British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

When should Security Personnel first contact the police?

1. Only after a crime has been committed

2. When they need backup

3. When they suspect a crime may occur or has occurred

4. Whenever an incident report is filed

The correct answer is: When they suspect a crime may occur or has occurred

The appropriate time for security personnel to first contact the police is when they suspect a crime may occur or has occurred. This proactive approach is critical for ensuring public safety and security. By reaching out to law enforcement at the first sign of suspicious activity, security personnel can help prevent potential crimes from happening or can facilitate a quicker response if a crime has already taken place. Being vigilant and reporting suspicions can lead to timely intervention by the police, which may prevent further incidents, protect individuals involved, and allow for an appropriate investigation. It underscores the importance of communication between security personnel and law enforcement, emphasizing that early reporting is vital in maintaining safety and order. The other options reflect reactions that may be too late or insufficient in urgency; waiting only until a crime has been committed fails to take advantage of preventative measures, needing backup might indicate that the situation has escalated dangerously, and only contacting the police upon filing an incident report may result in delays that could have been avoided through earlier action.