Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

A licensed security professional may need to conduct physical searches only with what condition?

1. Presence of witnesses

2. Verification by authorities

3. Consent from the person

4. Completion of training

The correct answer is: Consent from the person

A licensed security professional may need to conduct physical searches only with the condition of consent from the person being searched. This principle is rooted in the concept of individual rights and personal privacy. For a search to be lawful and ethical, obtaining consent ensures that the person is aware of the search and agrees to it, thus reducing the likelihood of any claims of violation of rights or personal space. Consent must be informed, meaning the individual understands what the search entails and has the freedom to agree or refuse. This practice helps to maintain professionalism and respect for individuals' rights, which are essential values in the security field. The presence of witnesses, verification by authorities, and completion of training are important aspects of security operations but do not replace the necessity of obtaining the individual's consent prior to conducting a physical search.