Can a security officer detain a person suspected of shoplifting in Colorado?

A security officer in Colorado is permitted to detain a person suspected of shoplifting if they have reasonable suspicion that theft has occurred. Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause and allows the officer to take action based on specific and articulable facts that suggest an individual may be involved in criminal activity.

This authority is grounded in the concept of citizen's arrest, which allows private individuals, including security officers, to detain individuals when they believe a crime is being committed. The key here is that the security officer must be able to articulate reasons for their suspicion that align with observable behaviors or facts.

While other options suggest limitations on the officer's authority, such as requiring direct observation of the theft or restricting the right to a brief conversation, these do not accurately reflect the legal framework applicable in Colorado for individuals tasked with security duties. This allows security officers to maintain a degree of responsibility in preventing theft and protecting property, while also ensuring that their actions remain within the leash of the law by requiring a basis of reasonable suspicion.