British Columbia Advanced Security Training (AST) Exam

Under what section of the Canadian Criminal Code is a citizen's arrest primarily authorized?

• ASection 25
• BSection 494
• CSection 34
• DSection 495

In the context of use of force, what does the principle of proportionality primarily require?

• AThat the use of force must only occur after all verbal commands have been ignored for a m…
• BThat the force used must always match the exact level of force used by the aggressor.
• CThat the force used must be no more than is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.
• DThat the security guard must only use force when their own life is directly threatened.

A security guard intervenes in a physical altercation to defend a third party. Under Section 34 of the Criminal Code, what is a critical factor for the security guard to consider regarding the *reasonableness* of their actions?

• AWhether the security guard had specific training to handle such an altercation.
• BWhether the security guard's belief that force was necessary to defend the third party wa…
• CWhether the third party requested assistance from the security guard.
• DWhether the third party was known to the security guard prior to the incident.

According to the BC Security Services Act and its regulations, what is generally required after a security guard uses force that results in injury?

• AOnly an informal verbal note to a coworker is necessary.
• BNo record is required if the injury is minor.
• CA detailed use-of-force report must be recorded and maintained (by the security business…
• DThe security guard must wait for police instructions before creating any record.

Which of the following is a key principle of effective verbal de-escalation?

• AIgnoring the individual's emotional state.
• BStanding very close to the individual to show confidence.
• CMaintaining a calm and assertive tone of voice.
• DUsing confrontational language to assert authority.

A security guard detains a person they *suspect* of theft, but who is later found innocent and released without charges. Under what civil tort could the security guard, and potentially their employer, be held liable?

• AFalse Imprisonment
• BBattery
• CAssault
• DDefamation

Under what section of the Canadian Criminal Code would a security guard primarily rely to use force to prevent someone from stealing property under their care?

• ASection 27
• BSection 34
• CSection 35
• DSection 26

When assessing the appropriate level of force to use, a security guard should primarily consider which of the following?

• AThe subject's behaviour, the environment, and the security guard's capabilities.
• BWhether the security guard has had their lunch break.
• CThe subject's age, their socio-economic status, and the time of day.
• DThe cost of potential damage to property and the employer's liability insurance.

After a use-of-force incident, a security guard creates a detailed report. Which of the following is most critical for ensuring the report's legal defensibility?

• AIncluding personal opinions and emotional accounts to convey the stress of the situation.
• BDocumenting the perceived threat, the actions taken, and the reasons for each action, in…
• CObtaining witness statements immediately and writing them into the report verbatim.
• DFocusing solely on the outcome of the incident, rather than the process.

What is a fundamental aspect of a security guard's 'duty of care' when dealing with the public?

• ATo prioritize property protection over human safety at all times.
• BTo ensure no one ever feels uncomfortable on the property.
• CTo take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to individuals.
• DTo always make an arrest when a minor offence is committed.

Section 25 of the Canadian Criminal Code provides protection to persons administering and enforcing the law. For a security guard, in what limited circumstance might they potentially invoke Section 25?

• AWhen making a citizen's arrest for shoplifting without police present.
• BWhen conducting a routine patrol and encountering a trespasser.
• CWhen assisting a peace officer at their request, acting under their direction.
• DWhen using force to defend property from vandalism.

A security guard observes an individual pick up a broken bottle and begin to advance aggressively towards another person. The security guard must act quickly. What concept is most central to justifying immediate intervention with appropriate force in this scenario?

• ADisorderly conduct.
• BBreach of the peace.
• CImminent threat of bodily harm.
• DViolation of property rights.

When attempting to de-escalate a tense situation, which body language cue should a security guard generally avoid?

• ACrossing arms and direct, unwavering eye contact.
• BNodding occasionally to show active listening.
• CMaintaining an open stance and relaxed hands.
• DKeeping a safe distance.

A security guard observes an individual placing merchandise into their bag without attempting to pay. The guard has clear grounds to believe a theft is occurring. What is the most appropriate initial action regarding the individual's movement?

• ADetain the individual for the purpose of making a lawful citizen's arrest.
• BAllow the individual to leave the premises and call the police later.
• CImmediately use physical force to subdue the individual.
• DDemand the individual empty their bag without any further action.

A security guard is faced with a situation where a patron is shouting obscenities and refusing to leave a private business after being asked repeatedly. While this behaviour is disruptive, the patron has not made any physical threats or demonstrated intent to cause physical harm. If the guard decides to physically escort the patron out, which legal principle is most likely to be scrutinized regarding the justification for force?

• AWhether the guard verbally warned the patron before using force.
• BWhether the use of physical force was *necessary* to effect removal, given the absence of…
• CWhether the guard was licensed under the Security Services Act.
• DWhether the patron was committing an indictable offence.

Immediately following a critical incident involving use of force, what is a primary responsibility regarding witnesses?

• AIdentify and separate witnesses, and obtain their contact information.
• BAdvise witnesses on what they should or should not say to police.
• CTell witnesses they are not allowed to leave until police arrive.
• DInterview witnesses extensively on scene to get all details.

In Canadian criminal law, what does "mens rea" primarily refer to in the context of an alleged assault by a security guard?

• AThe level of force used.
• BThe guilty mind or criminal intent of the security guard.
• CThe immediate harm caused to the victim.
• DThe physical act of the assault.

While patrolling, a security guard encounters a significantly larger and verbally aggressive individual who is blocking an exit. The individual makes no physical move, but states, "Get out of my way, or you'll regret it." The guard can easily bypass the individual using an alternative exit that is slightly further, but chooses to confront them. Which of the following is most applicable?

• AVerbal threats automatically justify physical intervention.
• BThe guard has a legal duty to stand their ground and assert authority.
• CThe guard's employer is solely responsible for any force used.
• DThe guard may struggle to justify the necessity of force if a safe retreat or bypass was…