Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2024

What is considered physical control?

1. Any physical gesture used to control a subject that does not involve using a weapon

2. Any physical gesture used to control a subject that involves using an intermediate weapon

3. Procedure used when arresting someone

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Any physical gesture used to control a subject that does not involve using a weapon

Physical control, in the context of security work, refers to the use of physical gestures, movements, or actions that act as a means to control a subject without the utilisation of a weapon. This could involve techniques such as restraining, holding, blocking or otherwise manipulating a person's movements. The goal of these actions is to ensure the safety of all parties involved, be it the security guard, the subject, or bystanders. The use of weapons goes beyond the scope of what is classified as "physical control", which primarily relies on the security guard's bodily force and mechanical techniques. Furthermore, while arrests may involve physical control, they also involve various legal processes and procedures, which makes choice C too narrow to accurately define physical control. Therefore, the most accurate answer is Any physical gesture used to control a subject that does not involve using a weapon.