What State of California Law gives a security officer the power to arrest a person for a crime?

The correct choice relates to Penal Code 837, which specifically outlines the authority of private citizens, including security officers, to make arrests in California. Under this code, a private person may arrest another for a public offense committed in their presence, or when a felony has been committed, and they have reasonable cause to believe that the person being arrested committed it.

This provision acknowledges the role of security officers as part of the broader law enforcement framework, granting them the authority to act when they witness a crime, similar to how regular citizens may intervene in such situations. This is essential for maintaining safety and order in environments where security officers are stationed.

The other options cited refer to different aspects of law enforcement and criminal procedure that do not provide security officers the power to arrest in the same context. For instance, Penal Code 843 deals with the power of certain officers to make arrests without a warrant under specific circumstances, while Penal Code 998 is concerned with settlement offers in lawsuits and Penal Code 849 discusses the requirements for the release of a person arrested without a warrant under certain conditions. Therefore, they are not applicable to the authority granted to security officers in making arrests for crimes.