Connecticut Security Officer License Practice Exam

What should a security officer do if they witness a crime in progress?

1. Attempt to intervene physically

2. Assess the situation and leave quietly

3. Report the incident to law enforcement immediately and take action to ensure safety

4. Ignore it, as it's not their responsibility

The correct answer is: Report the incident to law enforcement immediately and take action to ensure safety

When a security officer witnesses a crime in progress, the most appropriate course of action is to report the incident to law enforcement immediately and take steps to ensure the safety of themselves and others. This response is crucial for several reasons. First, notifying law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can respond to the situation effectively and can take appropriate action to handle the crime and protect individuals at risk. Security officers have a responsibility to observe and report, and their timely reports can sometimes mean the difference between escalation or de-escalation of a dangerous situation. Second, while security officers may take reasonable steps to ensure safety, they must do so without attempting to intervene physically in a potentially volatile situation. Engaging directly in a crime can endanger the officer's life and the safety of others. Instead, the officer should focus on gathering information and providing a detailed account to law enforcement, which will facilitate a quicker and more successful response. Remaining calm and assessing the situation can also be beneficial, but it should not lead to inaction. The officer’s primary goal is to maintain safety and security, which often involves waiting for law enforcement and ensuring that bystanders are kept out of harm's way. Ignoring the situation is not an option, as it goes against the duties of a security