What action should a security officer take upon witnessing a crime in progress?

When a security officer witnesses a crime in progress, the appropriate action is to contact law enforcement and document the incident. This response is crucial for several reasons.

First, contacting law enforcement ensures that trained professionals can respond to the situation effectively. Law enforcement officers have the authority and resources to handle criminal activities, including detaining suspects and collecting evidence, which a security officer is typically not authorized to do.

Second, documenting the incident is vital for establishing a clear record of what occurred. Accurate documentation can provide crucial details for law enforcement investigations and may be needed for any legal proceedings that follow. This documentation might include the time, location, nature of the crime, descriptions of suspects and witnesses, and any actions taken by the security officer.

Given these considerations, it is clear that notifying law enforcement and ensuring thorough documentation aligns with best practices in security and safety protocols. The other choices, such as ignoring the crime, attempting to intervene physically, or gathering witnesses without involving the authorities, do not adequately address the need for a professional response and could potentially escalate the situation or compromise evidence.