When might a security officer be charged with embezzlement?

A security officer may be charged with embezzlement specifically when they steal anything they were entrusted to protect because embezzlement fundamentally involves the misappropriation of funds or property that is owned by another party. When a security officer is given responsibility for safeguarding a company's assets, any wrongful taking of those assets with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property qualifies as embezzlement. This breach of trust is a serious offense, as it directly violates the duty of care and loyalty owed to the employer.

In contrast, misplacing company funds does not imply intent to commit theft, and taking a break during a shift does not involve any unlawful actions concerning funds or assets. Giving away merchandise may breach company policy or rules but does not necessarily constitute embezzlement unless the officer has been specifically entrusted to manage that merchandise and takes an action that results in financial loss to the employer. Thus, the critical factor for embezzlement is the act of wrongful taking of assets that one has been entrusted to protect.