North Carolina Security Guard
Practice Test

A. The North Carolina Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Statistics

B. The North Carolina Private Protective Services Board ✓

C. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation

D. The North Carolina Department of Labor

Correct — B. The North Carolina Private Protective Services Board oversees the licensing and regulation of private security personnel in the state. It sets standards and enforces compliance under the Private Protective Services Act.

A. Physical restraint

B. Officer presence ✓

C. Lethal force

D. Chemical agents

Correct — B. The force continuum typically starts with officer presence as the lowest level. The visible presence of a uniformed security guard can deter incidents without requiring any physical intervention.

A. A sworn law enforcement officer

B. A deputy sheriff

C. A private citizen ✓

D. A federal agent

Correct — C. Security guards in North Carolina are private citizens and have no more arrest authority than any other citizen. They do not hold police powers unless they are also commissioned law enforcement officers.

A. Reasonable and proportional to the threat presented ✓

B. Maximum force to ensure control of the situation

C. Pre-approved in writing by the client company

D. Only applied after a suspect has already struck the guard

Correct — A. Reasonable and proportional force is the governing standard. Force must match the level of threat and must not exceed what is necessary to address the immediate danger. Excessive force exposes guards to criminal charges and civil liability.

A. Has reasonable grounds to believe the person committed the felony ✓

B. Obtains prior authorization from a law enforcement officer

C. Has a written warrant issued by a magistrate

D. Is currently employed as a security guard

Correct — A. North Carolina General Statutes allow a private citizen to arrest someone if a felony has actually been committed and the citizen has reasonable grounds to believe the person arrested committed it. No prior police authorization is needed.

A. Increasing the level of force used to end a confrontation quickly

B. Calling for police backup before attempting to resolve any situation

C. Using verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to calm a tense situation without force ✓

D. Retreating from all confrontations to avoid liability

Correct — C. De-escalation involves using calm verbal communication, active listening, body language, and distance management to reduce tension. Effective de-escalation can resolve many situations without the need for physical force.

A. Hold the suspect in handcuffs for as long as needed

B. Question the suspect without advising them of any rights

C. Search the suspect's personal belongings thoroughly

D. Detain the suspect only briefly and contact law enforcement promptly ✓

Correct — D. Under North Carolina's shopkeeper's privilege, a merchant or their agent may detain a suspect for a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner to investigate suspected shoplifting, then summon police. Prolonged detention or invasive searches can create civil liability.

A. A handgun with a valid concealed carry permit

B. A collapsible baton if provided by the employer

C. Pepper spray in any quantity without restriction

D. No weapons unless specifically authorized by their license category and employer policy ✓

Correct — D. Unarmed security guards in North Carolina are restricted in the weapons they may carry. Carrying weapons beyond what is authorized by their license category and employer policy can result in criminal charges and license revocation.