New Jersey Security Guard Practice Exam

What should be a security guard’s first step if a criminal offense happened to them while on site?

1. Arrest the person using only as much force as necessary

2. Wait until the end of the shift and write a report about the incident

3. Call your supervisor and have the supervisor arrest the subject

4. Report the incident to the police immediately

The correct answer is: Report the incident to the police immediately

The correct response is to "Report the incident to the police immediately". As a general rule, if a security guard is the victim of a crime while on duty, the incident should be reported right away to law enforcement. Immediate reporting ensures that the police can promptly follow up on the incident, preserving evidence and increasing the chances of apprehending the offender or offenders. Reporting also fulfills the guards' responsibility to their employer and ensures that the incident is recorded and can be acted upon. An immediate report, as opposed to waiting until the end of the shift or attempting to handle the situation independently, is deemed the most appropriate and effective course of action to ensure personal safety and proper handling of the incident.