After a lawful private-person arrest, may a security guard search the arrestee?
Explanation
A private security guard's authority to search incident to a citizen's arrest is narrower than a peace officer's. The recognized scope is a limited search for weapons (to secure the guard's safety) and to prevent destruction of evidence, pending transfer to a peace officer. Strip searches (c) and full inventory (a) exceed this authority and may constitute battery or unlawful search. Some search authority does exist (so 'never' (d) is wrong). Best practice: avoid all searches when possible, secure the area, and wait for police.
Law Reference: Common-law search incident to citizen's arrest; People v. Sandoval (1966) 65 Cal.2d 303This topic, taught in full in the California Guard Card (BSIS Security Guard) guide. California Guard Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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