What to Do When Witnessing a Crime: Security Guard Protocols

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

• A. Attempt to intervene physically
• B. Call law enforcement and observe the situation
• C. Ignore it
• D. Notify their supervisor immediately

Answer: (B)

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.

When it comes to the duties of a security guard, one gut-wrenching scenario stands out: witnessing a crime in progress. So what should you do? Spoiler alert: charging in like a hero isn’t the right play. The best course of action, according to the pros, is to call in the experts—law enforcement—and observe. But let’s break this down a bit more.

Why Calling Law Enforcement is Key

First things first: you’re not a cop. I mean, it’s great if you can deftly handle a fast-food line or set up a good security plan for an event, but running into a robbery with nothing but a flashlight? Not the best idea. When you see something suspicious, calling law enforcement right away is crucial. They have the training and tools to handle dangerous situations.

By calmly observing, you can gather vital info that helps them tackle the situation effectively. What do the suspects look like? Did they drive away in a flashy red car? These details are game-changers, especially when time is of the essence.

Keep Your Cool and Observe

Okay, so let’s say you’ve got your phone in one hand, and you're on the line with the police. Now what? While waiting for the cavalry, your eyes become your superpower. Keep an eye on where the action is going down. If it's safe, take mental notes on everything—the location, time, suspects, and even if you hear someone yelling for help. These bits of intel are golden nuggets for law enforcement arriving on the scene.

And hey, it’s easy to think you should jump into the fray—feel that adrenaline rush? But let’s be honest. Intervening could escalate the situation. Instead of being a hero, you could end up putting yourself and others in danger. That's a risk you really don’t want to take.

Ignoring the Situation? Not an Option

Now, let’s touch on the elephant in the room—what if you’re just tempted to look the other way? That’s unacceptable. Every security guard has a duty to protect people and property. Ignoring a crime in progress not only compromises safety but also goes against the very essence of your role.

The Supervisor Step

Okay, one last piece I want to mention: notifying your supervisor. While making that call to law enforcement should be priority number one, it's also important to keep your supervisor in the loop. However, always remember: your focus should primarily be on ensuring that the authorities are alerted. After that, you can provide your supervisor with updates. This two-step process keeps everyone coordinated.

Wrapping Up

When the stakes are high, and you find yourself witnessing a crime, remember that your best bet is to stay calm, call law enforcement, and observe. Your training, duty, and responsibility kick in to keep those around you safe. Every decision you make is critical, so take a deep breath and remember the protocol. Who knows? Your quick thinking might just help prevent a tragedy.

In the whirlwind of security responsibilities, knowing how to respond to a crime in progress could ultimately be the difference between chaos and control. So gear up mentally and know the steps to take. You've got this!