Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
District of Columbia Security Officer Actual Exam Questions and Answers( Verified answers) CH 21
Typology: Exams
1 / 13
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
Section 1: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Q: What is the primary role of a security officer in the District of Columbia? A: To observe, deter, report, and protect property and people while acting within the law. Q: A security officer in DC can detain a person only under what condition? A: When there is probable cause to believe the person committed a crime, and only using reasonable force.
Q: Which of the following is an example of excessive force? A. Escorting someone off property B. Calling police for backup C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting D. Placing someone in handcuffs while they are trying to leave A: C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting Q: The right to detain someone temporarily in DC is called: A: A citizen’s arrest (under limited circumstances) Q: Which law governs security officer licensing in DC? A: The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 6A, Chapter 11 Section 2: Use of Force & Firearm Awareness Q: What is the proper use-of-force model followed in DC? A: The force continuum — using the minimum force necessary for the situation. Q: When should a security officer draw a firearm? A: Only when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death. Q: What should a security officer do after using force? A: Notify law enforcement, provide aid if safe to do so, and file a detailed incident report. Q: Before using any level of force, the officer must first attempt: A: Verbal persuasion or de-escalation techniques Q: Which agency must a security officer in DC notify if they discharge their firearm while on duty? A: Metropolitan Police Department and the Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB)
Q: What is the term for a pre-planned method of communication during emergencies? A: Emergency communication protocol Section 5: Report Writing and Documentation Q: What does “objective” mean when writing a report? A: Stating only the facts, without personal opinions or assumptions. Q: A good incident report includes: A. Personal opinions B. Vague descriptions C. Detailed facts: who, what, when, where, why, and how D. Gossip from witnesses A: C. Detailed facts: who, what, when, where, why, and how Q: Which of these is an example of good documentation? A: "At 9:04 PM, suspect entered the building through the west entrance without authorization." Section 6: Ethics, Conduct & Licensing Requirements Q: To work legally as a security officer in DC, you must: A: Be licensed by SOMB and carry your security officer ID at all times on duty. Q: If you are convicted of a felony, what must you do? A: Report it to SOMB and understand you may lose your license. Q: Who issues the license for security officers in DC? A: Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB) Q: Professional conduct for a DC security officer includes: A. Staying neutral in disputes B. Dressing neatly
C. Being alert and courteous D. All of the above A: D. All of the aboveSection 7: Crime Prevention and Surveillance Q: What is the main purpose of surveillance in security operations? A: To observe and detect suspicious or criminal activity before it escalates. Q: What is an example of a proactive security measure? A. Responding after an incident B. Monitoring cameras without recording C. Performing regular patrols D. Ignoring alarms until verified A: C. Performing regular patrols Q: What should a security officer do if they see a suspicious package? A: Do not touch it; clear the area and notify authorities immediately. Q: When should a security officer use a body-worn camera? A: When required by policy and allowed by DC laws and privacy regulations. Q: What’s the term for security that prevents crimes by making areas harder to access? A: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Section 8: First Aid, CPR, and Medical Emergencies Q: What is the first step when you arrive at a medical emergency? A: Ensure the scene is safe before providing aid. Q: How long should you check for breathing when administering CPR? A: No more than 10 seconds. Q: If someone is choking and cannot speak or breathe, what should you do? A: Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).
