Arizona Security Guard Knowledge Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer highlights that a security guard is authorized to detain a suspect for a reasonable amount of time until law enforcement can arrive. This legal basis is rooted in the concept of citizen's arrest, where individuals, including security personnel, may temporarily hold a person suspected of committing a crime. The detention must be reasonable in duration and scope to avoid overstepping legal boundaries.

Security guards must ensure that their actions are justifiable and not punitive; their role is to keep the situation controlled until officers with the proper authority can take over. This understanding is key to balancing enforcement duties while respecting suspects' rights.

In contrast, the other options do not provide a comprehensive legal justification. Personal safety is essential but does not serve as a formal basis for detention. While preventing a suspect from leaving may align with detaining them, it lacks the legal framework necessary for justification. Witnessing a crime can bolster the authority to act but is not strictly a prerequisite for every situation involving detainment. Thus, recognizing the appropriate circumstances and legal grounding for detaining a suspect is crucial for security personnel.