What is a major factor a security officer must consider when responding to incidents?

When responding to incidents, a major factor for a security officer to consider is the potential risks to themselves and others. This prioritization is essential for ensuring the safety of all individuals involved, including the officer, bystanders, and any affected parties. Recognizing potential risks allows the security officer to take appropriate actions to mitigate harm, whether it involves de-escalating a situation, calling for additional assistance, or evacuating individuals from a dangerous environment.

While the preferences of company executives, opinions of bystanders, and previous histories of incidents at the location might inform the context of the situation, they do not take precedence over immediate safety concerns. The foremost responsibility of a security officer is to safeguard lives and health during any incident.