What to Do if You Witness a Crime as a Security Guard

What’s a Security Guard’s First Move When They See a Crime?

You’re patrolling late at night, the moonlight casting eerie shadows, and suddenly you witness a crime unfolding before your eyes. It's a scenario that ramps up the adrenaline like nothing else. But what’s the right move? Can you just ignore it and go about your business? Or do you jump in feet-first? Let’s break it down, shall we?

The Right Call: Emergency Services First!

If you’re a security guard and see a crime in progress, your instinct might scream at you to do something — anything. Here’s the deal, though: your first step should be to call 911. Yes, that’s right. Don’t let that adrenaline cloud your judgment! By dialing emergency services, you’re bringing in the professionals who are trained to handle such situations effectively. Their expertise can make a world of difference.

Calling 911 ensures that help is on the way, ready to tackle what might be a serious threat. Imagine for a moment if someone were to ignore a cry for help; it might lead to worse outcomes, not just for the immediate victims but potentially for the entire community. By notifying authorities promptly, you're taking a proactive role in ensuring safety.

Assisting Safely: Your Next Move

Now, here’s a critical part: if it’s safe for you to do so, you can assist in a limited way. But wait—what does that mean exactly? You’re not a superhero, after all. Think of your safety as priority number one. If the situation is escalating and you feel you might be putting yourself in harm's way, it's wise to take a step back.

However, if things seem relatively contained, you can observe the situation closely and provide relevant details to law enforcement when they arrive. This could involve noting key descriptions of the suspect, vehicle, or anything that seems pertinent. Remember, having details at the ready can make it easier for responders to act swiftly.

Why Not Just Ignore It?

Here’s the thing—ignore a crime, and what do you think will happen? The crime doesn’t just magically go away. In fact, avoiding the call could lead to a range of consequences, including escalating criminal activity. Plus, it undermines your role as a security guard. Your job is, in many ways, to be a pillar of safety for the community. Always keep in mind that you have a duty to act responsibly and diligently.

The Pitfalls of Waiting for Backup

Some might think that waiting for backup is the right call. After all, safety in numbers, right? While having backup can indeed help in many situations, using that as an excuse to do nothing could be detrimental. Authorities typically advise against inaction. Waiting too long could allow the crime to unfold unchecked, causing harm to individuals who might not have had to suffer if action was taken sooner.

So, when might waiting be acceptable? Well, if it seems like the situation is way out of hand and you’re positively outnumbered or if there’s a high chance of severe danger, then yes—that’s a point to reevaluate your approach. But even then, you'll want to be on the line with 911, sharing what you see.

Attempting to Apprehend: A Risky Move

So let’s say you consider taking matters into your own hands—trying to apprehend the suspect yourself. Sounds bold, doesn’t it? Here’s a truth bomb: that can be a dangerous course of action. If you’re not trained in arrest techniques or situational de-escalation, you could be putting not just yourself at risk, but bystanders as well. If the suspect is armed or aggressive, it could escalate things in ways you might not anticipate.

Instead of a lone gunslinger approach, it’s far more beneficial to let trained law enforcement handle the apprehending of suspects. They’ve got the gear, training, and team to manage that sort of confrontation.

So What’s the Bottom Line?

In essence, if you spot a crime in progress while on duty, your best bet is this: call 911. Stay safe and remain aware of your surroundings. If an opportunity to assist arises and it’s safe to act, then go ahead and observe or share vital information.

And while it might seem frustrating to play the role of the waiting guard, remember this: your role is to protect. There’s power in knowing when to act and when to let the professionals step in. It’s all about striking that balance between vigilance and responsibility.

Thinking about it now, you might realize that security is as much about making the precise call as it is about standing watch. So the next time you're walking that beat and something feels off, you'll know just what to do—and maybe, just maybe, save the day without stepping outside of your role.