Texas Security Guard License Practice Exam

What should security guards do if they witness illegal activity?

1. Confront the individuals involved

2. Ignore it if it doesn't seem serious

3. Immediately report it to the authorities

4. Document it and wait for further instructions

The correct answer is: Immediately report it to the authorities

When security guards witness illegal activity, the most appropriate response is to immediately report it to the authorities. This action is critical because it ensures that the situation is handled by trained law enforcement professionals who have the authority and expertise to manage illegal activities. Quick reporting can prevent further criminal actions and protect the safety of individuals involved, including the public and the security guard themselves. In addition, immediate reporting allows authorities to respond swiftly and can lead to quick intervention. Security personnel may not possess the same level of training to handle potentially dangerous situations as law enforcement officials do; thus, their role is not to confront individuals or intervene directly but to provide accurate information to those who can take action. Taking any other action, such as ignoring the incident or merely documenting it to wait for further directions, could lead to compounded issues—allowing illegal activity to continue or escalation that could endanger lives is not advisable.