Kansas Security Guard Practice Exam

How should a security guard handle an aggressive person?

1. Engage verbally to calm them down

2. Remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid escalation

3. Ignore them and focus on their surroundings

4. Confront them directly to assert control

The correct answer is: Remain calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid escalation

Remaining calm, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding escalation is a critical approach when dealing with an aggressive individual. This method emphasizes the importance of personal safety and the safety of others, which is paramount in a potentially volatile situation. By staying calm, the security guard sets a tone of control and composure, which can help defuse the intensity of the situation. Maintaining a safe distance is equally crucial, as it prevents the aggressive person from feeling threatened while also ensuring that the guard is not put at risk of physical harm. This creates a buffer that gives the guard time to assess the situation and decide on the best course of action without escalating tension further. Avoiding escalation is essential in conflict resolution. Engaging in conflictual or confrontational behaviors can lead to a rapid increase in aggression from the other person, potentially resulting in violent outcomes. Instead, the guard's goal should be to de-escalate the situation through calm demeanor and strategic withdrawal, allowing for the possibility of directing the individual towards a more rational state of mind. This approach is contrasted with options that involve direct confrontation or ignoring the individual, both of which may not only increase the risk of harm but also fail to resolve the situation effectively.