What to Do When You Spot a Suspicious Person: A Guide for Security Guards

When working as a security guard, you’re essentially the eyes and ears of the environment you’re patrolling. Over time, you’ll get a pretty good sense of what’s typical and what’s not in your surroundings—much like a seasoned deer hunter waiting quietly in the woods, observing every change in the landscape. But what should you do when something feels off? Let’s chat about how to handle those moments when you encounter a suspicious person.

The Right Move: Report, Don’t Confront

So you spot someone acting suspiciously. Maybe they’re loitering, looking over their shoulder too frequently, or they’re dressed too warmly for a sunny day. Your instinct might be to confront them directly—after all, it’s your job to keep the place secure! But here’s the thing: the most professional action is to report the situation to your supervisor or law enforcement.

You see, security guards aren’t law enforcement officers. It’s easy to feel like you’ve got the authority to confront, but without the proper training, jumping in can lead to escalating situations that can become dangerous, not just for you but for everyone around. By reporting your observations, you’re enabling trained professionals to assess the circumstances and determine the best course of action.

Why Reporting is Key

Let’s break this down a bit more. Imagine you’re a quarterback on a football team. You might have a great arm and an eye for plays, but if you try to run the ball rather than passing it to a teammate who’s in a better position, you might end up getting sacked! Similarly, your role is to observe and report. Law enforcement and supervisors are equipped with the skills and tools to assess whether there’s a genuine threat or simply a misunderstanding.

Reporting suspicious behavior prioritizes everyone’s safety. It creates a protocol that helps maintain security. Think about it: when you involve the right authorities, you’re not only protecting yourself; you’re also acting in the best interests of the suspicious individual and the public at large.

Keeping Calm Under Pressure

Now, let’s talk about how you might feel in that moment. You know what? It’s easy to feel anxious or even overwhelmed when you see someone who raises your suspicions. It’s a real test of your alertness and judgment. But keeping calm is crucial. Recognize the difference between your gut feeling and the hard facts before you.

Instead of letting fear guide your actions, take a moment to assess the situation. Is the person really behaving suspiciously, or is it just your instincts kicking in? If you really think there’s a potential danger, jot down details—what the person looks like, their behavior, and any other relevant observations.

Handling the Aftermath

Once you’ve reported the behavior, don’t just stand around waiting. Keep an eye on the situation from a distance, if it’s safe to do so. You’ll want to provide more information if law enforcement or your supervisor reaches out. This might include any changes in the individual’s behavior after you reported them.

Also, if everything turns out to be nothing, that’s totally okay! Instead of dwelling on what could’ve gone wrong, remind yourself that vigilance is part of the job and every situation you manage makes you a more experienced guard.

Wrap-Up: Safety is Everyone’s Priority

At the end of the day, remember that handling suspicious encounters is about maintaining safety and order. Your responsibility as a security guard is impressive, and understanding when to take action and when to involve others is a core part of that role. Reporting behaviors fosters an environment where well-informed decisions can lead to safer outcomes for all involved—so keep honing that instinct and report, report, report!