What should a security guard do upon witnessing an altercation?

When a security guard witnesses an altercation, assessing the situation, intervening if necessary, and reporting it is critical for several reasons. First, a proper assessment allows the guard to understand the nature and severity of the altercation, which helps determine the appropriate course of action. This might involve gauging the number of individuals involved, whether weapons are present, and the level of aggression.

Intervening may be necessary if it is safe to do so and the guard is trained to handle such situations. The guard's training typically includes de-escalation techniques that can help mitigate violence without escalating the altercation further.

Reporting the incident is crucial for documentation and for alerting authorities or other personnel who may need to intervene more robustly, such as police or emergency medical services. Properly reporting also ensures that an accurate record of events is maintained, which can be essential for future legal or organizational actions.

In contrast, calling the police immediately without assessing the situation may cause delays and escalate the situation unnecessarily, while ignoring the altercation fails to address potential risks to safety. Joining the fight could lead to increased violence and personal injury. Therefore, the approach of assessing, intervening safely, and reporting aligns best with the responsibilities and protocols expected of a security guard