Nova Scotia Security Guard License Practice Exam

What action should a security guard take upon witnessing a crime?

1. Try to intervene physically

2. Call for assistance and notify law enforcement

3. Ignore the situation unless threatened

4. Leave the scene immediately

The correct answer is: Call for assistance and notify law enforcement

When a security guard witnesses a crime, the appropriate action is to call for assistance and notify law enforcement. This response is grounded in the principle that a security guard's primary responsibility is to observe and report. By calling for assistance, the guard ensures that trained professionals can handle the situation effectively. Effective communication with law enforcement is crucial because officers are equipped to deal with criminal activities and can take necessary measures to protect individuals involved and restore order. Simply intervening physically could escalate the situation and pose additional risks to both the guard and bystanders, especially if the guard is untrained in conflict resolution or self-defense tactics. Maintaining a safe distance and avoiding direct confrontation keeps both the security guard and potential victims safe until help arrives. The role of the security guard is to observe, document, and report incidents rather than to engage directly, which supports professional practices in security operations.