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District of Columbia Security Officer Actual Exam Questions and Answers( Verified answers) CH 21
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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