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

The appropriate response for a security officer upon witnessing a crime in progress is to call 911 and not intervene directly unless trained to do so. This approach emphasizes the importance of safety for both the officer and potential victims. Most security officers are trained in observation and reporting rather than direct intervention, as attempting to stop a crime can escalate the situation and lead to injury or worse.

By calling 911, the officer ensures that professional law enforcement can handle the situation effectively. They have the training and resources to deal with criminal activity, including knowledge of the legal ramifications and the physical skills to intervene safely. Additionally, by standing back and not intervening directly, the officer can maintain a safe vantage point, observe important details about the suspect and the situation, and provide law enforcement with accurate information upon their arrival.

Intervening without adequate training can lead to dangerous confrontations and may hinder law enforcement's ability to assess the situation when they arrive. Other options, such as ignoring the situation or following the suspect, could either allow the crime to continue unreported or put the officer in unnecessary danger, demonstrating why the trained response is to contact authorities and remain a safe observer.