Texas Security Level II Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

A security officer can initiate a physical arrest when they have probable cause. Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief, based on facts or circumstances, that a person may be committing a crime or has committed a crime. This concept is crucial in ensuring that any arrest is lawful and justified, protecting both the rights of the individual and the integrity of the legal process.

Having probable cause allows a security officer to act on their observations or information that indicate a crime is in progress or has already taken place. It ensures that an arrest is not arbitrary and is based on tangible evidence rather than suspicion or assumption. This principle is fundamental in maintaining accountability and making sure that the arresting officer is acting within the legal boundaries set by the law.

In contrast, while an arrest warrant is a more formal document issued by a judge and provides legal authority for an arrest, security officers may not always have the jurisdiction to obtain such warrants themselves. The suggestion that an arrest can only happen during emergencies or when interacting with law enforcement does not accurately represent the circumstances under which a security officer can act; the officer's ability to arrest is primarily grounded in the determination of probable cause.