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

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination based on nine protected characteristics. Security guards must not discriminate in how they treat people — for example, in who they search, refuse entry to, or question.

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

The DPA 2018 and UK GDPR regulate the processing of personal data. Security guards handle personal data through incident reports, CCTV footage, visitor logs, and access control records — all of which must comply with data protection principles.

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

Vicarious liability means an employer can be held legally responsible for wrongful actions committed by their employees during the course of employment. This is why security companies must train, supervise, and manage their staff properly.

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

Criminal law deals with offences against society (e.g., assault, theft) and is prosecuted by the state. Civil law deals with disputes between parties (e.g., negligence, breach of contract). A security guard's actions could result in both criminal prosecution AND civil claims.

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

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is important for security guards because Section 24A sets out the power of citizen's arrest, and the Act establishes rules about evidence handling that guards should understand.

SIA Security Guard Practice Test

SIA Security Guard Practice Test

SIA Guard Legal Framework 2