Pennsylvania Security Guard Practice Exam

In Pennsylvania, security guards have a specific legal authority that allows them to detain a suspect until law enforcement arrives. This detention can occur if they have a reasonable belief that a crime is being committed or has been committed on the premises they are responsible for monitoring. This limited authority is crucial, as it enables security personnel to act swiftly in potentially dangerous situations while ensuring that the proper law enforcement agencies can take over once they arrive.

Their ability to detain is typically based on the principle of "citizen's arrest," which does allow individuals, including security guards, to stop someone they reasonably believe has committed a crime. However, this authority does not extend to other powers typically held by police officers, such as making arrests without a warrant in a general context or using certain enforcement tools. Therefore, while security guards do have a role in maintaining safety and can act to protect themselves and others, their authority is not equivalent to that of police officers and is limited to the premise they are acting upon.