OSH Security Practice Test

Which of the following statements is true for security guards on duty?

1. You can arrest a person you find committing a criminal offence on/in relation to the site

2. You can arrest a person found committing a summary offence while off duty

3. You can arrest a person for which there is a warrant

4. You can arrest a person who on reasonable grounds you believe has illegal drugs

The correct answer is: You can arrest a person you find committing a criminal offence on/in relation to the site

The correct answer is that security guards have the authority to arrest a person they find committing a criminal offense on or in relation to the site they are tasked to protect. This is in line with the principles of citizen's arrest, where individuals, including security personnel, can intervene when they directly witness a crime occurring in their presence. Their role often involves protecting property and people, and this authority empowers them to act swiftly to prevent further harm or loss. In contrast, the other statements involve scenarios that either extend beyond the typical duties of a security guard or may not be fully supported by law. For instance, making an arrest for a summary offense while off duty is generally outside the scope of a security guard's authority, as they typically have jurisdiction only when they are actively engaged in their duties. Similarly, while a security guard can assist in the arrest of a person when law enforcement presents a warrant, only law enforcement officers carry the authority to execute such warrants directly. Finally, while suspicions about illegal drugs may prompt a security guard to detain a person for questioning, they must act carefully and within legal limits to avoid overstepping their authority without clear and immediate evidence of a crime being committed.