New Hampshire Security Guard
Practice Test

A. The property owner's consent and delegation of authority ✓

B. A commission issued by the local police department

C. The New Hampshire Security Guard Act, which grants police-equivalent powers

D. A federal license issued by the Department of Homeland Security

Correct — A. Security guards derive their authority from the property owner or employer who has hired them. They do not hold police powers; their authority is limited to what the property owner can lawfully delegate.

A. Authorized in writing by the property owner before any incident

B. At least equal to the level of force used by the suspect

C. Approved in advance by the on-duty supervisor via radio

D. Proportionate and reasonable in relation to the threat being faced ✓

Correct — D. The foundational principle governing use of force is proportionality and reasonableness. The force used must match the threat presented—a guard cannot use deadly force to stop a minor theft, for example.

A. New Hampshire Department of Labor

B. New Hampshire Department of Safety ✓

C. New Hampshire Attorney General's Office

D. New Hampshire Division of Revenue Administration

Correct — B. The New Hampshire Department of Safety, through its Division of State Police, administers and enforces the licensing requirements for security guards in the state.

A. A graduated scale of force options, from presence and communication to physical force ✓

B. A policy requiring guards to use maximum force to quickly end any threat

C. A legal doctrine that allows unlimited force once a threat is identified

D. A training program specifically for armed security personnel only

Correct — A. The force continuum is a structured framework that guides security professionals through escalating levels of response, starting with officer presence and verbal communication, and escalating through physical control techniques only as the threat level demands.

A. The Fourth Amendment exception for private citizens

B. The New Hampshire Merchant's Privilege law

C. The shopkeeper's privilege, which allows brief detention with reasonable cause ✓

D. The citizen's arrest statute, which applies only to felonies

Correct — C. New Hampshire recognizes the shopkeeper's privilege, which allows merchants and their agents (including security guards) to briefly detain a person they have reasonable cause to believe has shoplifted, for the purpose of investigation.

A. Soft empty-hand control techniques such as joint locks

B. Officer presence and verbal commands ✓

C. Use of an intermediate weapon like a baton

D. Physical takedown and restraint

Correct — B. The lowest level on the force continuum is the mere presence of a uniformed security officer, followed by verbal commands. Most situations can be resolved at this level, and physical force should only be considered when these initial approaches fail.

A. The security guard witnessed the crime and it occurred on private property

B. The employer has authorized the arrest in writing

C. A police officer is not available within a reasonable time

D. The misdemeanor was committed in the person's presence ✓

Correct — D. In New Hampshire, a private person may arrest another for a misdemeanor only when the offense was committed in their presence. For felonies, a citizen's arrest is allowed when the person has been committed or attempted to commit a felony.

A. Allows the guard to avoid writing an incident report for the event

B. Is required by New Hampshire law in all situations before any force can be used

C. Can resolve potentially dangerous situations without resorting to physical force, reducing risk to all parties ✓

D. Demonstrates weakness and encourages further aggression from suspects

Correct — C. De-escalation techniques—such as calm communication, active listening, and creating space—can often defuse tense situations before they become violent. This protects the guard, the subject, bystanders, and reduces the employer's legal liability.