Under what circumstances can a security guard conduct a search?

A security guard is authorized to conduct a search primarily under two key conditions: when they have consent from the individual being searched or if there is reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in illegal activity.

Consent means that the individual has voluntarily agreed to the search, which is crucial because it respects personal rights and avoids legal complications. Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that allows guards to act when there are specific and articulable facts suggesting that a person is involved in criminal behavior, making it justifiable to conduct a search in the interest of safety or security.

The other options present conditions that do not align with the legal framework governing the actions of security personnel. For example, searching simply because a guard feels like it lacks legal grounding and disregards the individual's rights. Similarly, the presence of a police officer may offer support, but it does not inherently grant a security guard authority to search without the appropriate legal justification. Lastly, the mere appearance of suspicion in a guest does not satisfy the legal standard required for a search to be deemed appropriate unless accompanied by reasonable suspicion or consent.