Chicago/Illinois Security Guard PERC Practice Exam 2026 - Free Security Guard PERC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first step a security guard should take when dealing with a disruptive individual is to assess the situation calmly and determine the need for intervention. This is crucial because it allows the guard to evaluate the extent of the disruption, the potential risks involved, and the behavior of the individual in question. By maintaining a calm demeanor, the security guard can observe the situation more effectively and gather relevant information that will inform their next steps.

This assessment phase is important for several reasons. It helps ensure the safety of the security guard, the disruptive individual, and any bystanders. It also allows the guard to identify whether the situation escalates to a point where intervention is necessary or whether de-escalation techniques could be employed instead. A well-informed approach helps prevent unnecessary physical confrontations and ensures that any actions taken follow the appropriate protocols.

In contrast, actions like calling for backup immediately might lead to a situation becoming more chaotic before understanding the context, physically restraining someone could heighten tension and lead to injury, while ignoring the disruption is neither safe nor responsible as it could allow the situation to worsen. Therefore, a calm assessment is the most prudent and effective first step in handling such scenarios.