Connecticut Security Officer License Practice Exam 2025 - Free Security Officer License Practice Questions and Study Guide

To legally detain a suspect, a security officer must have witnessed the crime. This is grounded in the principle of "probable cause." When a security officer witnesses a crime taking place, they have the immediate ability to assess the situation, identify the suspect, and take action to prevent further criminal activity. This witnessing provides the foundational authority for their response and ensures that the detention is justified based on direct observation of unlawful behavior.

Having witnessed the crime makes it clear that the officer is responding to an immediate situation, which is essential for upholding the rights of individuals and maintaining lawful procedures. Each of the other options, such as needing a witness to the crime or proof of the suspect's identity, does not provide the same level of immediate legal justification for taking action against someone suspected of wrongdoing. Furthermore, relying on permission from law enforcement, while sometimes necessary in other contexts, does not negate the officer's responsibility and authority when they have directly observed a crime, allowing them to act within their jurisdiction.