While patrolling a mall, you witness a robbery in progress. What should your first action be?

In a situation like witnessing a robbery, the primary concern should be personal safety and the safety of others. Obtaining cover and calling for police assistance is the most prudent first action. This approach ensures that you are protected from potential harm while alerting law enforcement, who are trained to handle such situations effectively.

This choice emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and the understanding that intervening directly may escalate the threat to yourself and bystanders. By seeking cover, you minimize risk and create a safe vantage point from which to observe the situation until help arrives.

Recording the incident for later reporting is a secondary action that would come after ensuring safety and notifying authorities. Rushing after a suspect or drawing a weapon could lead to dangerous confrontations without the necessary training and support required for such actions, making cover and calling for assistance the most strategic initial response.