Private security guards play an essential role in keeping people and property safe—but they’re not police officers. That distinction matters, especially when it comes to understanding what private security can legally do (and what’s beyond their authority).
Whether you’re a business owner hiring a guard, an event organizer planning security coverage, or just someone curious about your rights, this guide will walk you through what private security guards are allowed to do—and where the legal lines are drawn.
Let’s break it down.
Security guards are often the first line of defense against threats to their clients. In many situations, they’re hired to protect property, maintain order, and deter crime. Here’s what they can typically do, legally and professionally:
At the core of a security guard’s job is situational awareness. They’re trained to spot suspicious activity, gather details, and report incidents to law enforcement or management when necessary.
In most states, including Massachusetts, security guards can detain someone if they have reasonable cause or have witnessed a crime in progress. This is called a citizen’s arrest and must be handled carefully to avoid legal issues. The security guard must:
Important: Guards are not allowed to detain someone just because they “look suspicious.”
Security guards have authority on private property. This includes:
If someone refuses to comply, a guard can ask them to leave and call the police if needed.
Security guards can search bags or personal items only if:
Security guards may use reasonable force to:
However, the use of force must always match the threat level. Excessive force can lead to legal consequences for both the guard and their employer/client.
While private security guards provide valuable protection, they are not law enforcement and must operate within strict legal boundaries. Here’s what they’re not allowed to do.
Security guards don’t have arrest powers in the traditional sense. They can perform a citizen’s arrest in limited situations (such as witnessing a crime in progress), but:
Trying to act like a police officer can lead to legal trouble for the guard and the business that hired them.
Not all security guards are armed, and those who are must go through specific licensing and training. In Massachusetts, for example, armed guards need a License to Carry (LTC) and must be certified.
If a guard is unarmed, they cannot use or threaten with a weapon under any circumstance.
Security guards are not allowed to search a person’s belongings or body without permission. This includes:
Searches are only legal if the person voluntarily agrees, or if it’s a condition of entry and clearly posted, like at a concert or sporting event.
Guards must follow the rule of reasonable force. That means:
Using too much force—even during a lawful detention—can result in criminal charges and lawsuits.
A security guard cannot present themselves as a cop. That means:
It’s illegal in most states, including Massachusetts, for private security to impersonate law enforcement in any way.
If you’re hiring or working with a private security company in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand how state laws shape what they can and can’t do. Here’s a breakdown of how things work in the Commonwealth:
Massachusetts has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Any armed security guard must:
Unarmed guards are not allowed to carry any weapon (including tasers or pepper spray) unless licensed to do so.
Security guards in Massachusetts do not have policy authority. They’re considered private citizens and can only perform a citizen’s arrest under very limited circumstances, such as witnessing a felony or a breach of peace (like an active fight or trespassing).
They cannot:
Unlike some states, Massachusetts doesn’t have a single, statewide license or certification for unarmed security guards. However:
Massachusetts also requires all private detective and watch guard agencies to be licensed by the Department of State Police, which oversees the industry.
Guards in Massachusetts have the legal right to:
If someone refuses to comply, guards can ask them to leave and involve the police if necessary.
Hiring a private security company is a big decision—and not one to take lightly. The wrong company can do more harm than good, exposing your business to lawsuits, PR disasters, and even criminal liability if things go sideways. That’s why it’s critical to work with trained professionals who understand the law, their role, and your expectations.
Here’s how to make sure you’re hiring a real team of professionals, not just a group of untrained individuals with uniforms and egos.
A legitimate security company will be:
Ask to see documentation. If they hesitate? That’s your first red flag.
The company should be able to clearly articulate:
If a company seems eager to “take matters into their own hands,” be wary. The best security providers prioritize prevention, observation, and lawful intervention—not aggression.
Your security guards represent you. They’re the first face your customers, tenants, or guests see. Choose a company whose personnel:
You want a team that understands how to command authority without creating fear or tension.
Your contract should outline:
A reputable company will work with you to create a custom security plan, not just drop a body on site and hope for the best.
Security shouldn’t be a checkbox, but an ongoing relationship. The right company will act as a partner in your safety strategy, providing regular updates, adjusting to your needs, and helping you reduce risk without creating legal exposure.
Only in limited circumstances, such as defending themselves or detaining someone during a crime. Even then, any physical contact must be reasonable and non-aggressive.
Only if you agree to it or if you’re entering a venue where bag searches are part of the posted rules. You always have the right to refuse, but you may also be denied entry.
No. Security guards have no authority beyond the premises they’re hired to protect. Following someone off-site could be considered harassment or stalking.
Only if they have a valid License to Carry (LTC) and are working for a licensed company. Unarmed guards cannot legally carry pepper spray, tasers, or firearms without appropriate certification.
Yes, if you’re in a public place. But if you’re on private property, the rules may vary depending on the location’s policies.
When it comes to security, professionalism isn’t optional—it’s everything. At Chai Life Security, our team isn’t just made up of “guys with radios.” It’s built on decades of real-world experience.
We staff our teams with former and active law enforcement, military veterans, and federal agents who bring a deep understanding of the law, crisis response, and ethical conduct to every assignment. Our guards are trained not only in protection and prevention, but in how to operate legally, respectfully, and in your best interest.
Whether you’re safeguarding a property, an event, or your people, you deserve a team that knows exactly what they’re doing and has the background to prove it.
Ready for security you can trust? Contact Chai Life Security today to build a security plan that’s customized, compliant, and backed by the best.