Security has always been crucial to the daily lives of individuals and organizations, resulting in security guards playing a significant part in people’s lives. However, there can be doubts about whether security officers are law enforcement. Are they cops, or are they considered law enforcement? We will explain this issue further by answering the question: Is a Security Guard Considered Law Enforcement?
Defining the Roles
1. Security Guards
Security guards, such as those who provide personal security services, hired to protect assets, property, and individuals, are funded either by an individual or a company. They typically work on assignments with either a private security outfit, a company, or a government branch and perform duties such as monitoring, patrolling, protecting, and guarding in accordance with the rulebook of their employer.
2. Law Enforcement Officers
But law enforcement officers, popularly known as police officers, are hired by state entities like sheriff departments, police departments, or federal entities. The powers that they possess enable them to enforce rules and arrest suspects, where the main agenda is the security of the citizens and justice.
Authority and Jurisdiction
The distinctions among law enforcement and security officers, including whether or not they are law enforcement, mostly stem from their powers and the jurisdiction they exercise.
1. Authority
The authority of security guards, such as the ones in Commercial Security Services, is typically restricted to what has been set forth by their employer or the property owner, as dictated by task descriptions and company policy. Conversely, law enforcement agencies are given legal power by the state or federal governments to protect the law, order, and apply force or make arrests whenever the situation warrants the application of such power.
2. Jurisdiction
An armed security guard is normally restricted or authorized to protect a certain property. However, the law enforcers are concerned with larger areas such as a city, a county, or an entire state, enforcing a law, and dealing with incidents in their areas of jurisdiction.
Training and Certification
The main difference between security guards and law enforcement officers is their qualifications and training conditions.
Basic Training Requirements for Security Guards
While state requirements may differ, Security guards in California, include those employed in security guard for fire watch jobs, are provided with basic education in emergency intervention, conflict resolution, as well as legal concepts. A number of states, including California, require certificates or licenses from BSIS. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services before being employed.
Law Enforcement Officer Training and Requirements
The police are well-trained in special academies, and this training involves criminal laws, firearms, defensive skills, and responding to crises. They also have to complete state tests and be formally sworn as officers!
Final Thoughts
Is a Security Guard Considered Law Enforcement? Security guards are important in securing property and their security; they are not the police. While their roles and training might overlap significantly, understanding these differences between legal status and jurisdictional obligations for professionals and public members ensures clarity and compliance with the law!