What are security guards allowed to do regarding detaining a suspect?

Security guards in Georgia are permitted to detain a suspect only when they have a lawful justification for doing so, and it is crucial that they contact law enforcement as soon as possible. This approach is grounded in the legal framework that governs the actions of security personnel. Guards are not law enforcement officers and thus cannot take actions based on personal feelings or suspicions alone; they must have reasonable cause related to a crime.

This requirement serves to protect the rights of individuals and ensures that any detention is based on objective, observable behavior that suggests wrongdoing. By promptly calling law enforcement after detaining a suspect, security guards ensure that the authorities can take over and handle the situation appropriately, preserving the rights of the suspect and adhering to legal protocols.

The other options, such as detaining someone based solely on intuition, without justification, or just until a manager arrives, do not align with the legal standards or procedures that security guards must follow. These actions risk violating the law and could lead to legal repercussions for both the guard and the security company.