Do security officers have the same authority to arrest as police officers?

Security officers do not possess the same authority to arrest as police officers. In Texas, security officers have limited powers that are primarily defined by the law, which typically grants them the authority to act as a private citizen in enforcing laws. This means they can make a citizen's arrest when they witness a crime in progress, but this authority does not extend to the same comprehensive police powers that law enforcement officers have.

Police officers are sworn officers with broad powers to investigate crimes and make arrests under various circumstances, including the ability to detain suspects based on reasonable suspicion and probable cause. On the other hand, security officers are often hired to maintain safety in private settings and have to operate within the confines of their employer's policies and applicable laws, which usually does not extend to arrest authority beyond the citizen's arrest framework.

This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the specific legal boundaries and responsibilities that come with the role of a security officer compared to that of a law enforcement officer.