Michigan Security Guard Licensing Practice Test

What type of threats should security guards be trained to identify?

1. Only verbal threats

2. Physical threats, suspicious behavior, and potential emergencies

3. Cyber threats and hacking attempts

4. Financial fraud attempts

The correct answer is: Physical threats, suspicious behavior, and potential emergencies

Security guards are essential in maintaining safety and security in various environments, and their training includes the ability to identify a range of potential threats. The reason for the emphasis on physical threats, suspicious behavior, and potential emergencies is due to the nature of their duties, which involve real-time assessment of situations that can escalate unexpectedly. Physical threats can include any actions or behaviors that pose a direct risk to individuals, property, or the premises, such as aggressive individuals, weapons, or acts of violence. Suspicious behavior can indicate that an individual may be planning or preparing to engage in harmful activities, allowing for early intervention to prevent threats from materializing. Recognizing potential emergencies—such as fire, medical crises, or security breaches—empowers security personnel to respond appropriately and mitigate risks. While verbal threats, cyber threats, and financial fraud are also important concerns in modern security, they do not encompass the full scope of threats a security guard is most likely to encounter on the ground. Security guards are primarily positioned to observe and react to immediate risks, making their training targeted toward threats that could affect the physical and immediate environment.