If a security guard observes a suspicious individual, what should they do?

Monitoring the behavior and reporting it is the most appropriate course of action when a security guard observes a suspicious individual. This approach allows for an informed and measured response to potentially hazardous situations without escalating tension or putting anyone at risk.

By keeping an eye on the individual's actions, the security guard can gather valuable details that might be crucial for law enforcement or security management. These details can include the individual's physical description, their actions, and any context surrounding the behavior in question.

After monitoring, reporting the findings to a superior or local law enforcement is essential for taking further action, if needed. This method ensures that the situation is handled professionally and allows those trained in conflict resolution or law enforcement to assess the potential threat accurately.

Confronting the individual directly may inadvertently escalate the situation and could pose a risk to the guard or others nearby. Ignoring the behavior altogether could allow a potential threat to go unchecked, compromising safety. Taking a photograph may not only raise privacy concerns but also could interfere with the situation rather than help resolve it.