What is the first step a security guard should take if witnessing a crime?

The first step a security guard should take if witnessing a crime is to call law enforcement immediately and avoid intervening directly. This approach prioritizes safety and ensures that trained professionals are dispatched to handle the situation. Security guards are typically not trained law enforcement officers and confronting a criminal can escalate the situation and potentially put the guard and others at risk.

By contacting law enforcement right away, the guard allows authorities to respond appropriately and manage the scene. This immediate communication is crucial as it helps secure the scene of the crime and can prevent further criminal activity. It also ensures that there is an official record of the incident, which can be important for investigations later.

This answer reflects standard protocol in the realm of security, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety first, rather than risking personal harm by intervening or taking action that could complicate the situation. The primary duty of a security guard is to observe and report, not to confront or engage directly with criminals.