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What should a security guard do if they witness a crime?

Take immediate action to stop it without calling for help

Call the police and document the incident

When a security guard witnesses a crime, the appropriate response is to call the police and document the incident. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, notifying law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can handle the situation safely and effectively. Police officers are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to manage criminal incidents, investigate, and ensure public safety.

Documentation of the incident is equally important. Accurate reports can provide valuable information for police investigations and may serve as evidence in court. This documentation should include details such as the time, location, nature of the crime, descriptions of individuals involved, and any other relevant observations. Such records can be critical in both immediate and future legal contexts.

Taking immediate action to stop the crime, while seemingly proactive, can potentially escalate the situation and put the security guard and others at risk if the perpetrator reacts violently. Ignoring the crime or discussing it with other staff without involving law enforcement can lead to missed opportunities to prevent further harm and may also be considered a failure of duty in certain situations. Thus, calling the police and properly documenting the incident is the most responsible and effective course of action for a security guard in the event of witnessing a crime.

Ignore it if it’s not threatening

Discuss it with other staff and wait

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