Private vs Public Security
Running head: Private versus Public Security
Private Security vs. Public Security
Nia Burns
9/17/2012
Private Security Versus Law Enforcement
| Private Security | Law Enforcement | Visual and physical baggage search | Fourth Amendment does not need to be followed | Fourth Amendment must be followed | Individual pat-down search | May not search an individual unless permission is given by the individual | Allowed to if they think something suspicious is taken place, pat-down done during arrest to prevent anyone from being hurt | Detain individuals | Can detain if an offense has been witnessed | Allowed to detain if they know or suspect something going on | Question persons | Can only question on individuals property | Allowed to ask questions. If a person has done no wrong; then they are allowed to freely leave. | Arrest persons | May only arrest if a felony has been committed, must call police immediately after individual is arrested | Must read Miranda rights to the individual, must tell what type of crime they are being charged for, cuffs are put on | Investigate background of person | only investigate back ground if the individual is apprehended on property | Have right to investigate if individual is a suspect | Obtain a warrant for further searches (car, home, so forth) | Not allowed to obtain a warrant | Needed to search a particular place and person unless individual has been arrested for probable causes | Seize weapon if found | Allowed to seize weapon if found while making arrest | Yes, any weapon can be seized | Computer verification of stolen items | Must follow penal codes, but must be on property | Must follow penal codes | Refuse admittance to a person | Allowed to refuse anyone | Allowed to refuse admittance if investigation is going on, if person is hostile |
According to, the Power Arrest Training Manual (pg. 11), “A security guard/proprietary private security
Private Security vs. Public Security
Nia Burns
9/17/2012
Private Security Versus Law Enforcement
| Private Security | Law Enforcement | Visual and physical baggage search | Fourth Amendment does not need to be followed | Fourth Amendment must be followed | Individual pat-down search | May not search an individual unless permission is given by the individual | Allowed to if they think something suspicious is taken place, pat-down done during arrest to prevent anyone from being hurt | Detain individuals | Can detain if an offense has been witnessed | Allowed to detain if they know or suspect something going on | Question persons | Can only question on individuals property | Allowed to ask questions. If a person has done no wrong; then they are allowed to freely leave. | Arrest persons | May only arrest if a felony has been committed, must call police immediately after individual is arrested | Must read Miranda rights to the individual, must tell what type of crime they are being charged for, cuffs are put on | Investigate background of person | only investigate back ground if the individual is apprehended on property | Have right to investigate if individual is a suspect | Obtain a warrant for further searches (car, home, so forth) | Not allowed to obtain a warrant | Needed to search a particular place and person unless individual has been arrested for probable causes | Seize weapon if found | Allowed to seize weapon if found while making arrest | Yes, any weapon can be seized | Computer verification of stolen items | Must follow penal codes, but must be on property | Must follow penal codes | Refuse admittance to a person | Allowed to refuse anyone | Allowed to refuse admittance if investigation is going on, if person is hostile |
According to, the Power Arrest Training Manual (pg. 11), “A security guard/proprietary private security
References: California security guard: the roles and responsibilities. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.security-guard-training.net/responsibilities-security-guard.htm (2011). Retrieved from BSIS website: http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/poa.pdf