Can a security officer make a misdemeanor arrest based on the witness of a reliable person if the crime did not occur in their presence?

In California, a private security officer does not have the authority to make a misdemeanor arrest based solely on the testimony of a reliable witness if the crime did not occur in the officer's presence. The law generally requires that an arrest must be based on the officer’s own observation of the crime or an immediate response to a crime in progress. This maintains a standard of accountability and ensures that arrests are made based on direct evidence and not solely on hearsay, which could lead to unjustified arrests.

Misdemeanors typically involve less severe offenses, and law enforcement is given more expansive authority to act on witnessed offenses. However, for private security personnel, the lack of firsthand witness to the act itself means the criteria for lawful arrest are not met. This legal framework exists to protect both the rights of individuals and the integrity of the arrest process.