South Carolina Security Guard
Practice Test

A. South Carolina Department of Labor

B. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) ✓

C. South Carolina Department of Public Safety

D. South Carolina Attorney General's Office

Correct — B. In South Carolina, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the agency responsible for issuing licenses and regulating private security guards and security companies. Guards must obtain a SLED-issued registration card before working.

A. The level of force appropriate to match the threat level faced ✓

B. When to call for police backup instead of acting

C. The number of guards required for each type of incident

D. Which types of weapons guards are authorized to carry

Correct — A. The use-of-force continuum is a guideline that helps guards select a level of force proportional to the threat they are facing. It typically ranges from officer presence and verbal commands through empty-hand control, intermediate tools, and deadly force, escalating only as necessary.

A. Can arrest anyone for any misdemeanor committed in public

B. Has full law enforcement powers when on duty

C. Only has the same arrest powers as an ordinary private citizen ✓

D. Can detain suspects indefinitely until police arrive

Correct — C. A private security guard does not have police powers. Guards only have the same legal authority as any private citizen, which in South Carolina means they may make a citizen's arrest only for felonies committed in their presence or crimes committed on the property they protect.

A. Approved by the employer in writing

B. Less than what a police officer would have used

C. Reasonable under the circumstances as viewed by an objective person ✓

D. The minimum possible force under any circumstances

Correct — C. Force used by a security guard is judged against a reasonableness standard: would an objective, reasonable person in the same situation agree the level of force was appropriate? This standard takes into account the totality of circumstances at the time of the incident.

A. 18 years old ✓

B. 21 years old

C. 16 years old

D. 25 years old

Correct — A. South Carolina law requires security guard applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check and complete required training hours before receiving a SLED registration.

A. Immediately restrain the person with handcuffs

B. Use calm verbal de-escalation techniques to calm the situation ✓

C. Deploy pepper spray to gain compliance

D. Call for backup and physically remove the person

Correct — B. When a person is verbally aggressive but not physically threatening, the appropriate first response is verbal de-escalation: speaking calmly, listening to concerns, and trying to reduce tension without resorting to physical force. Escalating to restraint or chemical agents prematurely is disproportionate.

A. Any time they witness a person committing any crime

B. Only when a sworn police officer instructs them to do so

C. Any time they reasonably suspect a person of committing a crime

D. When a felony is committed in their presence or when they have reasonable grounds to believe a felony has been committed ✓

Correct — D. South Carolina follows the common law rule for citizen's arrests: a private person (including a security guard) may arrest another when a felony is committed in their presence, or when they have reasonable grounds to believe the person committed a felony. Guards have no authority to arrest for misdemeanors not committed in their direct presence.

A. Grabbing a suspect's arm to stop them from running

B. Using verbal commands to stop an approaching person

C. Pushing a suspect who is blocking a doorway

D. Firing a weapon at a suspect ✓

Correct — D. Deadly force is any force that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. Firing a weapon directly at a person is the most common example of deadly force. Grabs, pushes, and verbal commands are generally considered lower levels of force.