When approaching trespassers, what should you do first?

When approaching trespassers, the most appropriate initial action is to approach the individual and identify yourself. This step is crucial because it establishes your presence and authority in the situation. By identifying yourself, you are signaling to the individual that you are aware of their presence and that you have a position that requires them to respond to you.

This approach helps in de-escalating any potential confrontation, as it shows that you are not just an anonymous figure approaching them, but rather someone with a legitimate purpose. It also allows you to gauge their reaction and assess the situation more thoroughly. Once you have established your identity, you can then proceed to inform them about the trespass or take further action as necessary.

Identifying yourself first lays the foundation for the interaction and can lead to a more effective resolution, whether that involves questioning the individual about their intentions, informing them of the trespass, or allowing them to leave the premises if no crime has been committed.