What action should a security guard take if they witness a crime?

When a security guard witnesses a crime, the most appropriate action is to contact law enforcement immediately. This step is crucial because law enforcement is trained to handle criminal situations and can respond effectively to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Promptly notifying authorities allows for quick intervention and can help prevent further illegal activity or escalation of the situation.

Engaging directly with a criminal can pose significant risks, including physical harm to the guard or others present. Therefore, while awareness of the situation is important, relying on trained professionals to address the crime appropriately is the safest course of action. Additionally, timely communication with law enforcement can be crucial for gathering evidence and ensuring that the incident is documented properly.

While taking notes and waiting for further directions can be helpful in some contexts (such as after the fact for reporting), the immediate priority in the face of a crime should be to ensure that trained personnel are notified so that they can manage the situation. Ignoring the crime is never appropriate, as it can allow the criminal activity to continue unchecked or escalate.