California Security Guard Practice Exam

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

1. Ignore it and move on

2. Call the police and provide assistance if safe to do so

3. Wait for backup before acting

4. Confront the perpetrators directly

The correct answer is: Call the police and provide assistance if safe to do so

When a security guard witnesses a crime in progress, the appropriate action is to call the police and provide assistance if it is safe to do so. This choice reflects a professional and legally sound approach to handling a criminal incident. The role of a security guard includes observing and reporting; hence, notifying law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can respond and manage the situation effectively. Calling the police allows for a swift response, which may prevent further harm or escalation of the crime. Additionally, providing assistance, when safe, shows a commitment to maintaining public safety without compromising the guard's own well-being. Taking direct action or confronting criminals could put the guard at risk and may complicate the situation, as trained law enforcement professionals are better equipped to handle such encounters. Simply ignoring the situation is neither responsible nor ethical, as it disregards the potential danger posed to others. Waiting for backup can delay crucial response time, which could be detrimental in a rapidly changing situation. This answer emphasizes that the primary responsibility of a security guard is to remain vigilant and proactive while ensuring personal and public safety by involving law enforcement when necessary.