What can security guards do in California? Security guards can detain people who commit crimes, ask trespassers to leave, and use reasonable force when necessary. However, they have strict legal limits and cannot act like police officers.
Many business owners think security guards have the same powers as police. That is not true. Guards work under California’s citizen’s arrest laws, which means they have specific boundaries they must follow.
Understanding these powers helps you know what to expect when you hire security services. It also protects your business from potential lawsuits if guards overstep their authority.
Can Security Guards Detain People in California?
Yes, security guards can detain people in California, but only under specific conditions. They must follow the state’s citizen’s arrest laws found in California Penal Code Section 837.
Here is when guards can legally detain someone:
- They witness a person committing a crime directly
- They have reasonable cause to believe someone committed a felony
- Someone commits a public offense in their presence
- A person causes a breach of the peace on the property
The detention must be brief. Guards cannot hold someone for hours without calling police. Furthermore, they must contact law enforcement immediately after making a detention.
Most importantly, the guard must actually see the crime happen. They cannot detain someone based on a hunch or suspicion alone.
What Security Guards Can Do in California
Security guards in California have several important powers. These powers help them protect your property and keep people safe.
Observe and Report
Guards can monitor your property for suspicious activity. They watch for potential threats and document everything they see. Additionally, they report incidents to you and law enforcement when needed.
Ask People to Leave
Security guards can tell trespassers to leave private property. If someone refuses to leave, guards can detain them for trespassing. Then, they must call the police to handle the arrest.
Control Access
Guards can check IDs at entrances. They can also deny entry to people who do not belong on your property. However, they cannot force someone to show ID unless it is a condition of entry.
Make Citizen’s Arrests
When guards witness a crime, they can make a citizen’s arrest. This means they detain the person until police arrive. The arrest must follow proper legal procedures to be valid.
Use Reasonable Force
Guards can use physical force in certain situations. The force must be reasonable and match the threat level. For example, they can restrain someone trying to escape after committing theft.
Carry Weapons (If Licensed)
Armed guards can carry firearms if they have proper licensing. They must complete special training and get permits from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Not all guards can carry weapons.
What Security Guards Cannot Do in California
Understanding the limits of security guard powers protects your business from liability. Here is what guards cannot legally do in California.
Make Arrests Like Police
Security guards are not police officers. They cannot investigate crimes or make arrests based on probable cause alone. Instead, they must witness the crime directly to detain anyone.
Search People or Property
Guards cannot search you or your belongings without permission. Even if they suspect theft, they need your consent. If you refuse a search, they can only deny you entry or detain you until police arrive.
Use Excessive Force
Any force beyond what is necessary is illegal. Guards cannot hit, kick, or harm someone who is already restrained. Moreover, they cannot use force as punishment.
Detain People Indefinitely
Guards must call police right away after detaining someone. They cannot hold people for extended periods. Generally, detention should last only until officers arrive on scene.
Follow People Off Property
A guard’s authority ends at your property line. They cannot chase or follow someone beyond the boundaries they are hired to protect. Therefore, pursuit must stop at the property edge.
Impersonate Police Officers
Security guards cannot wear police uniforms or claim to be officers. They must clearly identify themselves as private security. Impersonating law enforcement is a serious crime in California.
Professional security guard services from Guardian National Security ensure all guards understand these legal boundaries. Our team receives extensive training on California laws and proper detention procedures.
When Can Security Guards Use Force in California?
Security guards can use force only when absolutely necessary. California law allows reasonable force in specific situations.
Self-Defense
Guards can defend themselves from physical attacks. The response must match the threat level. For instance, they cannot use deadly force against someone who simply pushes them.
Defending Others
If someone attacks another person, guards can step in. They can use reasonable force to stop the attack and protect the victim.
Preventing Escape
During a lawful detention, guards can use force to stop someone from running away. This might include physically restraining the person or using handcuffs if properly trained.
Protecting Property
Guards can use reasonable force to prevent property damage or theft. However, they cannot use force after the crime is over. The force must happen during the active commission of the crime.
What counts as reasonable force? It depends on the situation. A slight physical restraint might be reasonable for shoplifting. Meanwhile, tackling someone could be excessive for the same crime.
Do Security Guards Need Special Training in California?
Yes, all security guards in California must complete specific training requirements. The state takes licensing seriously to protect public safety.
Required Training Includes:
- 8 hours of pre-assignment training before starting work
- Power to Arrest course and examination
- Legal limitations and authority boundaries
- Proper use of force guidelines
- Emergency response procedures
Armed Guard Requirements:
- Complete firearms training course
- Pass shooting qualification at a range
- Obtain BSIS firearm permit
- Renew qualifications regularly
Guards must also pass background checks and get licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Consequently, unlicensed guards put your business at serious legal risk.
Always verify that your security provider uses properly licensed guards. Ask to see BSIS credentials before hiring any security company.
Why These Legal Limits Matter for Your Business
Understanding what security guards can and cannot do in California protects you from lawsuits. When guards overstep their authority, your business faces liability.
Common legal problems include:
- False imprisonment lawsuits from improper detentions
- Assault and battery claims from excessive force
- Civil rights violations from discriminatory practices
- Negligent hiring claims if guards lack proper licensing
These lawsuits can cost your business tens of thousands of dollars. Therefore, working with a professional security company that trains guards properly is essential.
Professional guards know exactly when they can detain someone. They understand how much force is reasonable. Most importantly, they document everything to protect both themselves and your business.
Need Professional Security Guards in California?
Guardian National Security provides fully licensed and trained security guards throughout Los Angeles. Our team understands California laws and operates within proper legal boundaries.
We ensure all our guards:
- Hold valid BSIS licenses and certifications
- Complete ongoing training on detention procedures
- Know exactly what they can and cannot do legally
- Document all incidents properly to protect your business
- Use only reasonable force when absolutely necessary
Whether you need guards for retail stores, construction sites, office buildings, or special events, we have the expertise to keep your property secure.
Do not risk hiring unlicensed or poorly trained security guards. The legal consequences could cost your business far more than professional security services.
Contact Guardian National Security today to discuss your security needs. Our team will help you understand exactly what protection your business requires and ensure all guards operate within California law.
