What is a security officer's authority to detain or arrest a person in Texas?

What is a security officer's authority to detain or arrest a person in Texas?

• A. A security officer may detain a person when there is reasonable belief a crime has been committed in their presence or as part of a citizen's arrest, using safe and lawful methods and immediately turning the person over to law enforcement.
• B. A security officer can arrest anyone at any time.
• C. A security officer can prosecute crimes.
• D. A security officer can detain without any belief of crime.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a security officer in Texas can detain or arrest only under two specific conditions: you reasonably believe a crime has been committed and you either witness it in the moment or you are acting as part of a citizen’s arrest. In either case, you must use safe, lawful methods and promptly turn the person over to law enforcement so they can handle the investigation and any prosecution. This means you don’t have blanket arrest powers or the authority to prosecute. Detaining someone without any basis or simply arresting anyone at any time isn’t allowed. If you do detain, it should be for a short, necessary period while you contact police, follow policy, and ensure safety.

The key idea is that a security officer in Texas can detain or arrest only under two specific conditions: you reasonably believe a crime has been committed and you either witness it in the moment or you are acting as part of a citizen’s arrest. In either case, you must use safe, lawful methods and promptly turn the person over to law enforcement so they can handle the investigation and any prosecution.

This means you don’t have blanket arrest powers or the authority to prosecute. Detaining someone without any basis or simply arresting anyone at any time isn’t allowed. If you do detain, it should be for a short, necessary period while you contact police, follow policy, and ensure safety.