Tennessee Security Guard Practice Exam 2025 - Free Security Guard Practice Questions and Study Guide

The purpose of a security guard's powers of arrest in Tennessee is primarily to detain individuals who are suspected of committing unlawful acts until law enforcement can take over. This power serves as a crucial function in maintaining safety and order in various establishments, allowing security personnel to act swiftly in situations that may pose threats to people or property.

When security guards are trained and authorized to perform citizen's arrests or detentions, they must operate within the boundaries of the law, which often includes having a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. Their role is to ensure that the situation does not escalate and that the responsible authority, namely law enforcement, is alerted to handle the matter further.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the legal limitations and responsibilities placed on security guards. For instance, the authority to arrest individuals for any reason is not permissible; it must be based on actual unlawful behavior. Similarly, issuing summons is typically a function reserved for law enforcement officers rather than security personnel. Conducting vehicular stops falls outside the general scope of duties for security guards, as these actions can involve law enforcement training and considerations not typically covered in security training. Thus, the correct understanding of a security guard's powers of arrest centers on the lawful detention of individuals