What should a guard do if they witness a crime being committed?

When a security guard witnesses a crime being committed, the appropriate action is to observe, document, and report to law enforcement immediately. This course of action is vital for several reasons.

First, observing the crime allows the guard to gather critical information, such as descriptions of the suspects, the nature of the crime, and any other relevant details that may aid law enforcement in their investigation. Documentation can include taking notes or photographs, which can provide valuable evidence later on.

Reporting to law enforcement ensures that trained professionals who have the authority and experience to handle crime situations are alerted. They can take appropriate measures to address the incident, ensure public safety, and pursue legal action against the offenders.

This response underscores the guard's role as a vigilant observer and communicator rather than as an official law enforcement officer. It emphasizes safety and protocol, as intervening physically could escalate the situation and put the guard, as well as others, in danger. Engaging directly with suspects in a confrontational manner could result in harm, liability, and a potential breach of legal responsibilities. Similarly, ignoring the crime or merely alerting a colleague without appropriate documentation and reporting undermines the security guard’s responsibility to uphold safety and security in their environment.