British Columbia (BC) Security Guard License Practice Exam

What should an SP do when accused of a crime without witnessing the act?

1. Lawfully arrest the accused person

2. Lawfully arrest the accused but inform the person of their rights

3. Lawfully arrest the accused only after calling the police

4. Not lawfully arrest the accused as they did not witness the act

The correct answer is: Not lawfully arrest the accused as they did not witness the act

When an SP (security professional) is accused of a crime without having witnessed the act, the appropriate action is to not lawfully arrest the accused. This approach is grounded in the understanding of the legal limitations of a security guard's authority. In most jurisdictions, a private security guard does not possess the same powers as a police officer and is typically not authorized to make arrests based solely on accusations or hearsay. The SP must have direct knowledge of the offense, which is not the case if they did not witness the event themselves. Additionally, making an arrest without direct observation could lead to legal repercussions for the SP, including potential liability for wrongful arrest or violations of constitutional rights. It is essential for security personnel to recognize their role is often supportive to law enforcement rather than a replacement, ensuring that any accused individual is handled appropriately until law enforcement can be involved. This protects the rights of all individuals involved and helps maintain professional integrity within the security field.