Legal opinion: Private guards have little arrest authority


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CHESTER, S.C. (AP) — An opinion from the South Carolina attorney general's office says private security guards have no more arrest powers than anyone else.

The Herald of Rock Hill reports (http://bit.ly/1JvfsOf ) the opinion was sought by the South Carolina Sheriff's Association after some schools in the state have hired private security guards instead of paying for law enforcement officers.

The opinion notes that citizens can make arrests if they see a felony being committed, have information that one has been committed or if they see a larceny committed.

Chester County Schools are using security guards instead of deputies this year.

Sheriff Alex Underwood is upset with that situation and wonders if someone who has no more arrest authority than a private citizen can really provide school security.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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