Search and Seizure

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Can search and seizure be a concern with private security? First, what constitutes search and seizure? What responsibilities do security officers have in private security? How does search and seizure affect private security? Search and Seizure is the fourth amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment states that “people have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the person or thing to be seized” (Harr. J, 2008). What this means is that any area of a specific location could be searched but without violating this amendment. Also, one must have probable cause in order to acquire a search warrant under oath. The warrant should be specific in terms of what is going to be searched or seized. Private security responsibilities are to observe and report. Can private security chase a person and hold him? The answer is quite simple, which is yes. However, the security officer has the choice to pursue someone. The job of a private security is also to make sure that the property that they are in protection of is secure. This includes doors, windows, and any other entrance point where a person can breach the place. How can search and seizure pose a concern for private security? For one reason, security officials do not have the same authority as law enforcement. I don’t believe that security officers have the power to search individuals or property at any time. Security firms have to be extremely cautious about getting a law suit for violating a person’s right. Therefore, this poses a major concern for security firms. Although private security and law enforcement do most of the same job law enforcement holds one power

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