INTRODUCTION 

This learning program is part of a complete qualification.  The qualification is General Security Practices NQF level 3.

In physical security, the term access control refers to the practice of restricting entrance to a property, a building, or a room to authorized persons. Physical access control can be achieved by a human (a guard, bouncer, or receptionist), through mechanical means such as locks and keys, or through technological means such as access control systems.   Physical access control is a matter of who, why, where, and when. An access control system determines who is allowed to enter or exit, where they are allowed to exit or enter, and when they are allowed to enter or exit.

Escorting is a person or vehicle (or group of these) accompanying persons, vehicles and/or goods to provide protection. Before the security officer can start planning for an escort task he or she must identify and
assess any threatening situation that might lead to loss before or during escort duties.

Threat assessment is the process of gathering and assessing information about persons or groups, who may have the interest, motive, intent and capability (means) to launch an attack against the escorted valuables, people or suspects. The goal of every security officer undertaking an escort duty must be to prevent an attack on valuables, persons or suspects.

PURPOSE OF THIS UNIT STANDARD
The purpose of this unit standard is to equip learners with the necessary skill, knowledge and attributes that
will enable them to man an access control point. They will also be able to execute access control duties in a
manner that will contribute towards the safety of an organisation or environment. The competencies outlined in this unit standard will also lead to the minimising of physical losses for an organisation. This unit standard will enable security personnel who are working at an access control point to control vehicles, goods and persons as they enter or leave the security area with the ultimate purpose of safeguarding the organisation against external threats and potential losses.

TARGET GROUP
This program is compiled for the following target group:
• Security members
• South African Defense Force members
• South African Police Force members
• Correctional Services
• Individuals who wish to complete the NQF level 3 National Certificate in security practices.

On completion the learner will be able to: 

1. Explain access and egress control functions.
2. Control people, vehicles and materials at an access and egress control point.
3. Escort authorised persons and vehicles.
4. Define access control
5. Explain the purpose of access control
6. Explain the objectives of access control and egress control
7. Explain the meaning of outer layer protection
8. Identify and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of the various access control methods/aids.
9. Identify and demonstrate knowledge and skills in the use of the various access control identification system.
10. Explain the relation between access control measures and internal and external threats.
11. Explain the role of access control in the event of an emergency.
12. Search people, vehicles and goods making use of relevant methods and equipment.
13. Explain the procedures for handing over of unauthorized people, vehicles or goods.
14. Complete and verify all relevant documentation of an incident.
15. Identify the threat before undertaking an escort.
16. Name the resource requirements during escorting.
17. List the different security tasks during escorting.
18. Explain the actions for planning and preparing for escorting.
19. List the criteria when planning a route map and explain the steps when planning a route map.
20. Explain contingency plans for valuables, persons or suspects.
21. Identify all valuables/persons or suspects to be escorted.
22. Perform suspect searches when required according to relevant legislation.