SIA GUARD Study Guide 2026

Non-confrontational language avoids commands, insults, and provocative phrasing. Using calm, respectful language (e.g., 'I need to ask you to...' rather than 'You must...' or 'Get out!') reduces the likelihood of an aggressive response and is more likely to achieve voluntary compliance.

Under Section 24A of PACE 1984, any person (including a security guard) can arrest someone who is committing or has committed an indictable offence, but only where it is not reasonably practicable for a police officer to make the arrest.

Professional scepticism means maintaining a questioning mindset — being aware that situations may not be as they appear, that people may attempt to deceive or manipulate security staff, and remaining alert to anomalies. It is balanced with treating people with fairness and respect.

The guard's duties include assisting the injured person, calling for first aid or emergency services, making the hazard safe (or clearly signing it), reporting to the site manager, and documenting the incident fully. Full contemporaneous documentation is critical for potential insurance and legal purposes.

UK extinguisher identification: Water (red label — class A: paper, wood, textiles), Foam (cream label — class A and B: liquids), CO2 (black label — class B and electrical equipment), Dry powder (blue label — multi-purpose, classes A, B, C but not cooking oil). Wet chemical (yellow) is for cooking oil (class F).

Unlike police powers (which require only reasonable grounds for suspicion), s.24A PACE for citizen's arrests requires that an indictable offence was actually being committed or had actually been committed. If no offence was committed, the arrest may be unlawful, exposing the guard to false imprisonment and assault claims even if they acted honestly.