SIA Guard Powers of a Security Officer

Question 1

Under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), what conditions must be met for a security guard to make a citizen's arrest?

Accepted Answer

An indictable offence must be being committed or have been committed; it must not be reasonably practicable for a constable to make the arrest; and the arrest must be necessary to prevent harm, escape, loss of evidence, etc.

Answer

The security guard simply needs to suspect someone of any offence

Answer

The security guard must obtain their employer's written permission first

Answer

Only police can arrest — security guards have no arrest power

Question 2

After making a citizen's arrest, what must a security guard do with the person they have arrested?

Accepted Answer

Deliver the arrested person to a constable as soon as practicable after the arrest

Answer

Hold them for up to 24 hours pending a police response

Answer

Take the person to the nearest police station themselves

Answer

Release the person if they give their name and address

Question 3

What must a security guard tell a person when they make a citizen's arrest?

Accepted Answer

Only the security guard's name and employer

Answer

Nothing — the arrest speaks for itself

Answer

The person must be told they are under arrest, the grounds for the arrest (what they are suspected of having done), and the fact that they are being held for the police

Answer

The full wording of the relevant criminal statute they are accused of breaching

Question 4

What is the legal basis for a security guard using force against a person in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 — allowing reasonable force for the prevention of crime or lawful arrest, supplemented by the common law right of self-defence

Answer

SIA licence holders have special force powers beyond ordinary citizens

Answer

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 grants special force powers

Answer

Security guards may use any force their employer authorises in writing

Question 5

What does 'reasonable force' mean in UK law?

Accepted Answer

Force that is proportionate to the threat faced — no more than is necessary to achieve the lawful aim, judged objectively in the circumstances the person genuinely believed them to be

Answer

The minimum possible force in all circumstances

Answer

Force that does not leave physical marks on the other person

Answer

Force authorised in advance by a police officer

Question 6

Can a security guard detain (hold without arresting) a person they suspect of shoplifting on behalf of the store?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only if the store has a contractual arrangement granting this right, and even then the grounds must justify it; detention must be brief and the person must be told why they are being detained, with police called promptly

Answer

Yes — any security guard can detain anyone they suspect of any offence for up to 2 hours

Answer

No — only police can detain anyone

Answer

Yes — SIA licensees have a statutory right to detain suspects for 30 minutes