Security Technology & Equipment Flashcards

What is the purpose of a two-way radio in security operations, and what are the basic protocols for its use?

Answer: Real-time communication between officers and supervisors — protocols include identifying yourself, being concise, waiting for the channel to clear, and using plain language or agreed codes

Two-way radios enable coordination between security personnel. Good radio protocol means being brief, clear, and professional to keep channels available for urgent transmissions.

What is a 'body-worn camera' (BWC) and what are the benefits of its use by security officers?

Answer: A wearable video recording device that documents interactions — benefits include accountability, evidence collection, and deterrence of misconduct by both officers and subjects

Body-worn cameras document officer interactions, providing accountability, evidentiary value, and deterring misconduct by all parties.

What is a 'metal detector wand' and how is it used in security screening?

Answer: A handheld electronic device that detects metallic objects on a person's body — used by slowly passing it over the body while monitoring for audible or visual alerts

Handheld metal detector wands are passed slowly over a person's body to detect concealed metallic objects such as weapons. An alert indicates a metallic item in that area.

What is the purpose of a 'panic button' or 'duress alarm' system in a security context?

Answer: To allow officers or employees under threat to silently alert security or emergency services without alerting the threat

Panic buttons enable silent distress signals that alert security or emergency services when an officer or employee is in danger and cannot vocalize for help.

What is the purpose of a 'vehicle barrier' (such as bollards or jersey barriers) in physical security?

Answer: To prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering protected areas and to protect pedestrians from vehicle-borne attacks

Vehicle barriers physically prevent unauthorized vehicle entry and protect people from vehicle-as-weapon attacks, which have become a significant security concern.

What is a 'CCTV system' and how does it differ from a 'video analytics' system?

Answer: CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) is a passive recording system; video analytics adds software that automatically detects and alerts on specific behaviors or conditions

CCTV records and displays video from cameras. Video analytics adds automated detection — the software flags specific events (loitering, perimeter breach) without requiring continuous human monitoring.