New Brunswick Security Guard License Practice Exam

What should a security guard do if they notice a fight breaking out?

1. Join in to break it up

2. Call for backup and monitor the situation

3. Ignore it and focus on their post

4. Take a video for documentation

The correct answer is: Call for backup and monitor the situation

A security guard observing a fight breaking out should prioritize the safety of everyone involved, including bystanders, and their own personal safety. By calling for backup, the guard ensures that there is additional support on hand to effectively manage the situation. This approach allows for a more controlled response, reducing the likelihood of escalation and providing a pathway for law enforcement or additional security personnel to intervene as needed. Monitoring the situation while waiting for backup is also crucial, as it provides the guard with real-time information about the behavior of those involved in the fight, which is essential for assessing whether to take further action or to begin de-escalation tactics once additional support arrives. This method serves both to enhance safety and to prepare for a quick resolution without putting the guard in unnecessary danger. Other options suggest actions that may compromise safety or lead to further complications. For example, joining in could escalate the fight or place the guard at risk of injury. Ignoring the situation conflicts with the responsibilities of a security guard to maintain a safe environment. Taking a video might be beneficial for documentation purposes, but it does not address the immediate need for intervention and could distract the guard from their primary duty of ensuring safety.