Question 1

The primary goal of a terrorist attack is to:

Accepted Answer

Terrorism is distinct from other crimes because its aim is psychological—generating fear to force change.

Question 2

Which phase of a terrorist attack is the most vulnerable to detection by security guards?

Accepted Answer

Terrorists must study their target to plan. Guards can spot them observing, photographing, or testing security during this phase.

Question 3

A 'Soft Target' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Soft targets are chosen because they are easy to access and have high civilian density.

Question 4

Suspicious behavior that might indicate surveillance includes:

Accepted Answer

Recording security features (cameras, guards) rather than tourist attractions is a red flag for surveillance.

Question 5

IED stands for:

Accepted Answer

IEDs are homemade bombs frequently used by terrorists.

Question 6

If you witness suspicious activity related to potential terrorism (e.g., someone testing a secure door), you should:

Accepted Answer

Reporting is critical. The 'See Something, Say Something' campaign relies on guards reporting small anomalies that link to larger plots.

Question 7

A 'Dry Run' or 'Probe' involves:

Accepted Answer

Terrorists may set off alarms or leave bags to see how long it takes security/police to respond.

Question 8

Which is a sign of a potential Vehicle Borne IED (VBIED)?

Accepted Answer

Car bombs are heavy. Look for sagging suspensions, covered cargo areas, and abandonment near key structures.

Question 9

In the event of a chemical attack (gas release), the best immediate action is typically to:

Accepted Answer

Chemical agents are often heavier than air. Moving up or sealing the room (Shelter in Place) prevents exposure.

Question 10

Critical Infrastructure includes:

Accepted Answer

Critical Infrastructure are assets so vital that their destruction would debilitate national security, economy, or public health.

Question 11

A 'Secondary Device' is:

Accepted Answer

Terrorists often target first responders with a second explosion. Guards must clear the evacuation area of secondary threats.

Question 12

If a person is asking detailed questions about security shift changes and HVAC systems, this is:

Accepted Answer

Elicitation is a technique to draw out secret information through casual conversation.

Question 13

When inspecting a bag at an entrance checkpoint, you should:

Accepted Answer

Sticking hands into bags risks injury from needles or razors (or triggers). Use a stick or ask the owner to manipulate the items.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)?

Accepted Answer

CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive) defines WMDs. A handgun is a conventional weapon, not a WMD.

Question 15

The main role of a security guard regarding terrorism is:

Accepted Answer

Guards are the 'eyes and ears'. They deter by hardening the target and detect by noticing surveillance.

Question 16

If you receive a package with excessive postage, wires protruding, or oily stains, it is likely:

Accepted Answer

These are classic indicators of a mail bomb. Isolate and report.

Question 17

Domestic Terrorism refers to:

Accepted Answer

Domestic terrorism originates from within the country (e.g., OKC bombing).

Question 18

A 'Dirty Bomb' uses:

Accepted Answer

A dirty bomb is not a nuclear blast; it is a contamination weapon designed to spread radiation and panic.

Question 19

If you find an unattended bag in a busy lobby:

Accepted Answer

Verify ownership first. If unclaimed, it is a potential threat. Do not touch.

Question 20

The 'Ring of Steel' concept refers to:

Accepted Answer

Physical barriers create 'stand-off distance', reducing the impact of blast waves on the building.

Question 21

What is a security guard's role in terrorism awareness?

Accepted Answer

Guards' role is observation and reporting; law enforcement investigates.

Question 22

What are indicators of potential terrorist activity guards should know?

Accepted Answer

Guards should recognize common indicators per DHS training.

Question 23

What should a guard do if they notice someone photographing building security features?

Accepted Answer

Photography of security features may indicate surveillance for attack planning.

Question 24

What should be done with a suspicious package?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious packages must be treated as potential threats.

Question 25

Should a security guard receive terrorism awareness training?

Accepted Answer

All guards should understand terrorism indicators and response.

Question 26

What is the appropriate response if a guard receives a bomb threat by phone?

Accepted Answer

Information gathering and police involvement are priorities.

Question 27

How should a guard respond to a bag left unattended in a public area?

Accepted Answer

Unattended packages may be threats; authorities must investigate.

Question 28

What should a guard do if they suspect someone is conducting surveillance of the facility?

Accepted Answer

Surveillance may precede attack; authorities need information to investigate.

Question 29

What indicators might suggest a person is engaged in reconnaissance?

Accepted Answer

Potential reconnaissance indicators include unusual repeated visits, photographing facility/entrances, observing guard patterns, and asking suspicious questions.

Question 30

What types of vehicles or packages should be treated with suspicion?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious vehicles include those abandoned, in unusual positions, belonging to unknown persons, or in restricted areas. Unidentified packages should be reported.

Question 31

What should a guard do if they observe a suspicious package?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious packages should never be touched. Evacuate the area, isolate the package, and immediately contact law enforcement for evaluation.

Question 32

What is the 'bag left behind' or 'unattended item' threat?

Accepted Answer

Any unattended bag or item must be treated as a potential threat. It could contain explosives or other hazardous materials.

Question 33

How should information about suspicious activity be communicated?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to appropriate parties: dispatch, management, and law enforcement.

Question 34

What is 'threat assessment' in the security context?

Accepted Answer

Threat assessment means evaluating the property and activities to identify potential threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.

Question 35

Should security maintain awareness of local/regional threats?

Accepted Answer

Security should be aware of current threat levels and recent incidents in the region to better recognize unusual activity.

Question 36

What is the importance of training on suspicious activity?

Accepted Answer

Training on threat indicators and suspicious activity patterns helps guards recognize and report potential security threats.

Question 37

What is a primary indicator of potential terrorist activity for a security guard?

Accepted Answer

Guards should watch for indicators of criminal intent including surveillance and threats.

Question 38

What should a guard do if they observe a suspicious device?

Accepted Answer

Suspicious devices require immediate police notification and area evacuation.

Question 39

How should a security guard identify a potential bomb threat?

Accepted Answer

Multiple indicators may suggest explosive threats; caution and reporting are essential.

Question 40

What should a guard do during a bomb threat evacuation?

Accepted Answer

Proper evacuation procedures protect life and enable accountability.

Question 41

What is the guard's role in public safety regarding terrorism awareness?

Accepted Answer

Terrorism awareness training enables guards to report threats.

Question 42

What types of suspicious activity should be reported regarding potential threats?

Accepted Answer

Multiple suspicious indicators may suggest criminal or terrorist intent.

Question 43

How should a security guard approach a potentially armed individual?

Accepted Answer

Armed individuals are high-risk; police handling is appropriate.

Question 44

What training covers terrorism awareness for NY security guards?

Accepted Answer

NY GBL 89-n includes emergency situation awareness in pre-assignment training.

Terrorism Awareness Practice Questions

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