PSO PSO Access Control and Security Screening 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a security screening at a facility entrance, a bag is found to contain an unidentified white powder. The PSO's FIRST action should be to:
- Smell the substance to identify it
- Seal the area, avoid touching the substance, and call for emergency response (Correct answer)
- Dispose of the substance in a trash can
- Return the bag to the owner and ask them to leave
Correct answer: Seal the area, avoid touching the substance, and call for emergency response
Unknown substances may be hazardous; isolating the area and summoning emergency responders is the safe and proper first action.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'sign-in/sign-out' protocol for contractors working inside a secured facility?
- To bill the contractor for facility use
- To maintain an accurate record of who is on premises at all times (Correct answer)
- To ensure contractors receive a meal break
- To comply with IRS reporting requirements
Correct answer: To maintain an accurate record of who is on premises at all times
Sign-in/sign-out records ensure accountability and allow security personnel to account for everyone on the premises during an emergency.
Question 3: Which of the following is a passive access control measure?
- Security officer ID check
- Electronic keycard reader (Correct answer)
- Verbal challenge from a guard
- Escort policy enforcement
Correct answer: Electronic keycard reader
An electronic keycard reader is a passive measure that automatically controls access without requiring a security officer's direct intervention.
Question 4: A person presents a valid badge but is not on the current authorized-access list. A PSO should:
- Grant access because the badge is valid
- Deny access and verify with the issuing authority before allowing entry (Correct answer)
- Confiscate the badge and call police
- Ask the person to return during business hours
Correct answer: Deny access and verify with the issuing authority before allowing entry
A valid badge alone is insufficient if the individual is not on the current authorized list; verification must occur before granting access.
Question 5: What is 'piggybacking' in the context of access control?
- Carrying equipment through a secured door
- An unauthorized person following closely behind an authorized person to gain entry without credentials (Correct answer)
- Using another employee's badge with their permission
- Installing multiple security cameras in one area
Correct answer: An unauthorized person following closely behind an authorized person to gain entry without credentials
Piggybacking (also called tailgating) occurs when an unauthorized person exploits an authorized entry to pass through a secured entrance.
Question 6: During an access screening, a PSO may conduct a pat-down search of a visitor ONLY when:
- The visitor is carrying a large bag
- There is reasonable suspicion and the visitor has consented or policy authorizes it (Correct answer)
- The PSO feels uncomfortable about the visitor's appearance
- The visitor is a foreign national
Correct answer: There is reasonable suspicion and the visitor has consented or policy authorizes it
Pat-down searches require either visitor consent or clear policy authorization combined with reasonable suspicion to be legally and procedurally proper.
PSO PSO Access Control and Security Screening 2
During a security screening at a facility entrance, a bag is found to contain an unidentified white powder.
The PSO's FIRST action should be to: