Washington State Security Guard License Practice Exam

When dealing with lost property, what should a security guard do?

1. Keep it for personal use

2. Document the item and report it

3. Leave it where it was found

4. Hand it over to a customer

The correct answer is: Document the item and report it

When a security guard comes across lost property, the appropriate action is to document the item and report it. This process is important for several reasons. Firstly, documenting the item creates a record that can be referred back to if necessary, which can aid in the identification of the owner. This ensures that there is accountability regarding what was found and can be crucial if there are any disputes or claims about the property later on. Secondly, reporting the lost property typically involves notifying a supervisor or following company protocol, which is essential for managing lost and found items effectively and ethically. This ensures that the proper steps are taken, possibly leading to the item being returned to its rightful owner. Choosing to keep the item for personal use is not only unethical but potentially illegal, as it may be considered theft. Leaving the item where it was found could result in further loss and does not help the owner recover their property. Handing the item over to a customer could violate proper procedures; the guard should instead turn the item over to the designated authority such as a supervisor or the lost and found department. Thus, documenting and reporting lost property aligns with best practices for security and maintaining trust within the environment.