Powers to ArrestQuestion 7 of 200

'Reasonable cause' under §837 means which of the following?

a.Mere suspicion — a hunch drawn from the person's appearance, nervousness, or presence in a high-crime area
b.Proof beyond a reasonable doubt — the same standard the prosecution must meet at a criminal trial before a jury
c.Facts that would lead a person of ordinary care and prudence to entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the person is guilty
d.Whatever the security officer subjectively believes at the time, since the officer on the scene judges the facts

Explanation

The 'reasonable cause' (often called 'probable cause') standard from People v. Ingle (1960) 53 Cal.2d 407 is: a state of facts that would lead a person of ordinary care and prudence to believe and conscientiously entertain an honest and strong suspicion that the person arrested is guilty of a crime. This is far more than mere suspicion (a) but far less than the criminal-trial 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard (b). Purely subjective belief without an objective factual basis (d) is insufficient and exposes the guard to false-arrest liability.

Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §836; People v. Ingle (1960) 53 Cal.2d 407

This 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 →

Practice all 200 questions free — no signup required.

Own the complete California Guard Card (BSIS Security Guard) guide — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 →

Related questions on this topic

Last reviewed: · editorial process

PrepPass team · Verified against California BSIS Guard Card Exam · How we review
Report