Oregon Security Guard Certification Practice Exam

Monitoring for evasive actions and avoidance of eye contact serves as a litmus test for evaluating a suspicious person’s behavior because these indicators often suggest anxiety, discomfort, or the desire to conceal one's intentions. A person exhibiting such behaviors may be aware that their actions are being scrutinized, which could lead to further suspicion. Evasive actions may manifest as avoiding questions, making conflicting statements, or frequently looking around as if to check for others watching.

In a security context, the presence of such behaviors can inform a security guard’s assessment of a situation. Understanding these non-verbal cues is crucial for identifying potential threats or irregular activity. The ability to interpret these subtle signs effectively aids in making informed decisions about whether further action is necessary, such as approaching the individual or alerting other security personnel.

While checking identification or asking if someone needs assistance are practical actions, they do not directly gauge the person's behavior in real time. Following a person can be seen as suspicious in itself and may escalate a situation unnecessarily without providing valuable insights into the individual's intent. Therefore, the focus on monitoring evasive behaviors and lack of eye contact is critical in determining whether further investigation is warranted.