What should a security officer do if they witness a crime in progress?

When a security officer witnesses a crime in progress, the most appropriate action is to call for backup and notify law enforcement. This choice emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety and taking the right steps in a potentially dangerous situation.

By calling for backup, the security officer can ensure they are not alone in handling the incident, which could escalate and pose risks to their safety. Notifying law enforcement is crucial as they are trained to respond to crimes in progress and have the authority and resources to deal with such situations effectively. This step is essential for ensuring a swift response and proper handling of the incident, helping to secure the area and potentially apprehend the criminals involved.

Attempting to intervene physically might put the security officer in harm's way without the training necessary to handle physical confrontations safely. Leaving the scene could prevent the officer from providing critical information about the crime or assisting those in need. Similarly, while documenting the incident by taking photographs may seem like a good idea for later use, it is not the immediate priority during an active crime situation where the focus should be on safety and alerting the authorities. Thus, the correct course of action is to call for backup and notify law enforcement.