Can a security guard touch you in the UK? Yes, in certain circumstances, but a security guard does not have an unrestricted right to use physical force. Whether an intervention is lawful depends on why it was necessary, the circumstances at the time and whether the level of force used was reasonable.
This can become relevant when dealing with suspected theft, aggressive behaviour, trespassing, refusal to leave private premises or another situation where verbal instructions have not resolved the problem.
The legal provisions discussed below mainly apply to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different legal frameworks. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.
Key Point: Security guards can physically intervene where there is a lawful justification, such as preventing crime, self-defence or making a lawful arrest. Holding an SIA licence does not give a security guard the same powers as a police officer.
When can a security guard use physical force?
Physical contact by a security guard is not automatically unlawful. The reason for the intervention and the amount of force used are important.
Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 provides that a person may use reasonable force in the prevention of crime or in effecting or assisting in a lawful arrest.
Depending on the circumstances, physical intervention may therefore be relevant when a guard is:
- defending themselves or another person;
- preventing a crime;
- effecting or assisting with a lawful arrest; or
- escorting someone from premises where there is a lawful basis to do so.
Physical intervention should not automatically be the first response. The SIA guidance on reducing risk in physical intervention describes it as a last resort and says operatives should never use more force than is needed. It also highlights the importance of communication, monitoring and avoiding high-risk restraint methods.
Where communication and de-escalation can resolve the situation safely, physical restraint may not be necessary.
Can a security guard detain or arrest you?
A security guard does not have a general power to detain somebody simply because they appear suspicious.
In England and Wales, Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 gives people other than police constables a limited power of arrest without warrant. This is commonly referred to as a citizen’s arrest.
The conditions are narrower than is sometimes assumed.
Section 24A concerns indictable offences and includes a necessity test. The person making the arrest must have reasonable grounds for believing that the arrest is necessary for one of the reasons specified in the legislation. These include preventing physical injury, preventing loss of or damage to property, or preventing the person from making off before a constable can assume responsibility.
It must also appear that it is not reasonably practicable for a police constable to make the arrest instead.
This means a security guard cannot simply hold somebody while deciding whether an offence might have taken place.
The SIA’s position on detention and arrest is also clear that an SIA licence does not provide additional powers to detain or arrest someone.
Can a security guard physically remove you from private premises?
Security personnel may sometimes need to deal with someone who has been instructed to leave private premises but refuses to do so.
The response should still be proportionate to what is happening. The objective is to manage the situation and, where justified, escort the person from the premises — not to punish them for being difficult or uncooperative.
SIA training guidance places physical intervention after communication and de-escalation. It includes non-pain-compliant escorting techniques and teaches operatives to reduce the level of force and disengage when it becomes safe to do so.
This is important because circumstances can change quickly. Someone who initially refuses to leave may begin cooperating, which can change what level of physical intervention, if any, remains justified.
Can a security guard search you or your bag?
Private security personnel do not have the same general stop-and-search powers as police officers.
At venues and controlled premises, searches are commonly carried out with consent and may form part of the conditions of entry.
In March 2026, the SIA confirmed that a licensed door supervisor can put their hands inside a person’s bag to conduct a search provided the person has consented to the search. Operatives must also follow relevant assignment instructions covering how searches should be conducted.
You can read the SIA guidance on door supervisors conducting bag searches for the regulator’s current position.
If somebody refuses a consent-based search required as a condition of entry, they may be refused admission. That is different from a security guard having a general statutory power to force someone to submit to a search.
Can a security guard use handcuffs in the UK?
A security guard can carry handcuffs in the UK, but that does not mean they can use them whenever they choose.
The SIA states that there is no UK law preventing civilians from carrying handcuffs. However, licensed security operatives receive no additional legal powers over other civilians simply because they hold an SIA licence.
The key issue is therefore the use of the handcuffs.
The SIA warns that using handcuffs could result in criminal or civil liability where their use cannot be legally justified. Its published position says anyone using them needs to be able to demonstrate that the action was reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. The regulator does not endorse or encourage their use.
See the SIA’s official position on the use of handcuffs.
Handcuffs should therefore not be viewed as equipment that gives a security guard additional detention powers. There still needs to be a lawful basis for the underlying intervention.
What powers does an SIA licence give a security guard?
An SIA licence allows an individual to carry out specified regulated private security activities, subject to the relevant licensing requirements.
It does not turn the licence holder into a police officer.
The SIA specifically states that licence holders have the same legal powers of detention and arrest as other members of the public.
This distinction matters. A security operative may be responsible for monitoring access, patrolling premises, responding to incidents and following agreed security procedures, but those responsibilities do not create additional police-style powers.
What happens if a security guard uses too much force?
Even where there was a legitimate reason to intervene initially, the amount and duration of force still need to be justified by the circumstances.
For example, controlling someone during an immediate physical threat is different from continuing to apply significant force once that threat has passed.
Physical restraint also carries medical risks. Current SIA guidance warns against restraint methods that can affect breathing, blood flow, the neck or spine. It advises operatives to monitor the wellbeing of the person being restrained and reduce or end the intervention when it is safe to do so.
This is why physical intervention should be treated as a risk-managed response rather than a routine part of security work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a security guard touch you in the UK?
Yes, where there is a lawful justification for the physical intervention. Whether the contact is lawful depends on the circumstances and the level of force used.
Can a security guard hold you until the police arrive?
Potentially, but there is no general power to detain someone merely because they appear suspicious. In England and Wales, a citizen’s arrest must satisfy the requirements of Section 24A of PACE 1984.
Can a security guard arrest a shoplifter?
Potentially. Theft is an indictable offence, meaning Section 24A may apply, but the other statutory conditions for making a citizen’s arrest must also be satisfied.
Can a security guard force you to be searched?
An ordinary private security search is generally consent-based. A search may be required as a condition of entry, but an SIA licence does not create general police stop-and-search powers.
Does an SIA licence give a security guard police powers?
No. The SIA states that holding a licence does not provide additional powers of detention or arrest. An SIA-licensed operative is not a police officer.
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