Colorado Security Officer Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Can a security officer detain a suspect in Colorado?

1. No, they have no authority to detain anyone

2. Yes, but only if they witness a crime and it is necessary to prevent escape

3. Yes, but they must wait for law enforcement to arrive

4. Only if they have probable cause of a crime

The correct answer is: Yes, but only if they witness a crime and it is necessary to prevent escape

In Colorado, a security officer can detain a suspect, but specific conditions must be met for the detention to be lawful. The correct answer states that a security officer can detain an individual if they have witnessed a crime and if such detention is necessary to prevent the suspect's escape. This is grounded in the concept of "citizen's arrest," which allows individuals to take reasonable action in response to witnessing a crime. Security officers are typically trained to recognize when they have the authority to intervene in situations where a crime is taking place. If they witness a crime directly, their responsibility includes taking steps to maintain public safety and prevent further illegal activity. The necessity to prevent escape is crucial, indicating that the officer's actions must be proportional and reasonable in response to the immediacy of the situation. This principle aligns with the larger legal framework that governs how security officers operate in Colorado. They do not need to wait for law enforcement to arrive to affect a detention, as long as the criteria of witnessing a crime and the need to prevent escape are satisfied. Probable cause, while relevant to law enforcement, is not a requirement for a security officer in this specific context of on-the-spot crime observations.