What action should a guard take if they witness a crime in progress?

When a guard witnesses a crime in progress, the most appropriate action is to alert law enforcement and avoid direct confrontation. This response prioritizes the safety of the guard and others around them. Engaging directly in a dangerous situation could escalate it further and may lead to injury or worse. By notifying the authorities, the guard ensures that trained professionals handle the situation, allowing them to intervene with the right resources and training.

Recording details could be helpful for law enforcement, but it should not come at the cost of immediate action. The safety of the guard is paramount, and retreating from a volatile situation or intervening physically could increase risk factors significantly. Additionally, leaving the scene would prevent the guard from providing any potential assistance or information to help manage the situation once law enforcement arrives. Thus, alerting the police is the most effective and responsible course of action in handling a crime in progress.