Can security officers perform the same duties as law enforcement officers?

The correct answer is that security officers cannot perform the same duties as law enforcement officers because they possess different powers, responsibilities, and scopes of authority. Law enforcement officers are sworn officials who have the legal authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and carry firearms as part of their duties. They undergo extensive training, are held to strict legal and ethical standards, and are given the authority to act in the interest of public safety under various laws.

On the other hand, security officers are typically private individuals hired to protect property, people, or information. Their authority is generally limited to the premises they are hired to secure, and they do not have the same legal powers as law enforcement. While they can observe and report incidents, detain individuals in specific circumstances (such as when a crime is happening on site), and call for help, they must adhere to legal boundaries and their employer's policies, which often restrict their actions compared to law enforcement officers.

This distinction illustrates the different nature of their roles in society and highlights the limitations placed on security personnel regarding the enforcement of laws compared to sworn law enforcement officers.