Saskatchewan Security Guard License Practice Exam

Under what circumstances can a security guard detain an individual?

1. When they are unsure of the situation

2. When they have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime is taking place

3. When ordered to do so by a police officer

4. When they suspect someone of being intoxicated

The correct answer is: When they have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime is taking place

A security guard is authorized to detain an individual when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime is taking place. This principle is rooted in the legal concept of "citizen's arrest," which allows private citizens, including security personnel, to detain a person suspected of committing a crime. The key element here is having reasonable grounds, meaning the guard must have sufficient evidence or observable facts to justify their belief that a crime is occurring. This authority helps ensure that security guards can act quickly to prevent harm, protect property, and assist law enforcement when necessary. Detaining someone without reasonable grounds could lead to legal ramifications for the guard, including accusations of unlawful detention or violation of individual rights. While there may be situations involving police officers giving orders or a suspicion of intoxication, those do not provide the same legal backing necessary for a detention as does the belief that a crime is actively taking place. The absence of a direct connection to a crime means that the other circumstances would not grant a security guard the legal authority to detain an individual.