New York State Security Guard Practice Exam

A security guard is empowered to detain an individual primarily when they have witnessed a crime and possess a reasonable belief that the person is connected to that crime. This legal authority stems from the concept of "citizen's arrest," which allows individuals, in certain circumstances, to detain someone for a brief period until law enforcement can intervene. The key components involved are direct observation of the crime and a reasonable basis for the belief that the suspect committed the offense.

In the context of the options presented, witnessing a crime provides the guard with a clear justification for taking action. This encompasses the need for both firsthand knowledge of the offense and the proper assessment of the situation, which ensures that the guard is acting within the boundaries of the law while protecting the interests of public safety and security. The very nature of the situation demands that the guard must act promptly to prevent any potential flight from the scene.

The other scenarios do not meet the legal threshold necessary for a detention. A mere report of theft or suspicious behavior lacks the immediate observational evidence needed to justify detaining someone. While a store manager's request for assistance might indicate a problem, it does not automatically grant the security personnel the authority to detain without witnessing the act or possessing reasonable grounds to believe that a crime