This guide breaks down the essential rules for unarmed and armed guards based on the Tennessee Private Protective Services Licensing and Regulatory Act.
What Are the Legal Powers of a Security Guard in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-101 et seq.), security guards have specific legal powers that allow them to protect their assigned property and the people on it. These powers are granted to them as private citizens and are only applicable while on duty.
A security guard in Tennessee is legally empowered to:
Perform a Citizen's Arrest: Detain an individual who commits a felony or misdemeanor in the guard's presence until law enforcement arrives. This must be based on probable cause.
Use Reasonable and Necessary Force: Use force proportional to the threat to defend themselves, another person, or the property they are assigned to protect. Armed guards must meet strict state qualifications for firearm use.
Protect Property: Secure the premises they are assigned to guard. This includes ejecting trespassers and responding to emergencies, such as fires or medical incidents.
Observe and Report: Monitor for criminal or suspicious activity and document all incidents. These official reports can be used as evidence in court proceedings.
What Are the Legal Limitations of a Security Guard in Tennessee?
Tennessee law places strict limits on security guards to ensure they do not overstep their authority. A guard is a private citizen, not a sworn police officer, and violating these restrictions can lead to license revocation, lawsuits, or criminal charges.
Key limitations for security guards include:
No Law Enforcement Authority: Guards cannot impersonate a police officer, issue traffic citations, conduct criminal investigations, or make arrests with the same authority as police.
Restrictions on Searches: A guard cannot search a person or their belongings without consent, unless it is part of a citizen's arrest or there is a clear, imminent threat. Forcing a search can lead to a lawsuit.
Limits on Detention: While a guard can detain a suspect during a citizen's arrest, the detention must be brief and last only long enough for police to arrive. Holding someone for an excessive period may be considered false imprisonment.
Prohibition of Excessive Force: Force must always be a last resort and must be reasonable and proportional to the threat. Using excessive force is illegal and a primary source of liability.
Security Guard Training Requirements in Tennessee
To legally operate in Tennessee, guards must complete state-mandated training. This ensures they understand their legal powers and limitations.
Unarmed Guards: Must complete a 4-hour training course covering legal powers, emergency procedures, and general duties.
Armed Guards: Must complete the unarmed guard training plus additional, comprehensive firearms instruction and pass an annual requalification test with at least 70% accuracy.
At Alliance Training & Testing, our veteran-led programs are designed to exceed these state requirements, preparing you for real-world scenarios with compliant, effective techniques.
Common Questions About Security Guards in Tennessee (FAQ)
Q: Do security guards have the same powers as police?
A: No. They are private citizens with limited authority focused on observation, deterrence, and property protection. They cannot make official arrests or enforce laws like a police officer.
Q: Can a security guard search my bag?
A: Only with your explicit consent or if there is probable cause related to an immediate threat to safety. They cannot conduct a search otherwise.
Q: Are all security guards in Tennessee armed?
A: No. The majority of security guards are unarmed. Carrying a firearm requires a separate, more rigorous certification and is reserved for roles with higher risk. All armed guards are trained to prioritize de-escalation over using force.
Q: What happens if a guard witnesses a crime off-property?
A: Their legal authority as a security guard does not apply off their assigned property. As a private citizen, they can report the crime to the police but should not intervene in an official capacity.
Start Your Security Career with Confidence
Navigating Tennessee's legal landscape is essential for any security professional. With proper training, you can effectively protect property and people while staying compliant and minimizing risk.
If you are ready to get certified or renew your license, explore our unarmed and armed guard training programs at [Link: guardtrainingtn.com]. Enroll today to learn from experts and build a successful career in a high-demand field.
About Alliance Training and Testing
Contact
Angel Rodriguez CPP.Owner, Alliance Training and Testing.
