SIA Guard Legal Framework 2

Question 1

What is the Equality Act 2010 and how does it affect security guards?

Accepted Answer

It prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics (age, disability, race, religion, sex, etc.) — security guards must treat everyone fairly and equally

Answer

It only applies to recruitment

Answer

It gives security guards equal pay to police

Answer

It only applies to public sector workers

Question 2

What is the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) and how does it relate to security work?

Accepted Answer

It regulates how personal data is collected, used, and stored — security guards must handle personal information (incident reports, CCTV footage, visitor logs) in compliance with the law

Answer

It only applies to CCTV operators

Answer

It prevents security guards from writing reports

Answer

It only applies to online data

Question 3

What is 'vicarious liability' and how does it relate to security companies?

Accepted Answer

When an employer is held legally responsible for the actions of their employees carried out during the course of their employment

Answer

When a guard is liable for their colleague's mistakes

Answer

When a client is liable for the security guard's actions

Answer

When the police are liable for security incidents

Question 4

What is the difference between criminal law and civil law in the context of security?

Accepted Answer

Criminal law deals with offences against society (prosecution by the state); civil law deals with disputes between individuals or organisations (e.g., negligence claims)

Answer

There is no difference

Answer

Criminal law is more important

Answer

Civil law only applies to businesses

Question 5

What does PACE 1984 stand for and why is it important for security guards?

Accepted Answer

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — it sets out the powers of citizen's arrest and rules for handling evidence

Answer

Protection and Care of Employees 1984

Answer

Public Access and Community Engagement 1984

Answer

Private Area Control and Entry 1984

Question 6

What is 'negligence' in legal terms and how might a security guard be found negligent?

Accepted Answer

A failure to take reasonable care, resulting in harm — a security guard could be negligent if they fail to follow procedures and someone is injured as a result

Answer

Negligence is the same as criminal assault

Answer

Negligence only applies to doctors

Answer

Negligence requires intentional harm