Under what circumstance can a security guard conduct a search of an individual's belongings?

A security guard can conduct a search of an individual's belongings primarily under two key circumstances: if they have probable cause or if the individual grants consent.

Probable cause refers to having enough reasonable grounds to believe that a search will uncover evidence of a crime or a violation of policy. This means that a security guard must have specific, articulable facts that justify the search, rather than simply acting on a hunch or intuition.

Additionally, consent from the individual being searched is a significant aspect of this authority. If an individual agrees to the search, the security guard is legally permitted to search their belongings. This consent must be voluntary and not coerced in any way.

The other options do not align with the legal standards regarding searches. Conducting searches based solely on suspicion without probable cause or consent violates individuals' rights and could result in legal repercussions for the security guard and their employer. Furthermore, involving a police officer is not a prerequisite for a search to take place; rather, the police officer’s presence might enhance the authority or context of a search but is not a requirement. Lastly, searching individuals at random intervals lacks justification, as it does not meet the criteria for either probable cause or consent.