When can a security guard legally search someone?

A security guard is legally permitted to conduct a search when an individual is under arrest or has provided their explicit consent. When someone is under arrest, law enforcement, including security personnel working under specific conditions, has the authority to search the individual as part of the arrest process to ensure safety and gather evidence. This is based on established legal standards that protect the rights of individuals while also allowing for necessary security measures.

In situations where a person consents to a search, they are granting permission for their belongings or person to be searched. This consent must be voluntarily given and can be revoked at any time. It's essential that the individual understands they have the right to refuse the search, which is a significant aspect of personal freedom and legal rights.

Other contexts, such as mere suspicion or inconsistently providing personal information, do not meet the legal criteria for conducting a search. A lack of arrest or consent leaves security guards without the lawful authority to perform searches, as legal protections against unreasonable search and seizure are designed to uphold individual rights.