What should a security guard do when they witness suspicious behavior?

When a security guard witnesses suspicious behavior, documenting the behavior and reporting it is the most appropriate action. This approach allows for a clear record of the incident, including details such as the time, location, and description of the behavior and individual involved. This documentation can be vital for further investigation or action by law enforcement or security management.

Reporting the suspicious behavior ensures that it is brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities who can handle it directly, rather than the security guard taking matters into their own hands, which could escalate the situation or lead to misunderstandings. This method adheres to professional protocols and helps maintain safety and order within the environment the guard is responsible for protecting.

Engaging with the individual directly could create unnecessary conflict, especially if the behavior is not illegal and the situation has not escalated. On the other hand, ignoring the behavior may lead to potential threats being unaddressed, while sharing information via social media is not a professional or secure method for reporting incidents in a work context.