TPS Legal Aspects and Liability 3

Question 1

Which Texas state agency licenses and regulates private security companies and individual security officers under the Texas Private Security Act?

Accepted Answer

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

Answer

TDLR administers Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code, which is the Texas Private Security Act governing security companies and officers.

Question 2

Compared to a sworn Texas peace officer, a licensed private security officer has:

Accepted Answer

No more legal authority than any ordinary private citizen

Answer

A security license authorizes someone to work in the security industry but grants no special law enforcement powers beyond those available to any Texas citizen.

Question 3

Under the Texas Private Security Act, operating a private security company without a license is classified as:

Accepted Answer

A state jail felony

Answer

Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code makes operating an unlicensed private security company a state jail felony, reflecting the seriousness of unregulated security operations.

Question 4

A private security officer who personally witnesses a felony being committed may lawfully:

Accepted Answer

Make a citizen's arrest using only the force reasonably necessary

Answer

Texas law permits any person — including security officers — to make a citizen's arrest when a felony is committed in their presence, using only reasonable force.

Question 5

A property owner asks a security officer to remove a trespasser who verbally refuses to leave. The officer's best course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Inform the person they are trespassing and call law enforcement if they refuse to comply

Answer

Security officers may verbally inform trespassers of their violation, but physical removal of a non-compliant person should involve law enforcement to avoid excessive force claims.

(TPS) Texas Private Security Certification Practice Test

(TPS) Texas Private Security Certification Practice Test

TPS Legal Aspects and Liability 3