others, using reasonable and proportionate force as a last resort
Security officers may use reasonable force only in self-defence, defence of another person, or to prevent a crime. The force must be proportionate to the threat. Excessive force is a criminal offence.
Question 4: What is a security officer's authority regarding arrests in Singapore?
- Security officers can arrest anyone they suspect
- Security officers can make a citizen's arrest for seizable offences committed in their presence, but must hand the person to the police as soon as possible (Correct answer)
- Only police can make arrests
- Security officers can detain people for 24 hours
Correct answer: Security officers can make a citizen's arrest for seizable offences committed in their presence, but must hand the person to the police as soon as possible
Under the Criminal Procedure Code, any person (including security officers) can arrest someone committing a seizable offence in their presence. The arrested person must be handed to the police without unnecessary delay.
Question 5: What are the grooming and uniform standards for security officers in Singapore?
- No standards exist
- Security officers must wear the approved uniform neatly, display their licence prominently, maintain good personal hygiene, and present a professional appearance (Correct answer)
- Any clothing is acceptable
- Only a badge is required
Correct answer: Security officers must wear the approved uniform neatly, display their licence prominently, maintain good personal hygiene, and present a professional appearance
PLRD and security agencies require officers to wear proper uniforms, display their PLRD licence card visibly, maintain neat grooming, and present a professional appearance at all times while on duty.
Question 6: What should a security officer do if they witness a crime in progress?
- Confront the criminal directly
- Observe and remember details, do not put yourself in danger, call the police (999) immediately, try to preserve the scene, and assist victims if safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Wait for the crime to end before reporting
- Only report at shift end
Correct answer: Observe and remember details, do not put yourself in danger, call the police (999) immediately, try to preserve the scene, and assist victims if safe to do so
Safety first — observe and remember details (description, direction of travel, weapons). Call police immediately. Do not endanger yourself. Preserve the scene if possible and assist any victims.
PLRD Security Officer Duties 2
What documentation must a security officer maintain during their shift?