What legal powers do security guards generally have?

Security guards typically have the power to detain individuals until police arrive, which is an important aspect of their role in maintaining safety and order. This authority allows them to temporarily hold individuals who may be engaging in unlawful or suspicious behavior until law enforcement arrives to take over the situation.

This power is grounded in the concept of a citizen's arrest. Security guards are not police officers and therefore do not have the full range of legal powers that law enforcement does. Their primary responsibility is to observe and report incidents, ensure the safety of people on the property, and prevent crime.

While they are trained to handle various situations, their actions must be justified and proportional to the circumstances they encounter. For instance, if a security guard detains someone, they must do so reasonably and for a legitimate reason, as unnecessary detaining could lead to legal complications.

Other options mentioned, like the power to arrest individuals or conduct searches, generally fall outside the legal scope of a security guard's responsibilities without additional permissions or specific training. The use of physical force also comes with strict guidelines and should primarily be a last resort for the guard's protection or that of others present.