A security guard is tasked with monitoring a public event where a peaceful protest is occurring. A senior manager from the event's organizing committee instructs the guard to aggressively remove any protestors displaying signs critical of the committee, even if they are not violating any laws or event rules. What is the security guard's ethical and professional obligation in this scenario?

Question: A security guard is tasked with monitoring a public event where a peaceful protest is occurring. A senior manager from the event's organizing committee instructs the guard to aggressively remove any protestors displaying signs critical of the committee, even if they are not violating any laws or event rules. What is the security guard's ethical and professional obligation in this scenario?

Answer options: ✅ Politely decline the manager's request, explaining that such actions would exceed their authority and violate the rights of the protestors, then report the instruction to their own chain of command.

• Comply with the manager's instruction, as they are a senior figure at the event and represent the client.
• Ignore the instruction but also take no active measures to protect the protestors' rights, maintaining a neutral stance.
• Document the instruction but proceed with removing the protestors, citing 'orders from above' if questioned.

Correct answer: Politely decline the manager's request, explaining that such actions would exceed their authority and violate the rights of the protestors, then report the instruction to their own chain of command.

Explanation: Security guards must uphold the law and respect individual rights, even when given instructions by clients or superiors that conflict with these principles. Following an unlawful or unethical order can lead to personal liability and disciplinary action. The appropriate response is to refuse unethical instructions and escalate the issue internally to one's own supervisor.