SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Licensing and Responsibilities Questions and Answers

Question 1

A licensed security officer at a shopping centre observes an individual conceal several items and walk past the final point of sale without attempting to pay. Under the Criminal Investigation Act 2006, what is the most appropriate and lawful action for the security officer to take?

Accepted Answer

Perform a citizen's arrest as they reasonably suspect an arrestable offence has been committed.

Answer

In Western Australia, a security officer has the same arrest powers as a private citizen. Under Section 25 of the Criminal Investigation Act 2006, a person may perform a 'citizen's arrest' if they reasonably suspect someone is committing an arrestable offence (an offence punishable by imprisonment, such as theft). The officer must then deliver the person to the police as soon as practicable. Searching without consent is unlawful, and simply demanding or blocking is not the full extent of their lawful power in this clear-cut scenario.

Question 2

According to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997, which of the following is a specific record-keeping responsibility for a licensed Security Agent?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring records of current first aid qualifications for each security officer are maintained.

Answer

The Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 explicitly state that a Security Agent's general records must include records of the first aid qualifications of each security officer and security bodyguard who performs licensed activities for the business. The other options are not specific requirements under this regulation.

Question 3

A patron is denied entry to a licensed venue by a crowd controller. The patron becomes verbally abusive but does not make any physical threats. Which principle of the WA Security Industry Code of Conduct is most critical for the crowd controller to uphold in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Acting with integrity and professionalism when dealing with the general public.

Answer

The WA Security Industry Code of Conduct requires licensees to act with integrity in their dealings with the general public at all times. Responding to verbal abuse professionally, without escalating the situation, is a core demonstration of this principle. The other options are also part of the code but are not the most relevant to this specific scenario of interacting with a difficult member of the public.

Question 4

An applicant for a security license in Western Australia has a prior conviction for a serious assault from four years ago. This offence is listed in Schedule 2 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997. What is the likely outcome of their application?

Accepted Answer

The application will be refused as it is a disqualifying offence within the disqualifying period.

Answer

The Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 prescribe certain offences as 'disqualifying offences'. Committing an offence listed in Schedule 2 within a specified period before the application will result in refusal. A serious assault conviction from only four years prior would fall within this disqualifying period, making the applicant ineligible for a license.

Question 5

A security agent's licence is required for an individual to operate a business that supplies security officers. For a new business, what is the standard initial duration of this licence before it requires renewal?

Accepted Answer

One year

Answer

While established security businesses may have a three-year renewal term for their agent's licence, the initial licence for an individual starting a new security business is typically granted for a period of one year. This allows for a review of the new business's operations and compliance before a longer-term licence is considered.

SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Test Practice Test

SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Test Practice Test

SAIWA - Security Agents Institute of Western Australia Licensing and Responsibilities Questions and Answers