Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

What is the appropriate action if a security professional discovers a criminal act in progress?

1. Attempt to intervene personally

2. Contact law enforcement and report the incident

3. Ignore it and continue monitoring

4. Document the event for later review

The correct answer is: Contact law enforcement and report the incident

The most appropriate action when a security professional discovers a criminal act in progress is to contact law enforcement and report the incident. This course of action is correct as it prioritizes the safety of all individuals involved, including the security professional, and ensures that trained authorities can address the situation effectively. In a scenario where a crime is occurring, the security personnel's immediate intervention could escalate the situation and potentially lead to injury or harm. Law enforcement officers are specially trained to handle criminal incidents safely and can take appropriate measures to stop the crime and apprehend suspects. Moreover, timely communication with law enforcement allows for a faster response, which can be crucial in mitigating the consequences of the crime. Reporting the incident also creates an official record that law enforcement can use for their investigation, ensuring that justice is pursued. While documenting the event for later review and continuing to monitor the situation may seem reasonable, these actions should not take precedence over alerting law enforcement when a crime is in progress. Ensuring the proper authorities are involved is the essential first step in handling such situations effectively and safely.