What kind of authority do security professionals generally possess?

Security professionals generally possess limited authority, which differentiates them from law enforcement officers. This limited authority typically allows them to enforce regulations, monitor property, and ensure the safety of individuals within their designated area, such as a business or event. They do not have the same comprehensive powers as police officers, which include full police powers that allow for arrest, investigation, and the use of law enforcement tactics.

In practice, the responsibilities and powers of security personnel are defined by state laws and the policies of their employers. They may have the authority to detain individuals for a reasonable amount of time if they witness criminal behavior, but they cannot conduct arrests in the same way a police officer can, which is why full police powers and authority to conduct arrests do not apply to them.

Additionally, they do not hold judicial authority, which encompasses the power to make legal judgments or judicial decisions. Their role is primarily preventative and protective rather than punitive or judicial. Understanding this limited scope of authority is vital for security professionals to operate within legal and ethical boundaries.