North Dakota Security Guard Practice Exam

What does "detaining a suspect" legally require a security guard to ensure?

1. The detention is for a long period for thorough investigation

2. The detention is brief and for investigative purposes only

3. The detention must involve informing the suspect of their rights

4. The detention allows for questioning an individual indefinitely

The correct answer is: The detention is brief and for investigative purposes only

The correct answer emphasizes that the detention must be brief and solely for investigative purposes. This is crucial because it aligns with legal standards regarding citizen’s arrests and the rights of individuals being detained. Security personnel are typically authorized to detain a suspect only long enough to conduct a brief investigation or to confirm whether there is sufficient reason to involve law enforcement. Detaining someone for extended periods could potentially lead to legal issues, such as claims of false imprisonment if the detention exceeds what is reasonable under the circumstances. It is essential for security guards to act within the limits of their authority and ensure that any detention does not infringe on the individual's rights, making a brief investigation imperative. Informing a suspect of their rights relates more to law enforcement officers and the concepts surrounding custodial interrogation under the Miranda rights. Additionally, indefinite detention contradicts the legal foundations governing the rights of individuals and would not be justifiable in a security context.