Security Officers and Security Assistants are not peace officers. Authority to arrest is that of a private person, under Section 837 of the Penal Code.
A Security Assistant's sole responsibility is to deter criminal acts by their uniformed presence and to observe and report suspicious acts on County property.
Security Officers are responsible for observing, deterring, pursuing, and detaining persons who have committed a crime on County property. Security personnel may make an arrest, if an offense is committed in their presence, but may also detain the person for further investigation by peace officer personnel. Only peace officer personnel are authorized to make an arrest of a person, based upon reasonable cause that the person has committed a crime.
If the suspect is arrested, the Security Officer may assist peace officers during the arrest of the suspect and preparation of required reports.
Security Officers are authorized to physically detain a person who has committed a crime in their presence, using that force which is reasonable and necessary to prevent escape or to overcome resistance.
Security Officers will not perform checks for wants or warrants.