Utah Security Officer Practice Test

What must a security officer do in the event of a crime in progress?

1. Confront the suspect directly

2. Assess the situation, call law enforcement

3. Ignore the situation if it's not their area

4. Follow the criminal to gather evidence

The correct answer is: Assess the situation, call law enforcement

In the event of a crime in progress, the most appropriate action for a security officer is to assess the situation and call law enforcement. This response is correct because it prioritizes safety for both the officer and any potential victims while ensuring that trained law enforcement professionals can handle the situation appropriately. Assessing the situation allows the officer to gather crucial information about the crime, including its nature, the number of suspects, any weapons involved, and the location of victims or bystanders. This information is vital for law enforcement, enabling them to respond effectively and with the necessary resources. Calling law enforcement is crucial as they have the authority and training to manage criminal situations, making it safer for everyone involved. The security officer may also need to remain in the vicinity to provide any necessary updates to responding officers, but directly confronting a suspect or trying to gather evidence could escalate the situation and lead to further danger. Ignoring the situation is not an acceptable response, as it could allow a crime to continue unchecked and potentially harm others. Following a criminal to gather evidence is also risky and unnecessary; the primary duty of a security officer is to maintain safety and security, not to engage in pursuit or investigation, which could jeopardize their safety and that of others.