Documentation & Professional Practice Flashcards

What are the key qualities of a well-written security incident report?

Answer: Factual, objective, contemporaneous, legible, accurate, clear — recording what was observed and done, not opinions or speculation, signed and dated

A good incident report is: factual (objective observations only), accurate (no errors), contemporaneous (written promptly after the event), clear and legible, and signed and dated. It may be used as evidence in court, so speculation, opinions, and informal language must be avoided.

What information should always be included at the start of any security incident report?

Answer: Date, time of incident and report, location, the reporting officer's name and SIA licence number, the nature of the incident, and persons involved

Every incident report should open with the administrative basics: date, time of occurrence and of report writing, exact location, the reporting officer's details (name, SIA licence number), a clear description of the incident type, and identification of those involved — providing a complete context for the record.

Why is it important not to use correction fluid (Tipp-Ex) or to cross out entries in a security occurrence book?

Answer: Corrections using fluid or heavy crossing-out obscure the original entry, undermining the integrity of the record. Errors should be crossed through with a single line, leaving the original visible, then initialled and corrected alongside

Security records may be used as evidence. Using correction fluid or obscuring original entries creates doubt about whether the record has been altered. A single line through an error (leaving it readable) with a correction and initials maintains transparency and integrity.

What does 'duty of care' mean for a security guard in relation to persons on the premises they are guarding?

Answer: An obligation to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of lawful visitors and occupants — including responding appropriately to emergencies, maintaining safe conditions, and reporting hazards

Duty of care requires security guards to take reasonable steps to protect those on the premises they guard — responding to emergencies, reporting hazards, assisting in evacuations, and acting in a way that reduces foreseeable risks to visitors and staff. This duty arises from both common law and the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957.

What does the 'SIA Code of Conduct' require of a licensed security guard in terms of professional behaviour?

Answer: To act with integrity, treat people with respect, not abuse their position, maintain fitness and competence for the role, and uphold the standards of the security profession at all times

The SIA's standards require licensed individuals to act with integrity and professionalism, treat all people with dignity and respect, not misuse their position or authority, maintain their competence, and behave in a way that upholds public confidence in the security industry.

A security guard witnesses a colleague accepting a bribe from a contractor. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Report the conduct to their line manager, or if the manager is involved, to a senior person or the relevant authority (SIA, police), following the organisation's whistleblowing procedure

Accepting a bribe is a serious criminal offence under the Bribery Act 2010 and a fundamental breach of professional conduct. A security guard who witnesses this must report it through the organisation's reporting channels or whistleblowing procedure. Failing to report may itself raise ethical and legal concerns.