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Security guards are a familiar sight in many places, from office buildings to shopping malls. But what exactly are they allowed to do in the line of duty? While they play a vital role in security, it’s important to remember they are not law enforcement officers.
Here’s a breakdown of what security guards can and can’t do legally:
- Observe and Report: Security guards have a keen eye for suspicious activity. They can monitor security cameras, patrol property, and watch for anything that seems out of place. If they see something suspicious, they can report it to the police or their supervisor.
- Detain and Intervene: Security guards can detain people they suspect of committing a crime for a reasonable amount of time. This allows them to hold the person until the police arrive. In some cases, they may also use physical force to intervene in a situation, but only as a last resort and only if it’s proportional to the threat.
- Use of Force: Security guards may be authorized to carry pepper spray, tasers, or even firearms depending on their location and specific duties. However, they can only use these in self-defense or to defend others from harm. The use of force must always be reasonable and proportionate to the threat.
- Make Arrests: Unlike police officers, security guards cannot make formal arrests. They can detain a suspect, but they must then hand them over to the police for further investigation and processing.
- Trespass Enforcement: Security guards can ask someone to leave the property if they are trespassing. This could be someone who is loitering, causing a disturbance, or who is not authorized to be there.
Security guards are a valuable asset in maintaining security, but it’s important to understand their limitations. They act as a first line of defense, observing, reporting, and deterring crime. But for arrests and legal proceedings, they rely on the authority of law enforcement.