Idaho Security Guard Licensure Practice Exam

What should a security guard primarily focus on during a civil disturbance?

1. Collecting evidence from witnesses

2. Ensuring safety and maintaining order

3. Documenting all participant identities

4. Requesting backup only if necessary

The correct answer is: Ensuring safety and maintaining order

During a civil disturbance, the primary responsibility of a security guard is to ensure safety and maintain order. This involves assessing the situation, identifying potential threats to individuals and property, and taking appropriate action to mitigate risks. The focus on safety means that the guard should prioritize preventing escalation, protecting the public, and coordinating with law enforcement if necessary. While collecting evidence from witnesses, documenting participant identities, and determining the need for backup are all important tasks, they come secondary to the immediate responsibility of maintaining peace and safety. A security guard must react swiftly to dynamic and potentially dangerous situations, making the preservation of safety their foremost duty. By focusing on these aspects, guards can effectively manage disturbances and contribute to restoring order as necessary.