What are the legal limits of a security guard's authority?

The legal limits of a security guard's authority are primarily defined by their role as private citizens, which means their power is not equivalent to that of law enforcement officers. Security guards generally have limited authority that focuses on observation, reporting incidents, and preventing crime within the property they are hired to protect. Their primary responsibility is to maintain safety and order, but they must do so within the constraints of the law.

Security guards are not granted the same powers as police officers, such as the authority to arrest without oversight or to act as law enforcement officers. Their actions are typically confined to the premises they are assigned to, and they often do not possess the legal right to use physical force beyond what is reasonably necessary to protect themselves or others in immediate danger. This understanding of their limited authority helps ensure they operate within legal boundaries while fulfilling their duty to safeguard property and people.