Many campuses rely on security guards to maintain safety and order, but how much authority do they really have when it comes to enforcing rules and handling incidents?
For instance, imagine a student is walking to their dorm when a campus security guard approaches them and asks about a disturbance nearby. They’re caught off guard. As a campus manager or school owner, you might wonder—can campus security arrest you if they suspect the student is involved?
Here at Bellator Defense, we provide expert protection for schools all across Colorado. These tips come from our expertise working with dozens of schools.
This article breaks down the authority of campus security and explains if and when they can detain or arrest someone.
Does Campus Security Have the Authority to Arrest Someone?
Yes, campus security can arrest people depending on the type of security involved. Campus security and law enforcement come in two forms:
Campus police
Campus security guards
Campus police are fully sworn law enforcement officers certified through state police training programs. They have the same authority as city or county police officers. Here’s what campus police can do:
Arrest individuals for criminal behavior, including theft, assault, or vandalism, both on and adjacent to school property.
Uphold state and local laws as well as campus regulations.
Carry firearms.
Manage their own dispatch and investigations without relying on external law enforcement.
In contrast, many schools have campus security guards that do not possess full law enforcement powers. Their primary role is to protect people and property, monitor campus activity, and ensure compliance with school policies. Unlike campus police, they do not have the authority to arrest people. They can, however, detain students in certain circumstances.
Detainment occurs when security temporarily holds someone based on reasonable suspicion of a crime or policy violation. For example, if someone is seen engaging in suspicious behavior or creating a disturbance, security officers can detain them to investigate or prevent further harm.
Arrest, on the other hand, involves taking someone into custody under legal authority. Campus security personnel do not have arrest powers because they are not sworn peace officers.
Can Campus Security Search Your Bag or a Dorm Room?
Campus security guards cannot search a person’s bag without their explicit consent. They may request a search, but people have the right to refuse unless there’s a clear and immediate danger, like a visible weapon or an imminent threat to public safety.
Similarly, security guards cannot enter or search a dorm room without consent or a direct safety-related justification.
Unlike campus police, they do not have legal authority to conduct searches based on probable cause. Even in emergencies, security guards act as first responders and notify campus police or local law enforcement to handle legal search procedures.
Security guards also have no legal right to search a car on school grounds without consent. If they suspect a policy violation or illegal activity, they must call campus police to investigate and conduct any warranted search.
Are School Security Guards Allowed to Touch You?
School security guards are responsible for maintaining safety on campus, but their actions, including physical contact, are subject to strict legal and ethical limitations.
They may use limited physical contact in specific, justified situations such as breaking up a fight to stop violence and prevent injury or escorting a disruptive individual. When someone refuses to comply with campus rules or poses a safety risk, a guard may use minimal, necessary force to remove them from the premises.
However, can a school security guard touch someone, use excessive force, or act with physical aggression beyond what the situation requires? No. Any unnecessary touching, grabbing, or striking without immediate cause violates personal rights.
The purpose of campus security is to create a safe, secure environment—not to intimidate or make students feel uncomfortable.
Practical Tips to Create a Safer Environment With Campus Security
If you’re concerned about protecting students' rights while improving campus security, there are proactive steps you can take to create a safe, respectful environment.
First, develop comprehensive policies outlining what campus security guards can and cannot do, including guidelines on arrests, searches, and the use of physical contact.
Second, empower students with knowledge about their rights, including:
The right to remain silent: Guards should respect students' choice to remain silent unless lawfully required to answer questions.
The right to refuse consent to searches: Clearly define the limits of security guards' authority regarding bag, room, and vehicle searches.
The right to request legal counsel: Educate both students and staff about when it’s appropriate to involve legal professionals.
Hire the Best Campus Security in Denver With Bellator Defense
When it comes to protecting your campus, partnering with a trusted security provider makes all the difference. Bellator Defense offers tailored security solutions to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students and faculty.
Our professional security guards are thoroughly trained in access control, conflict de-escalation, and emergency response. They also have a solid understanding of their powers and responsibilities and students’ rights. Contact Bellator Defense today to discuss customized security plans that protect your campus.
Comments