What is the correct expansion of PACE?

• A. Probe, Alarm, Challenge, Emergency
• B. Probe, Alert, Contingency, Emergency
• C. Probe, Alert, Challenge, Emergency
• D. Probe, Alert, Challenge, Evacuation

Answer: (C)

PACE is a threat-management sequence used to handle suspicious or disruptive behavior on board. The first step is Probe—you gather information by asking questions to assess intent and threat level. Next is Alert—you notify the crew and, if needed, communicate with authorities or security teams so everyone is aware and prepared. Then you Challenge—the individual in a calm, controlled, and authoritative way to deter the behavior and gain compliance. If the situation continues to escalate or safety is at risk, you move to Emergency—activate the full security response to protect passengers and crew. Evacuation is not the named step in this sequence; it’s an action that may occur under emergency conditions, but the PACE framework itself ends with Emergency. The other options insert terms that don’t fit the standard progression (Alarm instead of Alert, Contingency instead of Challenge, Evacuation instead of Emergency), which is why they’re not correct.