What authority does a security officer have to detain a suspect?

A security officer has the authority to detain a suspect if they have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. This means that the officer must have specific and articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime may be occurring or has occurred.

This standard of reasonable suspicion is crucial because it balances the need for security personnel to effectively perform their duties while also respecting the rights of individuals. An officer cannot simply detain anyone at any time without justification, as this would violate individual freedoms and legal standards. Additionally, the ability to detain is not limited only to situations involving physical violence, nor is it merely about calling the police for assistance; rather, it must be grounded in a suspicion that is reasonable based on the circumstances observed by the officer. Thus, the power to detain is a critical component of the security officer's role, anchored in the context of observed behavior and potential criminal acts.