New Mexico Security Guard Practice Exam

In security terms, what does "access control" refer to?

1. Monitoring employee attendance

2. Regulating who can enter or exit a property

3. Providing first aid on-site

4. Documenting security incidents

The correct answer is: Regulating who can enter or exit a property

Access control refers specifically to the systems and processes that regulate who is permitted to enter or exit a specific area or property. This is a crucial aspect of security management, as it helps to ensure that only authorized individuals can gain access to sensitive or restricted areas, thereby protecting assets, information, and individuals within those areas. Implementing access control can involve various methods, including physical barriers like gates and locks, technological solutions such as key cards or biometric scanners, and personnel management strategies where security guards monitor entry and exit points. In the context of the other options provided, monitoring employee attendance pertains to tracking when individuals are present in a workplace, which is a separate concern focused on productivity and labor management. Providing first aid on-site is critical for health and safety but does not directly relate to regulating access. Documenting security incidents is essential for maintaining records of security events but does not involve the process of controlling entry or exit. Thus, the correct focus of "access control" accurately aligns with the regulation of individuals' movement into and out of secured spaces.