Oklahoma Security Guard Practice Exam

Define "detainment" in a security context.

1. Temporarily holding a person until authorities arrive to handle the situation

2. Restricting access to an area

3. Providing temporary lodging for displaced individuals

4. Taking inventory of stolen goods

The correct answer is: Temporarily holding a person until authorities arrive to handle the situation

In a security context, "detainment" refers specifically to the act of temporarily holding a person until the authorities can take over the situation. This process is often necessary when a security guard observes suspicious behavior or a potential threat and needs to ensure the safety of others while waiting for law enforcement or emergency services to arrive. The primary focus of detainment is to manage the immediate risk and ensure that the individual does not leave the scene or pose further danger. The other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not accurately represent the definition of "detainment." Restricting access to an area pertains more to physical boundaries than to holding individuals. Providing temporary lodging is not a function of security personnel but rather relates to humanitarian or emergency services. Lastly, taking inventory of stolen goods is a procedural task dealing with evidence collection and does not relate to holding individuals for reasons of security.