When you hire security guards in Florida, whether for a corporate office, private event, or residential community, you might wonder: Are security guards considered law enforcement? While both security guards and law enforcement officers work to protect people and property, there are significant differences between the two.
In this blog, we will explore whether licensed security guards in Orlando are considered law enforcement, what their roles entail, and how they fit into the overall security landscape in Florida.
The Role of Security Guards in Florida
Security guards play an essential role in protecting properties, businesses, and individuals. However, they are different from law enforcement officers. In Florida, security companies like Shergroup USA provide security guards who are trained to safeguard your property, prevent crime, and respond to emergencies.
What Security Guards Can Do
- Patrol and Monitor: Security guards patrol assigned areas and monitor surveillance cameras to detect suspicious activity.
- Enforce Property Rules They ensure that everyone on the premises follows the property’s policies, such as access control and safety regulations.
- Assist in Emergencies Security guards respond to medical emergencies, fires, or other incidents, and they help manage evacuation procedures if needed.
What Security Guards Cannot Do
- Make Official Arrests |
Unlike law enforcement officers, security guards in Florida cannot make formal arrests. They can detain individuals if they witness a crime or if there is reasonable suspicion, but they must immediately call the police to handle the situation.
- Conduct Investigations |
Security guards do not have the authority to conduct investigations or interrogate suspects as law enforcement agencies do.
- Enforce the Law |
While armed security guards may act in specific situations, such as defending themselves or detaining a suspect, they are not authorized to enforce laws or make legal judgments.
Key Differences Between Security Guards and Law Enforcement Officers
1. Legal Authority
Law enforcement officers, such as police officers, have the legal authority to enforce state and federal laws. They can make arrests, issue citations, conduct investigations, and use force as required. On the other hand, security guards in Florida are private citizens hired by security companies, and their authority is limited to protecting the property they are assigned to. Security guards cannot exercise the same legal powers as police officers.
2. Training and Certification
Police officers undergo extensive training at law enforcement academies to become certified law enforcement officers. This includes learning how to handle criminal investigations, make arrests, and enforce laws. In contrast, security guards in Florida receive training that focuses on physical security, monitoring, and emergency response. Armed security guards must complete additional training and certification to carry weapons legally.
3. Responsibilities
While both security guards and law enforcement officers are responsible for maintaining safety, their duties differ. Security guards focus on protecting specific properties, people, and assets. They can perform routine patrols, monitor surveillance systems, and assist in emergency situations. However, they typically do not intervene in criminal investigations or enforce laws on a broader scale. Law enforcement officers, however, are responsible for a wider range of duties, such as investigating crimes, making arrests, and managing public safety.
When Are Security Guards and Law Enforcement Officers in Florida Both Needed?
In some cases, security companies in Florida work alongside law enforcement officers to maintain safety. For example, during large events, licensed security guards in Orlando might help with crowd control, access management, and emergency response, while police officers focus on enforcing laws and handling criminal activity.
Having both security guards and law enforcement can help ensure a higher level of safety and quick response in case of an emergency. Armed security guards can provide an added layer of protection, but law enforcement officers are the only ones authorized to take legal action in criminal situations.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Security Guard Services
When hiring security services in Florida, it is crucial to understand the difference between security guards and law enforcement. Shergroup USA offers highly trained, professional security guards who can protect your business, property, or event while remaining within the bounds of the law. Whether you need armed security guards or unarmed guards, we can provide the right personnel to meet your needs.
Contact Shergroup USA for Your Security Needs
At Shergroup USA, we understand the importance of hiring reliable and effective security personnel. While we are not law enforcement, our security guards in Florida are fully licensed, trained, and prepared to handle a wide range of security needs.
If you need professional Orlando security guard services, contact us today! Complete our inquiry form at Shergroup USA Contact Form and set up a no-obligation chat to discuss how we can assist you with your security needs.