SIA Guard Documentation & Professional Practice

Question 1

What are the key qualities of a well-written security incident report?

Accepted Answer

Factual, objective, contemporaneous, legible, accurate, clear — recording what was observed and done, not opinions or speculation, signed and dated

Answer

Long, detailed, and including personal opinions about those involved

Answer

Brief, informal, and written at the end of the week

Answer

Typed only and submitted by email to be valid

Question 2

What information should always be included at the start of any security incident report?

Accepted Answer

Date, time of incident and report, location, the reporting officer's name and SIA licence number, the nature of the incident, and persons involved

Answer

Only the name of the security guard on duty

Answer

The name and home address of any person involved in the incident

Answer

Only the information requested by the client's manager

Question 3

Why is it important not to use correction fluid (Tipp-Ex) or to cross out entries in a security occurrence book?

Accepted Answer

Corrections using fluid or heavy crossing-out obscure the original entry, undermining the integrity of the record. Errors should be crossed through with a single line, leaving the original visible, then initialled and corrected alongside

Answer

It is a waste of expensive stationery

Answer

It is against SIA licensing rules

Answer

Because it delays report completion

Question 4

What does 'duty of care' mean for a security guard in relation to persons on the premises they are guarding?

Accepted Answer

An obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of lawful visitors and occupants — including responding appropriately to emergencies, maintaining safe conditions, and reporting hazards

Answer

A duty to provide legal advice to visitors

Answer

A duty to perform first aid on any injured person regardless of training

Answer

A legal requirement to follow only written policies and nothing else

Question 5

What does the 'SIA Code of Conduct' require of a licensed security guard in terms of professional behaviour?

Accepted Answer

To act with integrity, treat people with respect, not abuse their position, maintain fitness and competence for the role, and uphold the standards of the security profession at all times

Answer

To follow only their employer's instructions, regardless of other considerations

Answer

To work only the hours specified in their licence

Answer

To report to the SIA after every incident

Question 6

A security guard witnesses a colleague accepting a bribe from a contractor. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the conduct to their line manager, or if the manager is involved, to a senior person or the relevant authority (SIA, police), following the organisation's whistleblowing procedure

Answer

Say nothing to avoid conflict with a colleague

Answer

Accept that such practices are normal in some workplaces

Answer

Only report it if the bribe was above £100 in value