OSH Security Practice Test

While working in a mall as a security guard you receive a call from a store clerk regarding a theft occurrence in their store that they have witnessed. What should you do next?

1. You go to the store in question and make the arrest once the store clerk has identified the suspect

2. You go to the store in question and assist the store clerk in making a lawful arrest.

3. You go to the store in question and use physical force to apprehend the suspect.

4. You go to the store in question and arrest the suspect once they leave the store.

The correct answer is: You go to the store in question and assist the store clerk in making a lawful arrest.

Assisting the store clerk in making a lawful arrest is the most appropriate action to take in this situation. As a security guard, it is essential to ensure that the response to the theft aligns with legal protocols and the policies of the security firm or mall management. By assisting the store clerk, you ensure that you are acting within the law while maintaining the safety of both yourself and the store staff. This approach also emphasizes teamwork and communication, which are crucial in handling incidents like theft effectively. Assisting rather than acting independently helps ensure that the arrest is conducted properly and minimizes the risk of escalation or misunderstanding regarding authority. While going to the store and making an arrest once the store clerk has identified the suspect might seem reasonable, it does not consider the nuances of legal arrest authority and proper procedure. Using physical force is typically not advisable unless it is absolutely necessary for self-defense or the defense of others, as it can lead to legal liability and may escalate the situation. Finally, arresting a suspect after they have left the store may result in complications regarding jurisdiction and the immediate pursuit of suspects involved in theft.