New Mexico Security Guard Practice Exam

In which situation is it appropriate to contact law enforcement?

1. For minor disagreements between staff

2. When an incident requires intervention beyond the guard's authority

3. If a customer is unhappy

4. When an employee breaks a company rule

The correct answer is: When an incident requires intervention beyond the guard's authority

Contacting law enforcement is appropriate when an incident arises that requires intervention beyond the authority of the security guard. Security guards have a defined scope of responsibilities, which typically includes monitoring property, responding to incidents, and ensuring safety within their purview. However, there are situations where the matter escalates beyond what a guard can handle, such as criminal activities, threats to safety, or significant disturbances. In these instances, law enforcement is equipped with the authority and resources to address such issues effectively. Minor disagreements between staff, customer dissatisfaction, or rule breaches by employees are generally managed through internal protocols or administrative measures, and do not necessitate immediate law enforcement involvement as they do not pose an immediate threat or require legal enforcement.