Ace the New York State Security Guard Exam 2025 – Secure Your Success!

The option indicating that security guards should exercise their authority to detain individuals only if they witness a crime and law enforcement is unavailable is grounded in both legal and ethical standards. Security guards are granted limited authority, primarily to protect property and maintain order in their assigned areas. Their role does not equate to that of law enforcement officers.

When a guard witnesses a crime occurring, they may have the right to detain the individual responsible to prevent further harm, protect property, or gather information until law enforcement can take over. This standard ensures that detentions are justified and based on observable actions rather than mere suspicions or personal feelings of discomfort.

The focus on the unavailability of law enforcement also emphasizes that security guards are not to assume the role of police, but rather act as a first line of response. Exercising authority based on unverified suspicions or to assert dominance could lead to misuse of power and potential legal repercussions for both the guard and the security organization.