Oregon Security Guard Certification Practice Exam

What should security guards do when encountering aggressive individuals?

1. Confront them aggressively to assert authority

2. Remain calm and use de-escalation techniques

3. Ignore them and focus on other tasks

4. Call for backup immediately

The correct answer is: Remain calm and use de-escalation techniques

Remaining calm and using de-escalation techniques is crucial when security guards encounter aggressive individuals. This approach emphasizes defusing potentially dangerous situations without escalating tension. By maintaining composure, the guard sets a tone that can help to calm the aggressor and prevent the situation from worsening. De-escalation techniques may include using a soft tone of voice, maintaining an open body posture, actively listening to the individual's concerns, and speaking in a way that shows empathy. The goal is to reduce the immediate threat and encourage a more constructive dialogue, fostering a safer environment for both the security personnel and the individuals involved. While calling for backup can be a wise decision in certain situations, it should often be coupled with de-escalation efforts first to mitigate the risk of escalation. Aggressive confrontation can lead to increased volatility, and ignoring the situation may allow it to escalate unchecked. Hence, applying calmness and de-escalative communication skills is generally the most effective strategy in handling aggression.