What should a security professional do first when managing a crowd?

The first action a security professional should take when managing a crowd is to assess the situation and determine if intervention is necessary. This assessment is crucial as it allows the professional to evaluate the nature of the crowd, identify potential threats or disturbances, and understand the context of the situation. By properly assessing the scene, the security professional can make informed decisions about the appropriate course of action, ensuring that any interventions are both justified and safe.

In many scenarios, jumping directly to backup calls, issuing warnings, or initiating control measures without understanding the dynamics at play could escalate the situation unnecessarily or lead to mismanagement of resources. By taking the time to assess first, the professional increases the likelihood of effectively maintaining order with minimal disruption.