New Jersey Security Guard Practice Exam

What should a security guard NOT do when at a crime scene?

1. Securing the area

2. Noting and recording everything

3. Smoking a cigarette

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Smoking a cigarette

Security guards, like any other person present at a crime scene, have a responsibility to prevent contamination of the scene. Anything that may interfere with the accurate recording and preservation of evidence, such as smoking a cigarette, is strictly discouraged. The smoke and ash from a cigarette could contaminate physical evidence. Besides, the action could be interpreted as a lack of professionalism and disrespect towards the ongoing investigation. Alternatively, securing the area and noting and recording everything are duties typically performed by a security guard at a crime scene. These help maintain the scene's integrity until law enforcement officers can arrive and commence a thorough investigation.