New Mexico Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard do when witnessing a crime in progress?

1. Attempt to intervene physically

2. Call law enforcement and observe the situation

3. Ignore it

4. Notify their supervisor immediately

The correct answer is: Call law enforcement and observe the situation

When a security guard witnesses a crime in progress, the appropriate action to take is to call law enforcement and observe the situation. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, the primary responsibility of a security guard is to maintain safety and security, but they are not law enforcement officers and should not take unnecessary risks by intervening physically. Intervening can escalate the situation and potentially lead to harm to the guard or bystanders. Observing the situation while waiting for law enforcement allows the guard to provide critical, real-time information about the crime, such as the location, the description of the suspects, any vehicles involved, and the actions taking place. This information can assist officers in responding effectively to the incident. Ignoring the situation is unacceptable, as it dismisses the obligation to protect people and property. Notifying a supervisor can also be part of the protocol, but it should be done after ensuring that law enforcement has been contacted, as the immediate priority is to alert those who can take proper action.