Under what conditions are PSOs authorized to detain individuals?

Protective Security Officers (PSOs) are trained to maintain safety and order in their environments, and their authority to detain individuals is closely tied to the necessity of ensuring such safety and order. The correct choice is rooted in the principle that detaining an individual is justified when it is essential to prevent a threat or to manage a situation where safety could be compromised.

This ensures that PSOs act within the framework of their responsibilities and legal limitations, focusing on de-escalating situations and protecting individuals from potential harm. Their actions must align with the immediate need to address safety concerns, rather than being based on arbitrary decision-making or personal discretion, which would not be appropriate or effective in a professional security context.

The other options suggest conditions for detention that do not align with the established training and protocols for PSOs. For example, detaining someone "whenever they see fit" implies a level of discretion that could lead to misuse of authority, while needing "permission from a local police officer" would not be practical in urgent situations where immediate action is necessary. Additionally, being authorized "only by federal laws" fails to recognize the specific operational guidelines and situational judgment required in the field.

In summary, the training emphasizes that the power to