Drug & Alcohol Awareness Flashcards

What are the signs that a person may be experiencing marijuana-related impairment that a security officer might observe?

Answer: Red or bloodshot eyes, slow reaction time, increased appetite, altered perception, and a strong herbal odor

Cannabis use commonly produces red eyes, slowed reactions, relaxed mood, altered perception, and sometimes a distinctive odor on clothing or breath.

What is 'fentanyl' and why does its prevalence in the drug supply pose a particular danger for security officers responding to overdoses?

Answer: A synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine — it can cause rapid respiratory arrest even in small doses, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl are common

Fentanyl's extreme potency means even tiny amounts can cause fatal respiratory arrest rapidly, requiring immediate naloxone administration and EMS response.

What is the security officer's responsibility when they discover evidence of drug use (e.g., drug paraphernalia) in a restroom or common area?

Answer: Document the finding, preserve the area, notify supervisors, and contact law enforcement — do not touch or destroy potential evidence

Drug paraphernalia is potential criminal evidence. Officers must document, preserve, notify supervisors, and involve law enforcement without touching or destroying evidence.

What is the 'duty of care' for a security officer when they observe a patron who is severely intoxicated and about to drive away from the venue?

Answer: Attempt to prevent the person from driving by notifying law enforcement, offering transportation alternatives, and alerting supervisors — do not physically restrain them unless lawfully justified

Officers have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, including alerting law enforcement when a severely intoxicated person is about to drive, while respecting their legal limits of authority.

How should a security officer approach a person who appears to be under the influence of a drug that is causing paranoia or hallucinations?

Answer: Approach calmly and non-confrontationally, speak in a quiet reassuring voice, avoid sudden movements, maintain distance, and call for backup and EMS

A person experiencing drug-induced paranoia or hallucinations may react violently to perceived threats. A calm, non-threatening approach from a safe distance is safest.

What does 'reasonable suspicion' mean when a security officer believes a person is impaired and should be denied entry?

Answer: Observable, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable officer to believe the person is impaired — not mere hunches or appearance-based bias

Reasonable suspicion requires specific, observable facts — slurred speech, unsteady gait, unusual behavior — not just a feeling or the person's appearance.