What should a guard primarily do if they are threatened while on duty?

Prioritizing personal safety is crucial for any security guard when faced with a threat. By focusing on their own safety, a guard is better positioned to assess the situation, avoid escalation, and make informed decisions about the next steps. This approach allows the guard to remain calm and composed, which is essential for de-escalating potential conflicts.

Seeking help when necessary aligns with the responsibility of a security guard to protect themselves and others while also ensuring that the situation does not worsen. In many cases, distilling the threat by moving to a safer location and evaluating options, such as calling for backup or alerting law enforcement, is essential before taking any further action.

Other options may not adequately address the primary responsibility of a guard, which is ensuring both their own safety and the safety of others. For example, calling for backup is a critical step but comes after ensuring personal safety first. Engaging with the threat can lead to dangerous situations and is generally not advisable unless it is absolutely necessary. Leaving the premises might leave others vulnerable and does not reflect the guard's duties effectively. Thus, the correct approach emphasizes prioritizing safety while remaining attentive to the overall situation.