Maine Security Officer Practice Exam

While working as a Security Guard you are patrolling the perimeter of the property. You come across an apparent crime scene. What is the first thing you should do?

1. Cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away and call for the police

2. Call 911

3. Identify witnesses, interview them and prevent them from leaving

4. Put up caution tape, photograph the scene, draw diagrams and collect physical evidence

The correct answer is: Cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away and call for the police

The priority for a security guard when encountering a potential crime scene is to secure the area to prevent contamination of potential evidence and ensure safety, whilst notifying the appropriate authorities. This can entail restricting access to the scene by cordoning off the area, and controlling the movement and interactions of bystanders who are present. Engaging the police, who are the authority equipped to handle crime scenes, is the next step. This way, the guard first ensures the safety and integrity of the crime scene and then passes the situation to professionals trained specifically for such scenarios. In contrast, other actions like interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence should be left to police officers, as these activities require specific legal and procedural knowledge.