What are the legal limitations of a security guard's authority?

The correct choice highlights the reality of a security guard's authority in the context of the law. Security guards are not granted the same powers as law enforcement officers; their authority is limited to specific circumstances, particularly regarding the detention of individuals.

Under certain conditions, a security guard is permitted to detain someone for a reasonable period if they have witnessed an act of wrongdoing, such as theft or vandalism, and they must contact law enforcement as soon as possible. This is in line with laws that allow for a citizen's arrest, but it underscores that the guard's actions should be reasonable and justified based on their observations.

This limited authority is crucial to understand, as it ensures that security guards operate within legal boundaries, protecting both the rights of individuals and the security guard themselves from potential legal repercussions. Additionally, this framework emphasizes the role of law enforcement as the appropriate body to handle criminal matters, enforcing the importance of their arrival on the scene.

Knowing these distinctions ensures that security guards act within their scope and uphold the law effectively and ethically.