What should an unarmed security officer do if they suspect a crime is occurring?

When an unarmed security officer suspects that a crime is occurring, the most appropriate action is to assess the situation and notify law enforcement immediately. This response is critical for several reasons.

First, assessing the situation allows the officer to determine the severity of the crime and whether anyone is in immediate danger. Understanding the context helps inform the decision of whether to engage further or to simply report.

Notifying law enforcement is essential because trained professionals are equipped to handle criminal situations. The officer's role is not to intervene physically, especially if they are unarmed, but rather to provide accurate information to law enforcement who can take appropriate action. This ensures that proper legal procedures are followed and that the situation can be managed with the necessary authority.

In contrast, ignoring a situation that appears minor can escalate and lead to bigger issues, while confronting an individual suspected of committing a crime could place the officer in a dangerous position, particularly if the individual is potentially armed or unstable. Gathering evidence may be useful later but should not take precedence over calling law enforcement when a crime is suspected, as the safety of all involved is the utmost priority.