Q: When should you give directions to a member of the public? A: When it’s safe to do so and you are not distracted from your primary duties. Q: What’s the best way to de-escalate a conflict? A. Argue back B. Stay calm and use respectful language C. Call police immediately D. Ignore the person A: B. Stay calm and use respectful language Q: If someone asks for directions and you’re unsure, what should you do? A: Politely inform them and try to refer them to someone who can help. Q: If a customer complains about another officer's behavior, what should you do? A: Take the complaint seriously and report it to your supervisor. Section 11: Professionalism and Appearance Q: Which of the following is part of maintaining a professional appearance? A. Wearing a clean uniform B. Wearing visible identification C. Being on time for duty D. All of the above A: D. All of the above Q: When can a security officer accept gifts from clients or the public? A: Never; it is considered unethical and may be a conflict of interest. Q: Why is punctuality important for a security officer? A: It ensures smooth shift transitions and constant site protection. Q: A security officer should treat every individual:
A: With respect and without discrimination or bias. Q: The most important characteristic of a good security officer is: A. Strength B. Aggressiveness C. Observation and communication skills D. Authority A: C. Observation and communication skillsSection 12: Access Control and Identification Procedures Q: What is the purpose of access control? A: To restrict entry to authorized individuals and enhance site security. Q: What should a security officer do if a person refuses to show ID? A: Deny entry (if required by policy) and report the incident to a supervisor. Q: Which of the following is an acceptable form of identification? A. Expired employee badge B. Government-issued photo ID C. Verbal confirmation from a coworker D. Business card A: B. Government-issued photo ID Q: What is the most secure method of access control? A: Biometric identification (e.g., fingerprint or retina scan) Q: What is a visitor log used for? A: To track entry and exit of non-regular personnel for accountability. Section 13: Observation Skills and Reporting Q: What are the “Five W’s” of incident reporting? A: Who, What, When, Where, Why (and How, if possible)
Section 15: Arrest Procedures and Legal Limits Q: What is the difference between a lawful arrest and detainment by a security officer? A: Security officers can detain temporarily, but cannot make formal arrests unless witnessing a crime. Q: What must you do immediately after detaining someone? A: Notify the police and document the incident thoroughly. Q: Can you search someone as a security officer? A: Only with their consent or if required under company policy and local laws. Q: What could happen if you unlawfully detain someone? A: You and your employer may face civil or criminal liability. Q: What is false imprisonment? A: Illegally restraining someone without legal authority or justification. Section 16: Use of Equipment and Technology Q: What is the purpose of a two-way radio? A: To provide reliable communication between officers and supervisors. Q: What should you do before using a patrol vehicle? A: Conduct a pre-use inspection for safety and functionality. Q: What should be checked on a flashlight before starting a shift? A: Battery level and functionality. Q: What is a common use of CCTV in security work? A: To monitor and record activities for deterrence and evidence. Q: If your body camera stops working mid-shift, what should you do?
A: Notify your supervisor immediately and document the issue.Section 17: Ethics and Code of Conduct Q: Which of the following is considered unethical for a security officer? A. Reporting an incident truthfully B. Accepting a bribe to ignore a violation C. Remaining impartial D. Respecting privacy rights A: B. Accepting a bribe to ignore a violation Q: What should a security officer do if they witness another officer violating policy? A: Report the incident to a supervisor or appropriate authority. Q: Can a security officer share incident details with friends or on social media? A: No, it violates confidentiality and professional ethics. Q: Why is impartiality important in security work? A: It ensures fairness and avoids bias in enforcement actions. Q: What is considered a conflict of interest for a security officer? A: Working security at a business you own or have financial interest in. Section 18: Fire Safety and Hazard Recognition Q: Which class of fire involves electrical equipment? A: Class C Q: What is the correct fire extinguisher type for a grease fire? A: Class K or a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher Q: Which of the following is a fire hazard? A. Blocked exit doors B. Overloaded outlets C. Flammable materials near heat
Q: Discrimination based on race, gender, or religion by a security officer is: A: Illegal and unethical Q: What is the best way to build trust with a diverse community? A: Show respect, listen actively, and avoid assumptions. Q: If a conflict arises due to cultural misunderstanding, what should you do? A: Remain calm, de-escalate, and seek to understand the issue respectfully. Section 21: Final Review and Best Practices Q: When should a security officer complete their incident report? A: As soon as possible after the incident occurs Q: Who has the authority to revoke your DC security license? A: The Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB) Q: Which of the following is a good reason to refuse a shift assignment? A. It’s raining B. You’re not in uniform C. You are untrained for the post D. You don’t like the client A: C. You are untrained for the post Q: How often must you renew your DC security officer license? A: Every 2 years (or as determined by SOMB regulations) Q: To remain effective, a security officer should: A. Stay alert B. Train regularly C. Know site-specific procedures D. All of the above A: D. All of the above
