What should security guards do when they find lost property?

When security guards find lost property, the appropriate course of action is to report the find to management and turn it into the lost and found. This practice is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes integrity and accountability by ensuring that the property is handled correctly and in accordance with the policies of the organization. Returning the item to a designated authority like management or the lost and found helps ensure that the rightful owner has a chance to reclaim their property.

Additionally, this approach protects the security guard from potential legal issues that could arise from keeping lost property for themselves. Valuing and respecting personal belongings of others fosters a secure and trustworthy environment, essential for any public or private space.

The other options suggest actions that do not adhere to protocols typically established in security policy. For example, keeping valuable items for personal use violates ethical standards, while ignoring or leaving lost property unattended decreases the likelihood of the rightful owner recovering their belongings and could lead to accusations of negligence. Thus, reporting and surrendering the item is the best and most responsible action.