Nevada Private Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard do upon witnessing a suspicious activity?

1. Confront the suspicious person immediately

2. Report the observation to the appropriate authority or law enforcement

3. Ignore it unless it escalates to violence

4. Inform coworkers but take no further action

The correct answer is: Report the observation to the appropriate authority or law enforcement

When a security guard witnesses suspicious activity, the appropriate course of action is to report the observation to the appropriate authority or law enforcement. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, security guards are not law enforcement officers; their primary role is to observe and report. By reporting the activity, they allow trained professionals to assess the situation and take necessary measures. This helps ensure the safety of all individuals on the premises and aids in the proper handling of potential threats. Second, reporting allows for a systematic response to suspicious behavior, which can prevent potential incidents from escalating. If a guard were to confront the suspicious individual immediately, it could lead to confrontation, putting themselves and others at risk. Additionally, ignoring the behavior could allow it to escalate unchecked, potentially leading to harmful situations. Finally, informing coworkers without taking further action may lead to a lack of accountability and can contribute to an unsafe environment. Reporting to the appropriate authorities establishes a protocol that must be followed, ensuring that all situations are handled by the proper channels equipped to deal with such occurrences effectively.