During a public disturbance, what is a key responsibility of a security guard?

Maintaining calm and order during a public disturbance is a critical responsibility of a security guard. This role involves de-escalating potentially volatile situations to ensure the safety of individuals involved, as well as bystanders. A security guard is trained to assess the situation quickly, communicate effectively with those involved, and implement strategies to reduce tension. This can include using verbal de-escalation techniques, positioning themselves strategically to defuse confrontations, or calling for law enforcement assistance when necessary. By focusing on maintaining calm, security personnel help to prevent the situation from escalating further, protecting both the public and themselves from harm.

The other choices would not align with the professional responsibilities of a security guard. Escalating the disturbance would likely lead to more chaos and increased risk for everyone involved. Recording witness statements, while important, is typically a secondary action that can be done after the situation is stabilized. Lastly, taking matters into their own hands can lead to excessive force or misconduct, undermining the guard's role and potentially resulting in legal repercussions. The focus should always be on security, safety, and a measured response to disturbances.