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

The appropriate action for security officers witnessing a crime in progress is to report it to law enforcement. This is crucial for several reasons. First, security officers are not typically authorized to engage in direct intervention during a crime, as this could escalate the situation and put themselves and others at risk of injury. Their primary role is to observe, monitor, and report.

By reporting the crime to law enforcement, officers ensure that trained professionals handle the situation. This allows for a quicker response, which can lead to apprehending the suspect and preventing further criminal activity. Additionally, timely communication with law enforcement contributes to a coordinated response that increases the likelihood of resolving the situation effectively.

While documenting the crime may be part of an officer's responsibilities after the fact, immediate reporting takes precedence. Ignoring the situation is not only dangerous but also contrary to the duty to act in the interest of public safety. Attempting to intervene could lead to unforeseen consequences, making reporting to law enforcement the best course of action.