What is a common misconception about the authority of security guards?

The belief that security guards can enforce laws like police officers is a common misconception. While security guards do have specific responsibilities related to maintaining safety and security within the areas they are assigned, their authority is limited compared to that of law enforcement officers. Police officers possess the legal authority to make arrests, issue citations, and enforce laws at a broader level, while security guards generally do not have the same level of authority or the same scope of enforcement responsibilities. They are often tasked with monitoring premises, deterring crime, and alerting law enforcement if necessary, but they operate under the guidelines set by their employers and must follow the law, which limits their capacity to act in a law enforcement capacity.

The confusion surrounding this authority can lead people to assume that security guards have the same legal powers as police officers, which is not the case. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both security personnel and the public when it comes to recognizing the appropriate response in various situations involving security and law enforcement.