What should security guards do if they witness a crime in progress?

When security guards witness a crime in progress, the primary responsibility is to ensure safety while appropriately responding to the situation. Contacting emergency services and observing from a distance allows the guard to provide crucial information to law enforcement without putting themselves or others at risk. This approach prioritizes the safety of the guard, bystanders, and potential victims, and allows trained professionals to handle the situation effectively.

Observing from a distance ensures that the guard does not interfere with the crime or escalate the situation, allowing law enforcement to arrive and address the issue based on the guard's observations. This method is in line with standard security training, which emphasizes the importance of not intervening directly unless required for self-defense or the protection of others.

Ensuring that assistance is on the way while maintaining a safe distance enables the security guard to remain a key witness, providing valuable information to authorities that could aid in apprehending the suspect and understanding the circumstances of the crime.