Illinois Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard do if they witness a crime?

1. Confront the criminal immediately

2. Observe, record details, and report

3. Ignore it and continue their patrol

4. Contact their supervisor only

The correct answer is: Observe, record details, and report

The appropriate action for a security guard upon witnessing a crime is to observe, record details, and report the incident. This approach is critical for several reasons. First, the situation could be dangerous, and confronting a criminal directly may lead to escalation and potential harm to the guard or others. Second, careful observation allows the guard to gather important details such as the suspect’s appearance, behavior, and the nature of the crime, which can be vital for law enforcement investigations. Third, reporting the incident to the proper authorities—whether that be local law enforcement or a supervisor—ensures that the appropriate follow-up can occur and that the security measures in place can be adjusted as necessary. The choice of ignoring the situation is not responsible and could result in further criminal activity. Although contacting a supervisor is important, it should not be the guard’s only action. Rather, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes detailed observation and documentation of the crime.