Ace the North Carolina Security Guard Test 2026 – Your Future in Security Starts Now!

A security guard is permitted to detain a suspect primarily when they witness a crime in progress. This allows the guard to act on immediate evidence and take necessary steps to prevent further criminal activity or to ensure the safety of others.

When witnessing a crime, the guard has a legal justification to intervene, and this includes the right to detain the individual until law enforcement arrives. This proactive action is based on the principle that immediate observation of the act provides clear cause for intervention, as opposed to just suspicion or third-party reports, which may not constitute sufficient grounds for detainment.

In contrast, merely suspecting a crime has occurred does not provide enough legal basis for detainment, as this could lead to wrongful accusations. Additionally, if a suspect runs away, this doesn't immediately justify detainment without previous observation of the crime taking place. Finally, while a complaint from the public may indicate an issue, it doesn't empower a guard to detain someone without witnessing the act themselves, as they could act solely on hearsay without direct evidence of the crime happening in their presence.