SIA Guard Legal Framework

Question 1

Under which Act must security guards hold a valid SIA licence?

Accepted Answer

The Private Security Industry Act 2001

Answer

The Security Services Act 1996

Answer

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Answer

The Employment Rights Act 1996

Question 2

What is the legal right of a security guard to use force?

Accepted Answer

Security guards can use reasonable force in self-defence, defence of others, to prevent crime, or to effect a lawful arrest

Answer

Security guards can use any level of force

Answer

Security guards have no right to use force

Answer

Security guards can only use force if attacked first

Question 3

What powers does a security guard have to search members of the public?

Accepted Answer

No power to search without consent — they can only search with the person's agreement

Answer

The same search powers as police

Answer

Power to search anyone on the premises

Answer

Power to search based on suspicion alone

Question 4

What is the Human Rights Act 1998 and why is it relevant to security guards?

Accepted Answer

It incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law, and security guards must respect individuals' rights including the right to liberty, privacy, and freedom from discrimination

Answer

It only applies to government employees

Answer

It gives security guards additional powers

Answer

It only applies in courtrooms

Question 5

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, what are a security guard's responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

To take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, cooperate with the employer, and not misuse safety equipment

Answer

Only the employer has responsibilities

Answer

To write the health and safety policy

Answer

To inspect all equipment on site

Question 6

What is a 'citizen's arrest' and when can a security guard make one?

Accepted Answer

A security guard can arrest anyone who is committing or has committed an indictable offence, where it is not reasonably practicable to wait for police

Answer

Only police officers can make arrests

Answer

A security guard can arrest anyone for any reason

Answer

A citizen's arrest can only be made for minor offences