If a criminal offence occurs while on duty, what should a security guard do first?

When a criminal offense occurs while on duty, the first step for a security guard is to report the incident to the police immediately. This is crucial because law enforcement professionals are trained to handle criminal situations effectively and can respond appropriately to ensure public safety, investigate the crime, and take necessary legal actions. Promptly notifying the police helps to secure the scene and allows for evidence collection while the incident is still fresh.

Involving law enforcement quickly also demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the welfare of others, which is a primary responsibility of a security guard. Taking immediate action to involve the police ensures that any potential suspects can be apprehended swiftly and that proper procedures are followed for handling the situation.

While other choices may seem applicable, they either delay necessary action or may involve the guard in taking inappropriate steps that could create liability issues or escalate the situation further. For example, attempting to make an arrest on their own could result in misunderstandings or excessive use of force claims, while waiting until the end of a shift means the situation could worsen without intervention. Calling a supervisor can be an important step, but it should not take precedence over notifying authorities in a situation that requires immediate law enforcement input. Thus, reporting the incident to the police first is