Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification Practice Exam

What action should be taken to protect an unsupervised night security guard from workplace violence?

1. Allow him to carry a personal weapon

2. Install monitored security cameras

3. Have two guards at all times

4. Request additional security from the agency

The correct answer is: Install monitored security cameras

Installing monitored security cameras is an effective measure to protect an unsupervised night security guard from workplace violence. This approach serves multiple purposes: it acts as a deterrent to potential aggressors who may be less likely to engage in harmful behavior if they know they are being observed, and it provides a means for real-time monitoring and documentation of any incidents that may occur. Furthermore, having recorded footage can be invaluable in investigations following an incident, allowing for a proper understanding of the situation and aiding in response actions. While other options may have their merits, they do not provide the same level of immediate support and deterrence that monitored cameras do. Allowing a personal weapon introduces risk and may not be legal or practical in many work environments. Having two guards at all times can be costly and may not be feasible depending on the security budget and the facility's needs. Requesting additional security from an agency could also be a solution but might involve response delays and is contingent on the availability of resources from that agency. In contrast, monitored security cameras provide a proactive, ongoing security presence that can offer real-time responses to incidents.