OSH Security Practice Test

A security guard is dispatched by a remote monitoring company and indicates an intrusion alarm was received. What steps should the security guard take?

1. Ask the dispatcher for all relevant information. When you arrive approach cautiously and investigate the apparent cause of the alarm. Call the police if necessary. Submit a report.

2. Call the police and wait till they arrive

3. Do not enter as you are not insured as a security guard

4. Send another security guard for back up.

The correct answer is: Ask the dispatcher for all relevant information. When you arrive approach cautiously and investigate the apparent cause of the alarm. Call the police if necessary. Submit a report.

The first option is the most comprehensive and effective approach for a security guard responding to an intrusion alarm. By asking the dispatcher for all relevant information, the guard prepares for the situation by gathering details that may indicate the nature of the threat or the specific location of the incident. Approaching the scene cautiously is crucial for the guard’s safety, as there could be potential hazards or intruders present. Investigating the apparent cause of the alarm allows the guard to assess whether the situation poses any real danger and helps determine the appropriate response, including whether law enforcement needs to be contacted. Submitting a report afterward is also important since documentation of the incident provides a formal record that can support any further investigation as well as help the company improve its security measures. Overall, this option represents a methodical and responsible approach to handling an alarm, focusing on safety, information gathering, and proper documentation.