A security guard should call for law enforcement assistance during situations that involve violent crimes, theft, or when their own safety is compromised. This option highlights critical circumstances where direct intervention by trained law enforcement professionals is essential to ensure safety and manage potential threats effectively.
In cases of violent crimes, immediate police involvement is crucial to prevent further harm to individuals and restore order. For thefts, especially when they are occurring or in progress, law enforcement can apprehend suspects and secure the area more effectively than untrained personnel could. Moreover, if a security guard feels their own safety is at risk—whether due to threats from individuals or chaotic situations—calling law enforcement allows for a rapid response from those trained to handle such scenarios.
Other situations such as a fire generally require contacting the fire department. Assistance needed by a visitor might be addressed by the guard themselves or through other non-urgent channels. Similarly, while following a supervisor's directive can be important, it does not inherently indicate the need for police assistance without the context of an emergency situation. Thus, the urgency and gravity of the situation dictate that law enforcement should be contacted primarily during instances of violence, theft, or personal safety threats.