What is the required action if a security officer witnesses a crime in progress?

When a security officer witnesses a crime in progress, the most appropriate and required action is to report it immediately to law enforcement. This ensures that trained professionals can respond swiftly to the situation, addressing the crime effectively and possibly apprehending the perpetrator. The involvement of law enforcement is crucial, as they have the legal authority and resources necessary to handle criminal activities, ensuring that proper procedures are followed.

Reporting the incident not only allows for a timely response but also creates an official record of the occurrence, which can be vital for subsequent investigations. The security officer’s role is often to observe and report, not to intervene directly, as this could put themselves and others in danger and potentially complicate the situation.

Continuing their patrol without acting or addressing the crime undermines the safety of the environment they are responsible for protecting. Additionally, trying to intervene directly poses significant risks, as the officer may not be equipped or authorized to handle potentially dangerous situations. Documenting the incident later in a personal journal, while useful for personal records, would not provide the immediate action required to mitigate the crime being witnessed.