What legal authority does a security guard possess?

A security guard possesses limited authority, primarily focused on enforcing rules and maintaining order within the properties they are assigned to protect. This involves detaining individuals who are trespassing on private property, ensuring compliance with regulations, and safeguarding the premises against unauthorized actions.

This limited authority is important because security guards are not law enforcement officers and do not have the same legal powers. They do not have the authority to enforce laws in a broad sense, make arrests for crimes that may occur outside their specific duties, or carry firearms as a blanket right. Their enforcement capabilities are confined to the policies of the organization they represent and the laws governing private property.

Understanding the scope of a security guard's authority is crucial for effective operations, as it delineates their role within the larger structure of law enforcement and property management. Good judgment in exercising this limited authority is essential to ensure that actions taken remain within legal boundaries and do not violate individuals' rights.