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

When a security guard witnesses a crime in progress, the appropriate response is to notify law enforcement and avoid personal intervention. This approach is grounded in both safety and legal accountability.

Intervening personally can escalate the situation and may put the guard in harm's way or lead to unintended consequences. Security personnel are trained to observe and report rather than engage directly, as their role typically involves maintaining safety and security through observation and communication, rather than direct confrontation.

Notifying law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can respond to the situation effectively and safely. Law enforcement officers are equipped to handle criminal activity and can use the necessary protocols to apprehend suspects and secure the scene.

Furthermore, ignoring a crime, even if perceived as not serious, undermines the responsibilities of a security guard. Each incident could have significant implications for public safety and the law. Alerting the media also is not appropriate in this context, as it can compromise the investigation and might lead to unnecessary panic or publicity surrounding a situation that needs confidentiality and proper handling by authorities.

Thus, notifying law enforcement ensures a lawful, safe, and effective approach to handling crime observations.