Many HOA employs HOA security guards. While some are licenced by state or municipal law enforcement, they do not have the same legal authority as police officers. An HOA does not provide security guards, but they can contact security guard companies to hire an HOA security guard. Security guards have a legal authority to do the following if given the authority by their local authorities:
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Citizen's arrest
While police officers have the authority to make arrests based on probable cause, a security guard's arrest must be based on actual witnessing of a crime.
They must have seen a felony in particular to arrest a person. It's also worth noting that “arrest” refers to the detention of a suspect.
HOA guards are held to the same standards as all other citizens in most circumstances. An arrest by a citizen is referred to as a citizen's arrest. It entails the guard detaining the criminal or trespasser and quickly notifying the authorities to make a proper arrest.
As long as the restraint is deemed reasonable, it can be utilized to confine the suspect. -
Jurisdiction on private property
The jurisdiction of a security guard is confined to the property they have been employed to protect. They have the authority to order someone to stop conducting unlawful acts and to depart from the property. If the behaviour continues, they may also arrest the subject under a citizen's arrest law.
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Use of weapon
When restraining a person on private property, the use of “reasonable force” is permitted. However, the use of force should be proportionate to the severity of the offence, as well as the risk to the guard and others. While the use of reasonable force is authorized, guards act cautiously rather than rashly. They do not use unwarranted force, particularly when firearms are involved, resulting in damages – not just physically but also in legal procedures.
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Search a person
If the security guard has grounds to believe the person owns a weapon, they may search and disarm the person while effecting a citizen's arrest. Some contracts also allow security guards to search people they suspect on.
Conclusion
These legal authority gives an HOA security guard permission to act in the best regard of the association. Many businesses and HOA like to hire professional security guards to leverage these authorities and effectively prosecute offenders. To hire HOA security guards, you can contact a professional security guard company and hire a professional security guard.
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