District of Columbia
Security Officer Exam
Section 1: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Q: What is the primary role of a security officer in the District of Columbia?
A: To observe, deter, report, and protect property and people while acting within the
law.
Q: A security officer in DC can detain a person only under what condition?
A: When there is probable cause to believe the person committed a crime, and only
using reasonable force.
Q: Which of the following is an example of excessive force?
, A. Escorting someone off property
B. Calling police for backup
C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting
D. Placing someone in handcuffs while they are trying to leave
A: C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting
Q: The right to detain someone temporarily in DC is called:
A: A citizen’s arrest (under limited circumstances)
Q: Which law governs security officer licensing in DC?
A: The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 6A, Chapter 11
Section 2: Use of Force & Firearm Awareness
Q: What is the proper use-of-force model followed in DC?
A: The force continuum — using the minimum force necessary for the situation.
Q: When should a security officer draw a firearm?
A: Only when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death.
Q: What should a security officer do after using force?
A: Notify law enforcement, provide aid if safe to do so, and file a detailed incident
report.
Q: Before using any level of force, the officer must first attempt:
A: Verbal persuasion or de-escalation techniques
Q: Which agency must a security officer in DC notify if they discharge their firearm
while on duty?
A: Metropolitan Police Department and the Security Officers Management Branch
(SOMB)
Section 3: Communication and Public Relations
Security Officer Exam
Section 1: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Q: What is the primary role of a security officer in the District of Columbia?
A: To observe, deter, report, and protect property and people while acting within the
law.
Q: A security officer in DC can detain a person only under what condition?
A: When there is probable cause to believe the person committed a crime, and only
using reasonable force.
Q: Which of the following is an example of excessive force?
, A. Escorting someone off property
B. Calling police for backup
C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting
D. Placing someone in handcuffs while they are trying to leave
A: C. Using a baton on someone who is not resisting
Q: The right to detain someone temporarily in DC is called:
A: A citizen’s arrest (under limited circumstances)
Q: Which law governs security officer licensing in DC?
A: The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 6A, Chapter 11
Section 2: Use of Force & Firearm Awareness
Q: What is the proper use-of-force model followed in DC?
A: The force continuum — using the minimum force necessary for the situation.
Q: When should a security officer draw a firearm?
A: Only when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death.
Q: What should a security officer do after using force?
A: Notify law enforcement, provide aid if safe to do so, and file a detailed incident
report.
Q: Before using any level of force, the officer must first attempt:
A: Verbal persuasion or de-escalation techniques
Q: Which agency must a security officer in DC notify if they discharge their firearm
while on duty?
A: Metropolitan Police Department and the Security Officers Management Branch
(SOMB)
Section 3: Communication and Public Relations
