What should a security guard do if they encounter a suspicious person?

The appropriate action for a security guard when encountering a suspicious person is to document the behavior and report it to authorities. This approach is crucial because it ensures that any potential threat is communicated to those who can effectively handle the situation. By documenting the behavior, the security guard creates a record that can provide vital information such as the time, location, and specific actions of the suspicious individual, which can be beneficial for law enforcement or for internal security protocols.

Reporting to authorities is essential because security guards often have a responsibility to maintain safety and security in their environment, but they are not law enforcement officers and should not confront potentially dangerous individuals directly. Leaving the area can compromise safety, and ignoring the situation could allow a real threat to go unaddressed, potentially endangering others. Thus, documenting and reporting is the safest and most responsible course of action.