SIA CP UK Legal Framework for CP Operatives

Question 1

Under which Act must all close protection operatives in the UK be licensed?

Accepted Answer

Private Security Industry Act 2001

Answer

Security Services Act 1989

Answer

Police Reform Act 2002

Answer

Counter Terrorism Act 2008

Question 2

What use of force powers does an SIA-licensed CPO have in England and Wales?

Accepted Answer

The same as any other citizen: self-defence and citizen's arrest under common law and statute

Answer

Additional powers granted by the SIA licence

Answer

Police-equivalent powers of arrest and stop and search

Answer

Powers delegated by the principal's employer

Question 3

What is the legal test for self-defence used by a CPO who uses force to protect a principal?

Accepted Answer

The force must be necessary and proportionate to the threat perceived

Answer

Force is justified whenever the principal's safety is at risk

Answer

Any force is lawful if the CPO holds an SIA licence

Answer

Force is only lawful if police authorise it in advance

Question 4

Under the Criminal Law Act 1967, a CPO can arrest someone for which type of offence?

Accepted Answer

An indictable offence that has been committed or is being committed

Answer

Any offence, including summary offences

Answer

Any offence, but only in the presence of police

Answer

Indictable offences only if directed to do so by the principal

Question 5

A CPO discovers their principal has asked them to conduct illegal surveillance on a third party. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse and, if appropriate, report the instruction to police or the SIA

Answer

Comply as the principal's instructions take precedence

Answer

Conduct the surveillance and log it for legal protection

Answer

Carry out the instruction without logging it

Question 6

What does the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) regulate?

Accepted Answer

Covert surveillance by public authorities; CPOs are not covered and cannot use covert surveillance powers

Answer

Physical close protection techniques

Answer

The use of firearms by security operatives

Answer

Communications interception by licensed security operatives