OSH Security Practice Test

As a security guard what is the purpose of a patrol?

1. To keep yourself awake during an 8 hour shift

2. To establish a presence and to deter potential offenders

3. So the client thinks you are actually doing something

4. To see if other security guards are violating the PSISA Code of Conduct

The correct answer is: To establish a presence and to deter potential offenders

The purpose of a patrol is fundamentally about establishing a noticeable presence in an area, which plays a crucial role in deterring potential offenders. By visibly patrolling, security guards signal that there is active monitoring and enforcement of security measures, which can discourage criminal activities. This proactive approach is key in maintaining safety and security, as it communicates to would-be offenders that their actions are likely to be observed and reported. Other options, while possibly containing some elements of truth in different contexts, do not encapsulate the primary objective of a patrol. Some may suggest that keeping oneself awake or reassuring a client about perceived activity does not fulfill the essential role of enhancing security and creating a protective environment. Furthermore, focusing on compliance with the PSISA Code of Conduct is part of an overall professional responsibility but does not capture the primary intent of regular patrols, which is to deter crime and ensure safety.