Can Security Guards Detain Or Touch You?

Security guards are employed by businesses and organisations for two main reasons: to deter threats such as theft and vandalism, and to deal with these issues if they arise. Some people believe that, as guards are responsible for handling crime, they have the same rights and powers as those in the police force.

However, this is not the case; security guards have no more rights or legal authority than members of the general public (you could even choose not to engage with them if you wish). So, what are security guards legally allowed to do, and more importantly, can security guards touch you in the UK?

We’ll be discussing this and more, including what security guards can and can’t do, whether they can make arrests, and the legal limits around when a security guard is allowed to touch you.

Table of Contents

Can Security Guards Touch You?

Security guards are allowed to touch you, within reason. For example, a security guard is allowed, like any member of the general public, to perform a citizen’s arrest on you. Therefore, they are allowed to touch you during this process. Security guards are also allowed to use reasonable force like everyone else.

Guards can also touch you for the purpose of performing a physical search, for example when entering an event or building, guards can perform a physical search to ensure no prohibited items are trying to be smuggled in! They can also escort you from private property or stop you from entering private property with reasonable force.

Can Security Guards Detain You?

Security guards are legally allowed to detain you in the form of a citizen’s arrest, as is any member of the public. But this can only be performed in certain situations.

They can escort you from private property and stop you from entering private property, but again only with reasonable force and cannot aggressively or forcibly detain someone against their will.

Can Security Guards Arrest You?

Like any other member of the public, security guards are allowed to perform a citizen’s arrest if they have reasonable grounds for suspicion of the person they plan on arresting. They cannot arrest you in the same sense as a police officer can though. Being able to arrest and take someone into custody is something only the police can do.

Although there are certain conditions that the situation must meet in order for the citizen’s arrest to be a legal one, these come under Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

These conditions that people can perform citizen’s arrest are:

• If you have witnessed or have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person has committed a crime.
• If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is in the act of committing a crime.
• To protect a person from causing physical injury to themselves or others
• To prevent a person from damaging the property or causing a loss to the business/organisation.
• If you believe that it is not practical at that moment for a police constable to make the arrest instead of themselves.
• To prevent a person from running away and leaving the scene before a police constable arrives to assume responsibility for them.

Can A Security Guard Physically Restrain You? 

A security guard, like the general public, can only physically restrain someone during a citizen’s arrest. If the conditions of a citizen’s arrest are not met, or the reasonable force is exceeded, then a security guard cannot physically restrain you.

The force used by a security guard must be of a ‘reasonable’ amount, so in that case, this means that any levels of force such as physical restraint and grabbing must only be used when completely necessary and when in the process of detaining someone. This could be if you attempt to escape after committing an offence or if they believe that you could cause damage to yourself or others in the vicinity.

Can A Security Guard Search You? 

A security guard is not allowed to search you or your possessions without your consent if you are present and conscious. This includes searching your bag and searching your car.

This also applies to security guards who believe that they have caught a shoplifter, as they too are not permitted to conduct a forced search if the person does not give them permission; in this scenario, they would have to detain the suspected shoplifter until a police constable arrives and can conduct one.

However, there are some scenarios in which a search could be made without the person’s consent:

• If a bag or any other type of belonging or possession has been left unattended in a suspicious circumstance, then they have the right to search it as it could pose as a threat to the safety of those nearby.
• If the person is unconscious and they are trying to identify them in order to help them, then the security guard is allowed to search their bag for this.

Can A Security Guard Carry Weapons In The UK? 

The short answer is no. Due to the UK’s strong laws against carrying firearms, this means that they cannot carry any form of weapon, such as batons, guns, tasers, or pepper spray.

Can Security Guards Use Handcuffs?

Security guards are allowed to carry handcuffs and use them to help detain people when necessary. However, it is recommended that they have proper training before being allowed to use them while on the job so that they can use them safely and avoid injuring either themselves or the detained person in the process.

Frequently Asked

1. Can a security guard touch you in the UK?

Yes, a security guard can touch you, but only when it is necessary and lawful. They are allowed to use reasonable force in situations such as preventing a crime or carrying out a citizen’s arrest. However, they cannot use excessive or unnecessary force under any circumstances.

2. When can a security guard legally use force?

A security guard can use reasonable force only when it is necessary to prevent a crime, protect people, or remove someone from private property. The force used must always be proportionate to the situation.

3. Can a security guard detain you without consent?

Yes, a security guard can detain you under a citizen’s arrest if they reasonably believe you are committing a crime. However, they must contact the police as soon as possible and cannot detain you longer than necessary.

4. Can a security guard search you or your belongings?

Security guards can only search you or your belongings if you give consent. If you refuse, they may deny entry or ask you to leave the premises, especially in controlled environments like events or private venues.

5. Can a security guard handcuff you in the UK?

Security guards can use handcuffs only if they are trained and licensed to do so. Even then, it must be justified, necessary, and used as a last resort while waiting for police assistance.

6. What should you do if a security guard uses excessive force?

If a security guard uses excessive force, you have the right to report the incident to the police or the relevant authority. You may also be able to take legal action depending on the situation.

So, Can Security Guards Detain You?

Overall, security guards can detain you if they believe you are committing a crime, but they won’t be allowed to properly arrest you. Guards in the UK have the same authority and rights as any other UK citizen as they do not get any extra power or privileges like the police force. Their presence alone often acts as a deterrent for potential thieves and vandals, but if a situation arises, they are well-trained and equipped to identify and deal with it quickly and calmly.

If you would like to keep updated with all the latest security guard news, why not check out our blog? Where you can find articles about what guards are allowed to carry and what equipment every security guard needs.