Can a security officer arrest a person based solely on a trusted person's claim about breaking a window?

In the context of the California Private Security Services Act, a security officer's authority to make an arrest is clearly defined by legal standards. An officer may only arrest a person when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed. In this case, relying solely on a trusted person's claim about breaking a window does not provide the security officer with sufficient evidence or firsthand knowledge of the crime. This is essentially hearsay, which does not meet the legal threshold for making an arrest.

The law emphasizes the need for direct observation or credible evidence that supports the occurrence of a crime. This means that a security officer cannot act merely on the assertion of another individual, regardless of that person’s credibility. Therefore, the correct understanding is that security officers lack the authority to conduct an arrest based solely on hearsay, aligning with option C. This ensures that apprehensions are made responsibly and based on solid evidence, protecting both the rights of individuals and the integrity of lawful arrest procedures.