Mixed Deck — All PSP Topics Flashcards

During an emergency evacuation, which group should receive priority assistance according to standard life-safety protocols?

Answer: Persons with mobility impairments or disabilities

Standard life-safety protocols prioritize persons with disabilities or mobility impairments who may need assistance evacuating safely.

What is the recommended maximum spacing between fence posts for a standard 7-foot chain-link security fence to maintain structural integrity under attack?

Answer: 10 feet (3m)

ASIS and DoD perimeter security guidelines recommend a maximum 10-foot (3m) post spacing to ensure the fence maintains structural integrity and cannot easily be pushed down.

The principle of 'shelter-in-place' is MOST appropriate in which scenario?

Answer: A hazardous material release occurs outside the facility

Shelter-in-place is used when staying inside a sealed building provides more protection than evacuation, such as during an outdoor hazardous material release.

Why is regular maintenance of physical security systems essential?

Answer: To prevent system failures and ensure continuous protection

Regular maintenance is crucial for physical security systems to ensure their reliability and effectiveness. It helps identify and address potential issues before they lead to system failures, thereby guaranteeing continuous and uninterrupted protection of assets and personnel.

For a CCTV system used as evidence in US criminal prosecution, which chain of custody practice is MOST critical?

Answer: Documenting all access to and handling of recorded media from capture to court

Maintaining a documented chain of custody for video evidence — recording who accessed it, when, and for what purpose — is essential for its admissibility in US court proceedings.

What monitoring standard requires that a central station maintain a backup facility capable of taking over operations within a specified time if the primary station is incapacitated?

Answer: UL 827 (Central Station Alarm Services)

UL 827 (Standard for Central Station Alarm Services) requires listed central stations to maintain backup facilities with the capability to assume full monitoring operations to ensure uninterrupted service.

A security manager notices that access logs show an employee's card being used to enter a server room while the same employee is simultaneously badged into the main lobby. This is BEST described as:

Answer: A duplicate credential or card cloning incident

Simultaneous use of a credential at two locations indicates either a cloned card or a duplicate credential issued to an unauthorized person.

When protecting assets during transportation between facilities, which security measure provides the greatest risk reduction?

Answer: Implementing GPS tracking with tamper-evident seals and chain of custody documentation

Combined GPS tracking, tamper evidence, and chain of custody creates comprehensive protection during transit.

During an emergency, the Unified Command structure is BEST used when:

Answer: Multiple agencies or jurisdictions share responsibility for an incident

Unified Command is used when multiple agencies or jurisdictions have shared authority over an incident, allowing them to coordinate while maintaining individual accountability.

What does 'Grade' mean in the context of EN 50131 intrusion detection system standards used as reference in US security specifications?

Answer: The risk level classification (1-4) that determines required system performance and tamper resistance

EN 50131 Grades 1-4 define increasing levels of risk and required system performance: Grade 1 for low risk, Grade 4 for high risk requiring the highest tamper resistance and redundancy.

In CPTED principles, what does 'territorial reinforcement' mean and how is it applied?

Answer: Using design features to create a sense of ownership and legitimate use that deters potential offenders

Territorial reinforcement uses design elements (landscaping, walkways, signage, lighting) to distinguish private from public space, creating a psychological sense that the area is owned and monitored.

In alarm system design, what is the 'defense in depth' approach to intrusion detection?

Answer: Installing multiple sensor types and layers so that an intruder must defeat several independent systems to reach the target undetected

Defense in depth layers perimeter, exterior, interior, and point protection so that bypassing one detection layer still leaves additional layers that must be defeated, increasing detection probability.

What is 'glare projection' (or controlled lighting) in perimeter security lighting design?

Answer: Using floodlights aimed outward to blind potential intruders approaching the perimeter

Glare projection lighting aims bright lights outward from the perimeter to temporarily blind approaching intruders while keeping guards in relative darkness, giving defenders a tactical advantage.

What is the purpose of the 'exit delay' and 'entry delay' in an intrusion alarm system?

Answer: Exit delay allows the last person to leave and disarm the system; entry delay allows an authorized user time to disarm before the alarm activates

Exit delay gives the last authorized person time to leave after arming, while entry delay gives an authorized person time to reach the keypad and disarm after entering through a designated entry point.

What is the primary purpose of conducting an asset vulnerability assessment?

Answer: To identify weaknesses that could be exploited to compromise asset security

Vulnerability assessments identify specific weaknesses in the security posture that could lead to asset loss or damage.

Which access control model grants permissions based on a subject's clearance level and the sensitivity classification of the object?

Answer: Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) enforces access based on security labels assigned to subjects and objects, commonly used in government and military environments.

What is the CPTED concept of 'activity support' and how does it improve security?

Answer: Programming legitimate activities and uses into spaces to increase natural surveillance through user presence

Activity support programs legitimate uses (benches, food carts, exercise areas) into otherwise empty or underused spaces to generate regular foot traffic, increasing natural surveillance and deterring crime.

A PSP candidate is asked to recommend security lighting for a vehicle inspection gate that operates 24 hours. The design must allow guards to see inside vehicles and also read license plates at night. What illuminance level is typically recommended?

Answer: 20-50 foot-candles (215-540 lux)

Vehicle inspection areas require 20-50 foot-candles (per IES RP-33) to enable guards to see inside vehicles, read documents, and for cameras to capture legible license plates at night.

In developing an asset protection strategy, what does the term 'target hardening' refer to?

Answer: Increasing the effort required for an adversary to compromise a specific asset

Target hardening increases the difficulty, time, and risk an adversary faces when attempting to compromise a specific asset.

According to ASIS Physical Security Principles, what is the recommended approach when camera placement must balance surveillance effectiveness with employee privacy concerns?

Answer: Post visible notices that surveillance is in use and focus cameras on work areas rather than personal spaces

Posting conspicuous notices of surveillance and focusing cameras on work processes and assets rather than personal spaces balances security needs with employee privacy expectations and legal requirements.