Nevada Private Security Guard Practice Exam

If a security guard encounters a crime in progress, what is their first responsibility?

1. To intervene and stop the crime

2. To report it to law enforcement and assess the situation

3. To gather evidence for prosecution

4. To notify coworkers and wait for backup

The correct answer is: To report it to law enforcement and assess the situation

The first responsibility of a security guard when encountering a crime in progress is to report it to law enforcement and assess the situation. This approach ensures that the guard is prioritizing safety, both for themselves and for others. By assessing the situation, the guard can determine the nature of the crime and the level of threat involved. Reporting to law enforcement is crucial because these professionals are trained to handle criminal activities and can respond appropriately to the incident. While intervening to stop a crime may seem like a direct way to handle the situation, it can lead to dangerous confrontations that put the guard’s safety at risk. Gathering evidence for prosecution is important but should not be the first action taken during an active situation. Notifying coworkers and waiting for backup may be necessary in some circumstances but should happen in conjunction with contacting law enforcement to ensure that help is on the way. Engaging law enforcement immediately allows for an appropriate and timely response to the crime.