Are security officers required to make an arrest?

• A. No, security officers are not obligated to make an arrest.
• B. Yes, they must arrest every suspect they observe.
• C. Only when a felony is involved.
• D. Only if directed by a supervisor.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that private security officers are not required to arrest people. Their role is to deter crime, observe, report, and summon law enforcement when needed. Arrest authority for a private security officer is limited and not something they must exercise for every suspect; they may detain briefly and safely if appropriate, but they rely on police to complete arrests. The notion that they must arrest every suspect is incorrect, as is the idea that they only arrest for felonies or only when told by a supervisor.