Oregon DPSST Security Professional Practice Test

In which scenarios can a security professional lawfully detain a suspect?

1. Whenever they feel suspicious

2. Only under reasonable suspicion that the suspect has committed a crime

3. During any incident on the premises

4. At the request of law enforcement

The correct answer is: Only under reasonable suspicion that the suspect has committed a crime

A security professional can lawfully detain a suspect only when there is reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or will be committed. This means that there must be specific articulable facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that criminal activity is afoot. The standard of reasonable suspicion is a lower threshold than probable cause, but it still requires more than just a vague feeling of suspicion; there must be observable evidence or behavior that justifies the detention. Detaining someone without reasonable suspicion could lead to legal repercussions for the security professional, such as charges of false imprisonment or violation of civil rights. Thus, the emphasis is on the necessity of having some basis for the suspicion rather than acting solely on a hunch or general apprehension about a person's behavior. This understanding aligns with the legal rights of individuals, balancing the need for security while respecting personal freedoms. In other scenarios, such as detaining someone simply because they feel suspicious, during any incident on the premises, or at the request of law enforcement without further justification, the grounds for detention are not adequately substantiated by the law or do not respect the rights of individuals involved.