How should a security guard handle a suspicious person on the property?

Handling a suspicious person on the property requires a careful and measured approach to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the security guard. The most effective strategy involves observing and assessing the situation without direct confrontation. This allows the security guard to gather important details about the individual and their behavior, which can be critical information for management or law enforcement if the situation escalates or requires intervention.

Reporting the observations to management or law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can handle the situation appropriately and effectively. This method minimizes risks associated with aggressive confrontations while still addressing potential safety concerns. It recognizes that security guards are often not law enforcement officers and should not put themselves in danger when a situation can be managed through observation and reporting.

In contrast, confronting someone aggressively could increase tensions and could lead to a physical altercation. Ignoring the individual not only neglects the potential risk they may pose but may also bring about accountability issues if an incident occurs later. Simply asking someone to leave without an explanation may not be effective, as the person may refuse to comply or may need a more formal reason for removal.