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A security guard or security officer is usually a privately and formally employed person who is paid to protect property, assets, and/or people. Often, security officers are uniformed and act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence to deter illegal and/or inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and/or reporting any incidents to their client, employer and emergency services as appropriate. Since at least the Middle Ages in Europe, the term watchman was more commonly applied to this function.

Many security firms and proprietary security departments practice the "detect, deter, observe and report" methodology. Security officers are not required to make arrests (but have the authority to make a citizen's arrest) or otherwise act as an agent of law enforcement at the request of a police officer, sheriff, and others.

In addition to the methodology mentioned above, a private security officer's primary duty is the prevention and deterrence of crime. Security personnel enforce company rules and can act to protect lives and property. In fact, they frequently have a contractual obligation to provide these actions. Security officers are often trained to perform arrest and control procedures (including handcuffing and restraints), operate emergency equipment, perform first aid, CPR, take accurate notes, write detailed reports, and perform other tasks as required by the contractee they are serving. Many security officers are required to go through additional training mandated by the state for the carrying of weapons such as batons, firearms, and pepper spray.

There is a marked difference between persons performing the duties historically associated with watchmen and persons who take a more active role in protecting persons and property. The former, often called "guards," are taught the mantra "observe and report," are minimally trained, and not expected to deal with the public or confront criminals. The latter are often highly trained, sometimes armed depending on contracts agreed upon with clientele, and are more likely to interact with the general public and to confront the criminal element. These employees tend to take pride in the title "Security Officer" or "Protection Officer" and disdain the label of "guard." Ironically enough, there may be no relationship between duties performed and compensation -- many mall "security officers" who are exposed to serious risks make less per hour than "industrial security guards" with less training and responsibility.[4] However, there are now more positions in the security role that separate not just the titles, but the job itself. The roles have progressed and so have the areas for which security people are needed. All security jobs vary in pay and duties at present.

In Florida;

 493.6305  Uniforms, required wear; exceptions.--

(1)  Class "D" licensees shall perform duties regulated under this chapter in a uniform which bears at least one patch or emblem visible at all times clearly identifying the employing agency. Upon resignation or termination of employment, a Class "D" licensee shall immediately return to the employer any uniform and any other equipment issued to her or him by the employer.

(2)  Class "D" licensees may perform duties regulated under this chapter in nonuniform status on a limited special assignment basis, and only when duty circumstances or special requirements of the client necessitate such dress.

(3)  Class "D" licensees who are also Class "G" licensees and who are performing limited, special assignment duties may carry their authorized firearm concealed in the conduct of such duties.

493.6124  Use of state seal; prohibited.--No person or licensee shall use any facsimile reproduction or pictorial portion of the Great Seal of the State of Florida on any badge, credentials, identification card, or other means of identification used in connection with any activities regulated under this chapter.

 493.6118  Grounds for disciplinary action.--

(1)  The following constitute grounds for which disciplinary action specified in subsection (2) may be taken by the department against any licensee, agency, or applicant regulated by this chapter, or any unlicensed person engaged in activities regulated under this chapter.

(a)  Fraud or willful misrepresentation in applying for or obtaining a license.

(b)  Use of any fictitious or assumed name by an agency unless the agency has department approval and qualifies under s. 865.09.

(c)  Being found guilty of or entering a plea of guilty or no-lo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, or being convicted of a crime that directly relates to the business for which the license is held or sought. A plea of nolo contendere shall create a rebuttable presumption of guilt to the underlying criminal charges, and the department shall allow the individual being disciplined or denied an application for a license to present any mitigating circumstances surrounding his or her plea.

(d)  A false statement by the licensee that any individual is or has been in his or her employ.

(e)  A finding that the licensee or any employee is guilty of willful betrayal of a professional secret or any unauthorized release of information acquired as a result of activities regulated under this chapter.

(f)  Proof that the applicant or licensee is guilty of fraud or deceit, or of negligence, incompetency, or misconduct, in the practice of the activities regulated under this chapter.

(g)  Conducting activities regulated under this chapter without a license or with a revoked or suspended license.

(h)  Failure of the licensee to maintain in full force and effect the commercial general liability insurance coverage required by s. 493.6110.

(i)  Impersonating, or permitting or aiding and abetting an employee to impersonate, a law enforcement officer or an employee of the state, the United States, or any political subdivision thereof by identifying himself or herself as a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer or official representative, by wearing a uniform or presenting or displaying a badge or credentials that would cause a reasonable person to believe that he or she is a law enforcement officer or that he or she has official authority, by displaying any flashing or warning vehicular lights other than a  amber colored, or 50/50 amber/green by committing any act that is intended to falsely convey official status.

(j)  Commission of an act of violence or the use of force on any person except in the lawful protection of one's self or another from physical harm.

  Employing or contracting with any unlicensed or improperly licensed person or agency to conduct activities regulated under this chapter, or performing any act that assists, aids, or abets a person or business entity in engaging in unlicensed activity, when the licenser status was known or could have been ascertained by reasonable inquiry.

(o)  Failure or refusal to cooperate with or refusal of access to an authorized representative of the department engaged in an official investigation pursuant to this chapter.

(p)  Failure of any partner, principal corporate officer, or licensee to have his or her identification card in his or her possession while on duty.

(q)  Failure of any licensee to have his or her license in his or her possession while on duty, as specified in s. 493.6111(1).

 316.2397  Certain lights prohibited; exceptions.--

(1)  No person shall drive or move or cause to be moved any vehicle or equipment upon any highway within this state with any lamp or device thereon showing or displaying a red or blue light visible from directly in front thereof except for certain vehicles hereinafter provided.

 

(2)  It is expressly prohibited for any vehicle or equipment, except police vehicles, to show or display blue lights. However, vehicles owned, operated, or leased by the Department of Corrections may show or display blue lights when responding to emergencies.

Vehicles owned or leased by private security agencies may show or 50/50 display green and amber lights, with either color being no greater than 50 percent of the lights displayed, while the security personnel are engaged in security duties on private or public property.

IN FLORIDA armed or unarmed the security guards job is to "Observe and Report security officers can use force to protect themselves and others and can make a citizens arrest like every other citizen, the only restriction on force is it can be used it to protect property & life.

Security officers are not law enforcement officers and are not granted any police powers regarding arrest or use of force.

What exactly is a security officers citizen's arrest?

A citizen's arrest is when you, as someone who is not a duly sworn police officer, detains a person because you believe on reasonable grounds that the other person is committing or has just committed an offense (for example, theft, assault, criminal damage). If a subject is detained the security officer must immediately contact the police. Security officers can due a lite pat down of suspects to check for weapons how ever a through search must be done by a police officer.