California Security Guard Practice Exam

What is a security guard's responsibility in case of a crime?

1. To take the law into their own hands

2. To report the crime to law enforcement and document the incident

3. To confront the suspect directly

4. To ignore the situation if it’s minor

The correct answer is: To report the crime to law enforcement and document the incident

A security guard's primary responsibility in the event of a crime is to report the crime to law enforcement and document the incident. This is crucial because security guards are not law enforcement officers and do not have the authority to arrest or confront suspects directly. Their role is to observe, report, and assist in creating a safe environment. Documenting the incident is also vital as it provides a record of what occurred, which can be valuable for investigations and legal proceedings later on. Accurate documentation ensures that all relevant details about the crime are logged, which helps law enforcement respond effectively and can assist in potential prosecution of the offenders. Taking the law into one's own hands undermines the legal system and can lead to dangerous situations, while directly confronting suspects can escalate into violence and compromise the safety of the guard and others. Ignoring a minor situation could allow it to escalate and result in more significant issues later. Thus, reporting and documenting crimes is the established and safest protocol for security guards.