Maryland Security Guard
Practice Test

A. The Maryland Department of Labor

B. The Maryland State Police ✓

C. The Maryland Attorney General's Office

D. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

Correct — B. In Maryland, the Maryland State Police administers the licensing of security guards and security guard agencies under the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Annotated Code. Applicants must meet MSP requirements before working as a licensed security guard.

A. As much force as they personally feel is necessary, regardless of the threat

B. The minimum amount of force that a reasonable person would consider necessary given the circumstances ✓

C. Any force necessary to ensure the suspect is fully immobilized

D. Deadly force whenever a guard feels threatened

Correct — B. Reasonable force is judged by what an objective, reasonable person would consider appropriate under the same circumstances. Using more force than is reasonably necessary is excessive and can result in criminal charges and civil liability.

A. A commission issued by the local police department

B. Federal homeland security regulations

C. The property owner's delegation of rights to control access to their premises ✓

D. A standing court order granting police-equivalent powers

Correct — C. A security guard's authority on private property flows from the property owner. The owner has the right to set conditions for entry and exit, and they delegate that authority to the security guard to enforce on their behalf. Guards do not possess independent police powers.

A. A framework showing escalating levels of force that should be matched to the level of threat presented ✓

B. A policy requiring guards to use maximum force first and negotiate afterward

C. A set of rules requiring guards to always use handcuffs before verbal commands

D. A ranking system for security guard pay grades

Correct — A. The force continuum is a training framework that ranges from officer presence and verbal commands through hands-on control techniques, and up to higher levels of force. Guards should always use the lowest effective level of force appropriate to the situation.

A. Watch for suspicious activity and document it, then notify law enforcement as appropriate ✓

B. Immediately apprehend any person acting suspiciously

C. Conduct covert surveillance and compile evidence for prosecution

D. Take direct action to stop any crime in progress without contacting police

Correct — A. The observe-and-report principle is a cornerstone of security guard work. Guards are trained to be alert, document what they see, and contact law enforcement rather than taking enforcement actions beyond their legal authority.

A. A person is simply standing nearby and refusing to leave

B. A visitor raises their voice during an argument with the guard

C. The guard believes someone might become aggressive in the future

D. A person is actively attacking the guard and the guard reasonably believes physical force is necessary to stop the attack ✓

Correct — D. Self-defense justifies physical force only when there is an immediate, active threat of harm. Verbal confrontations, future speculation, or passive non-compliance do not meet the threshold for using physical force in self-defense.

A. A verbal warning only, with no legal penalty

B. Civil mediation but no criminal charges

C. License suspension after a second offense only

D. Criminal penalties including fines or misdemeanor charges ✓

Correct — D. Working as a security guard in Maryland without the required license is a violation of state law and can result in criminal misdemeanor charges, fines, and other penalties. Compliance with licensing requirements is mandatory before beginning work.

A. Immediately call for police backup and wait in a separate room

B. Apply a physical control hold to prevent escalation

C. Use calm verbal communication and de-escalation techniques ✓

D. Issue a written warning and instruct them to leave the premises

Correct — C. De-escalation through calm, clear verbal communication is always the preferred first step. Verbal de-escalation can resolve many situations without physical contact, reducing risk to all parties and potential liability for the guard.