Arrest rights for security officers: Which statement is most accurate?

• A. You have no authority to arrest under any circumstances.
• B. You must arrest anyone you suspect of a crime.
• C. You are authorized to arrest only with a warrant.
• D. Your right to arrest is the same as any private citizen, but you are not required to perform an arrest.

Answer: (D)

Arrest rights for security officers come from private-citizen arrest rules. You may detain and arrest if the situation fits those rules—typically when you witness a crime or have probable cause to believe a felony has been committed. You’re not obligated to arrest in every situation; if the facts don’t justify an arrest, you should call law enforcement and disengage safely. So, your right to arrest is the same as any private citizen, but you are not required to perform an arrest.