Maryland Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard do when witnessing a crime in progress?

1. Engage the suspect directly

2. Call the police and observe from a safe distance

3. Document the incident in detail afterwards

4. Try to apprehend the suspect

The correct answer is: Call the police and observe from a safe distance

When a security guard witnesses a crime in progress, the appropriate action is to call the police and observe from a safe distance. This response is based on the principle of prioritizing safety—both the security guard's safety and the safety of others. Engaging directly with a suspect can escalate the situation and lead to potential harm. By calling the police, the guard ensures that trained law enforcement professionals can respond to the situation effectively. Observing from a safe distance allows the guard to keep the area under surveillance while gathering important information that can be relayed to the authorities. This information may include descriptions of the suspect, details about the crime, and any other relevant observations, which can be crucial for law enforcement once they arrive on the scene. Information obtained during the incident can be used for documentation purposes afterward. However, the immediate response should always prioritize alerting the authorities and ensuring one's own safety rather than confronting the suspect directly.