New Brunswick Security Guard License Practice Exam

In which situation is a security guard allowed to detain someone?

1. Whenever they feel it is necessary

2. Only with just cause

3. At their manager's request

4. When they suspect a crime is happening

The correct answer is: Only with just cause

A security guard is allowed to detain someone only with just cause. This means that there must be reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed a crime or is in the process of committing one. The legal concept of "just cause" protects both the rights of the individual and the authority of the security guard. Detaining someone without just cause could lead to allegations of false imprisonment or civil rights violations. In the context of security, just cause typically arises when a guard has observed suspicious behavior, has witnessed a crime, or has received credible information indicating that a crime has occurred. This ensures that the guard's actions are justified, measured, and in accordance with the law. The other options do not align with legal standards or professional guidelines governing security guard conduct. Detaining someone simply because a guard feels it is necessary, at a manager's request without a valid reason, or on mere suspicion without any supporting evidence does not meet the threshold of just cause and could lead to serious legal repercussions for the security guard and their employer.