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 call local law enforcement and provide details. This response is crucial because law enforcement officers are trained to handle criminal situations safely and effectively. By reporting the incident, the guard ensures that the appropriate authorities can respond to the situation, gather evidence, and potentially apprehend the suspect in a safe manner.

Promptly informing law enforcement allows for an organized and systematic approach to managing the situation, which is vital for maintaining safety for everyone involved. Additionally, providing details to the authorities enables them to understand the scope of the crime and deploy the necessary resources.

In contrast, attempting to apprehend a suspect alone can be dangerous and may escalate the situation, potentially putting the guard and others at risk. Ignoring the crime simply because it does not involve the guard’s immediate site undermines their duty to ensure safety and security. Notifying a manager may be part of protocol but does not replace the necessity of involving law enforcement when a crime occurs. All these factors highlight why calling local law enforcement is the appropriate response for a security guard witnessing a crime.