Special Legal Aspects of Private Security

Question 1

Constitutional limitations can apply to the conduct of private security personnel when:

Answer 1

they act in concert with police or as their agents

Question 2

What 3 types of authority can a security officer have?

Answer 2

1) Same as a private citizen
2) Obtained through deputization
3) A mixture of civilian and special power added by statute or regulation

Question 3

What are the only 2 situations when security officers can make arrests?

Answer 3

1) When deputized

2) Under statutes which grant shop owners and their agents authority to arrest & detain

Question 4

When can a merchant or employee arrest or detain?

Answer 4

Upon probable cause of stolen goods

Question 5

A person who has been legally detained may be _____

Answer 5

interrogated

Question 6

Under the fourth amendment, what authority does a security officer have to do a search?

Answer 6

The same authority as a private citizen

Question 7

Evidence discovered by a private security officer is not subject to what rule?

Answer 7

The Exclusionary Rule

Question 8

What dictates the search of employee’s lockers, packages or cars?

Answer 8

The company policy & employment contract

Question 9

Employees usually must give consent to searches unless the element of _____ enters the picture

Answer 9

“unreasonableness”