What is an example of a legal authority a security guard does not possess?

A security guard typically lacks the legal authority to make arrests without a warrant. This is primarily because security personnel operate under the jurisdiction of private enforcement, which does not extend the same powers as law enforcement officers who are authorized to make arrests based on local, state, and federal laws.

In most jurisdictions, including South Carolina, security guards must act within the limits of their defined roles and cannot exercise law enforcement powers without proper authorization. The ability to arrest without a warrant is reserved for police officers and other entities designated by law for that purpose, meaning that security guards must contact law enforcement for assistance when situations arise that require such actions.

In contrast, security personnel may have some degree of authority to navigate traffic in specific contexts, particularly when managing crowds or directing vehicle flow in private property scenarios. They also have the right to use reasonable force for self-defense should they be threatened, and while they cannot issue legal parking tickets like law enforcement, they may be able to enforce parking regulations on private property under certain conditions. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the boundaries of a security guard's authority in various situations.