Here’s a quick guide if you need security for an event you’re hosting or are attending and want to know what security personnel may and cannot perform.

Let’s start with what they can do. A citizen’s arrest can technically be made by any member of the public as long as it’s obvious that the suspect is guilty or there is good reason to suspect that they are guilty. Security officers are fully trained, are familiar with the law, and are aware that only police officers have the authority to take further a citizen’s arrest.

Security personnel are legally permitted to ask to physically inspect you and your belongings as you enter a venue. If you are entering or leaving a shop for any reason, they may also want to search you.

Guards on duty cannot use excessive force. Only when the subject resists may physical force be utilised. Security personnel are not allowed to carry any kind of weapon, not even pepper spray.