Indiana Security Guard Practice Exam

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

1. Ignore it if it does not involve them

2. Attempt to apprehend the suspect themselves

3. Contact law enforcement and avoid intervening unless necessary for safety

4. Document the incident for future reference

The correct answer is: Contact law enforcement and avoid intervening unless necessary for safety

When a security guard witnesses a crime in progress, the most appropriate response is to contact law enforcement and avoid intervening unless necessary for safety. This approach prioritizes safety for both the guard and others involved in the situation. The primary role of a security guard is to observe and report rather than to actively engage with suspects, which can lead to dangerous confrontations. By contacting law enforcement, the guard ensures that trained professionals handle the situation. This also allows the guard to focus on keeping themselves and innocent bystanders safe, rather than putting themselves at risk in a potentially volatile situation. Additionally, while it is important for a security guard to document incidents for future reference, this is secondary to securing immediate assistance from law enforcement. Accurate reporting of the situation can be beneficial later, but it should not take precedence over ensuring that trained authorities respond to the crime.