Not just in Houston but around the country, there are countless security guards hired to protect civilians like you and me.
While they may have some sort of “special power,” what are the things that they can and can’t do in Houston, Texas?
Frankly, these are things that most civilians have to know to ensure that their rights are duly noted and that they know what to expect from security guards.
In this blog post, we’re going to be debunking some of the myths when it comes to things that security guards can and can’t do in Houston, Texas:
- Can security guards arrest you?
Certain arrests can be made, but only in the form of a citizen’s arrest if a particular security guard has witnessed a crime. Not only that but a citizen’s arrest may be carried out if there’s a genuine interest in ensuring the safety of the public.
Although, it’s best to remember that security guards must call the police immediately after the arrest.
- Can security guards touch you during a search?
In the United States of America, there’s a law that protects the rights of an individual, and the authority to search should only be done by the police. This is why security guards aren’t permitted to touch any civilian during a search.
However, there’s an exception: if the security guard believes that a person of interest is carrying a weapon, then they can touch this person during a search.
- Can security guards carry weapons?
Some security guards are licensed to carry weapons, and these people are thoroughly checked if they are physically and mentally fit to carry firearms.
- Can security guards use force?
When the need arises, security guards are entitled to use “reasonable force” to detain and arrest any person of suspicion, especially if they have committed a crime. Although, from a legal standpoint, they are expected to de-escalate tensions verbally first before using physical force.
- Can security guards detain a suspect away from their jurisdiction?
Lastly, some states permit security guards to detain any person that has been deemed “suspicious” outside of their jurisdiction. However, it varies from state laws.
Here at Ranger Security Agency, we believe that everything our security guards do must be within the legalities of the law. This is why we believe that educating civilians should be a priority too.
If you have any other questions regarding what security guards in Houston can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
We offer our security services to various clients around Houston, Texas, and neighboring cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio.
So reach out to us today for more information!
