New Mexico Security Guard Practice Exam

What type of behaviors should guards be trained to recognize?

1. Normal everyday behaviors

2. Suspicious or unusual behaviors

3. Friendly interactions only

4. Routine maintenance tasks

The correct answer is: Suspicious or unusual behaviors

Guards should be trained to recognize suspicious or unusual behaviors because these types of behaviors often indicate a potential threat or security issue. Recognizing unusual activities enables security personnel to respond proactively, ensuring the safety of people and property. For instance, if a person is loitering in an area for an extended period or acting nervously, these might be warning signs that require further investigation. Being alert to such behaviors allows guards to prevent incidents before they escalate, which is a fundamental aspect of their role. While normal everyday behaviors can help establish a baseline for what is typical in a given environment, security personnel are primarily tasked with identifying anomalies. Friendly interactions are part of maintaining a positive presence but do not necessarily contribute to the primary goal of maintaining security. Routine maintenance tasks are outside the realm of security training and do not require the same level of vigilance or scrutiny that unusual behaviors demand.