Nevada Private Security Guard Practice Exam

What is a common indicator of potential criminal activity?

1. Individuals consistently following others

2. People openly discussing personal matters

3. Groups gathered in public areas

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Individuals consistently following others

A common indicator of potential criminal activity is individuals consistently following others. This behavior can signal that someone may be planning to commit a crime, such as theft or assault, particularly if the person being followed appears unaware or uncomfortable. Surveillance is a classic tactic used by perpetrators to assess their targets. In contrast, people openly discussing personal matters may not suggest any criminal activity as such behavior is commonplace in social interactions, and it does not inherently indicate any malicious intent. Similarly, groups gathered in public areas, whether for socializing, events, or gatherings, are usually benign in nature and do not automatically denote criminal behavior. Therefore, consistent following stands out as a specific and concerning behavior that law enforcement and security professionals are trained to watch for as it directly relates to potential criminal intent.