Washington State Security Guard License Practice Exam

What must security guards do after intervening in a situation?

1. Leave the scene immediately

2. Document their actions and report the incident

3. Wait for law enforcement to take over

4. Inform witnesses to stay quiet

The correct answer is: Document their actions and report the incident

After intervening in a situation, security guards are required to document their actions and report the incident. This is crucial for several reasons: Firstly, creating a written record provides a detailed account of what transpired, which is important for legal and procedural purposes. If any disputes arise regarding the incident, having a documentation trail can protect both the security guard and their employer by providing evidence of the actions taken. Secondly, reporting the incident to a supervisor or appropriate authorities ensures that all incidents are accounted for and helps in maintaining operational integrity and accountability within the security team. This documentation can also be used in future training or for improving procedures. While waiting for law enforcement to take over might be necessary in some situations, it is not a substitute for proper documentation. Leaving the scene immediately disregards the importance of the incident and could lead to a lack of information for those investigating later. Informing witnesses to stay quiet could hinder investigations and is not advisable, as they might have important information to share. Thus, documenting actions and reporting incidents is a critical responsibility of security guards to ensure thorough follow-up and accountability.