Missouri Security Guard Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary distinction lies in the nature of employment and the scope of authority between the two roles. Security guards are typically employed by private companies to protect specific properties, businesses, or individuals. Their authority is limited to the areas in which they are contracted to provide security services, and they do not possess the same legal authority as law enforcement officers. This means they cannot make arrests like police officers nor enforce laws outside their specific duty assignments.

In contrast, law enforcement officers are public servants empowered by the government to enforce the law, protect citizens, and maintain public order. They undergo extensive training and a more rigorous vetting process. Their authority extends over broader jurisdictional areas, which includes the power to arrest, conduct investigations, and enforce laws across various settings, not limited to a single location or private property.

This distinction in authority and employment is crucial for understanding the roles and responsibilities assigned to both security guards and law enforcement officers.