What Should Security Guards Do If There’s a Crime in Progress?

What Should Security Guards Do If There’s a Crime in Progress?

So, you’re a security guard, and suddenly you find yourself in a situation where a crime is unfolding right in front of you. It's a heart-pumping scenario that can have you questioning not only what to do but what's the safest choice for all involved. A quick assessment might lead you to think about what your role is and how to best handle such a chaotic moment.

The Right Move: Calling Law Enforcement

First and foremost, let’s get this straight: the best and safest action to take is to call law enforcement. It might feel instinctive to want to leap into action—whether to stop the crime or secure the area—but hold on for a moment. It’s not just about jumping in feet first; it’s about ensuring your safety and the safety of others.

Plus, remember that law enforcement officers are specifically trained to handle these kinds of situations. They have the resources, the experience, and, let’s be honest, the authority to take appropriate action.

Imagine it like this: it’s like being at a concert and someone tries to rush the stage. Sure, the security team can step in, but they're not the headliners; the police are the ones equipped with the right tools to restore order. Intervening without support could escalate the situation, which is the last thing anyone wants, right?

Understanding Your Limits

It’s vital for security guards to understand their legal limitations as part of their training. One of those key components is recognizing when to step back and when to step in. In cases of immediate threat, the focus should be on calling for help rather than trying to play the hero. After all, it’s not a movie; it’s real life.

Now, you might wonder why anyone would ever ignore a crime in progress. It sounds counterintuitive! But here’s the thing: ignoring the situation isn’t about turning a blind eye; it’s about keeping the environment stable until the proper authorities arrive.

What's Next? Monitoring and Documenting

Once you've hit that dial and contacted the authorities, your job doesn’t just end there. Documenting the crime is another critical part of the task. Take mental notes (or write them down if you can) about what you witnessed: Who was involved? What did you see? Was there anything unusual that others might miss? This information can be of immense value later on.

If you've ever been involved in preparing reports, you know how crucial those initial observations can be. They lay the foundation for a clear, concise report that can aid investigations down the line—making you an integral part of the safety net.

Safeguarding Yourself and Others

What about your safety? That's always a top priority, and it should be something you keep in mind throughout the entire process. If you feel your safety is compromised, you might have to take steps to protect yourself without throwing caution to the wind. It’s that delicate balance between responsibility and safety.

Conclusion: Training Matters

At the end of the day, all these points circle back to the importance of training. Whether it’s through in-person classes or comprehensive security guard training programs, these lessons emphasize situational awareness and the critical nature of communication during crises.

So, as you prepare for your certification in Alaska and fine-tune your skills, remember this: you’re not just there to monitor and report; you're part of a larger system that prioritizes safety. And when it comes to crime in progress? Being the one to call law enforcement—not the one to intervene unless absolutely necessary—could save lives.

This is what sets great security guards apart from the rest.