What rights do security guards have in Illinois?

In Illinois, security guards are granted the right to use reasonable force and detain suspects under specific circumstances. This means that while they can intervene if a crime is suspected, their actions must be justified and proportionate to the situation at hand. For instance, if a security guard observes someone committing theft, they may detain that person for a short period until law enforcement can arrive, but this must be done in a manner that is respectful of the individual’s rights and safety.

This right to detain is closely regulated, with expectations that guards act within the limits of the law. The use of reasonable force refers to the minimum amount of force necessary to control a situation. This principle emphasizes that security guards should avoid excessive force and should only act when necessary to protect themselves or others from harm.

In contrast, the other options present rights that are either too broad or not legally supported in Illinois. The right to detain anyone suspected of a crime without the nuances of "reasonable" or "specific circumstances" can lead to violations of rights. Similarly, the ability to search anyone at any time breaches individual privacy rights and is not supported under Illinois law. Lastly, although security guards can detain individuals, they do not possess the authority to arrest individuals without a