If a security guard suspects a crime is being committed, what should they do?

When a security guard suspects that a crime is being committed, the appropriate course of action is to report it to the authorities and document observations. This ensures that the matter is handled by professionals who are trained to manage criminal activities. Reporting allows law enforcement to investigate further, which can lead to the prevention of the crime, apprehension of the suspects, or the protection of potential victims.

Documenting observations is crucial for several reasons. It provides a clear, factual account of what was witnessed, which can be important for legal purposes. Well-documented accounts help maintain accuracy in reporting and can serve as important evidence should an investigation occur.

Confronting a suspected criminal could escalate the situation and put the security guard at risk. Ignoring the incident compromises safety and undermines the duty of the guard to maintain a secure environment. Discussing the situation with colleagues, while it may lead to increased awareness among the team, does not adequately address the urgency of reporting the crime to the appropriate authorities.