SIA Search Procedures

Question 1

What is the legal basis for a door supervisor conducting a search of a patron at a licensed venue?

Accepted Answer

The patron gives implied consent by entering a venue with a published search policy

Answer

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 gives door staff stop and search powers

Answer

The Security Industry Authority grants search powers with an SIA licence

Answer

The Licensing Act 2003 authorises all licence holders to conduct searches

Question 2

A female patron is waiting to enter a nightclub that operates a search policy. There are no female door supervisors on duty. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Ask the female patron to empty her own pockets and open her bag for visual inspection only

Answer

A male door supervisor may search her if a colleague witnesses the search

Answer

The patron must be refused entry entirely until a female door supervisor is available

Answer

Ask a female bar staff member to conduct the pat-down search instead

Question 3

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which of the following items is it an offence to carry in a public place without good reason or lawful authority?

Accepted Answer

A lock knife with a 4-inch blade carried in a jacket pocket

Answer

A folding pocket knife with a 2.5-inch blade

Answer

A butter knife carried in a packed lunch box

Answer

A plastic cutlery set purchased from a supermarket

Question 4

During a bag search at a venue entrance, a door supervisor discovers a small quantity of what appears to be an illegal substance. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Deny the patron entry, retain the substance with a written record, and contact the police

Answer

Confiscate the substance, place it in an evidence bag, and allow the patron entry after a warning

Answer

Detain the patron physically and call the police immediately

Answer

Return the substance to the patron and refuse them entry to the venue

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of displaying a visible search policy notice at a venue entrance?

Accepted Answer

It establishes that patrons give implied consent to be searched as a condition of entry

Answer

It fulfils a requirement under the Licensing Act 2003 for all licensed premises

Answer

It protects the venue from prosecution under the Data Protection Act 2018

Answer

It transfers legal liability for any injuries during searches to the patron

Question 6

Which of the following would constitute an intimate search that a door supervisor must NEVER carry out?

Accepted Answer

Searching inside a patron's waistband or underwear area

Answer

Asking a patron to remove their shoes for inspection

Answer

Using a hand-held metal detector wand around a patron's torso

Answer

Asking a patron to turn out their trouser pockets