What should a security officer do when witnessing a crime in progress?

When witnessing a crime in progress, the most appropriate action for a security officer is to report it to the police and avoid direct confrontation. This approach prioritizes safety and ensures that trained law enforcement professionals can handle the situation. Directly confronting a criminal can escalate the situation and potentially lead to violence, both for the officer and surrounding civilians. Additionally, security officers must operate within their scope of training and authority, which often does not include engaging in physical confrontations or attempts to apprehend criminals.

By reporting to the police, the officer ensures that the situation is documented and that appropriate resources can be dispatched quickly. This report also allows the officer to focus on maintaining safety and control of the scene until authorities arrive. The decision to avoid confrontation also reflects the best practices in security training, which emphasize the importance of safety, communication, and appropriate response protocols.