I was skateboarding through a supermarket parking lot last Sunday. I wasn't doing any tricks like "grinding" or anything. I was merely using my board as a faster means of transportation. As I was skating, I passed a security guard who yelled "No skateboarding!" After that, I skated right past him and ignored him. He flipped a U-turn (as he was in a golf cart) and caught up with me half way through the parking lot. He pulled up behind me and again told me me to get off of my board. Not wanting to cause any trouble, I decided to comply. I picked up my board and proceeded to walk my way through the parking lot. All the while I was thinking, "what could this guy have done if I refused to listen to him?"
Does anybody know anything about this subject? If I kept going, could he have chased and detained me? Could he have confiscated my skateboard? Or could I have kept on skating as if he didn't even exist? Thank you
2007-10-25 04:05:43 · 11 answers · asked by Lumpy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Security officers generally have the authority to act as agents for the owner of the property. The have the same arrest authority as any private citizen - so called citizen's arrest which usually must be a felony.
The security officer can request that you stop skateboarding and warn you against trespassing in the parking lot.
If you persist, he/she can contact police who may or may not arrest you if you have repeatedly ignored requests to cease skateboarding or to stop trespassing.
He would not be permitted to take your skateboard as that would be depriving you of your property without due cause.
2007-10-25 04:14:32 · answer #1 · answered by rjrmpk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First Of All If You Know You Aint Supposed To Board There Why Do It?? Because You Stopped He Gets Credit For Doing His Job. Most Security Guards Are Wanna Be Cops That Dont Ever Make It. Guys Like This More Than Likely Have A Good Repore With The Local PD So Be Careful Because If Its Ever His Word Against Yours Youll Probably Lose. So Basically Hes Got Whatever Authority In Which The Local Police Will Allow Him As Long As Hes Not Brutal, Of Course If He Attacks You Hes Gonna Say You Hit Him First. Also You Do Have Some Security Guards That Used To Be Cops And Will recieve Alot More Props From The PD Than You Will. Just Do The Right Thing Bro When You Get Older Youll Appreciate It More. Good Luck To Ya.
2007-10-25 08:53:28 · answer #2 · answered by SWAT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This can be a touchy business all around. Local laws vary on just how much a security guard can do. Mnay may and do restrain lawbreakers until police can be summoned. This could include having an open container or being a minor and drinking. These two, though generally misdemeanor offenses, are crimes and they are punishable. In some cases, security guards have a bit more authority on private property than the police do. You are better off trying to work things out with this one guard than trying to take him on. Resisting arrest is illegal in most cases. Telling someone off is sketchy because of the possibility of threats or escalation to violence. In most citties, there are stricter penalties for assaulting someone like a security guard. Running from a guard creates suspicion and actually increases the chances that you will be detained. Running is probable cause.
2016-04-10 04:27:11 · answer #3 · answered by Heather 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A supermarket is private property, the only difference between the parking lot there and your own pesonal driveway is the supermaket it open to the public.
The supermarket can legally make rules about what is allowed, and what is not allowed. If they do allow skateboarding, it opens up legal issues. If you get hurt, or hurt someone else, or damage someone's car, they can be held responsible. For this reason, prohibiting skateboarding is becoming more popular on private property.
As an employee for the supermarket, he is empowered to enforce the policy of the store, so he can legally stop you. First thing you should do is find out if your city has an ordinace restricting skateboarding in public. If they do, he could hold you for the police, just like they hold a shoplifter. Also, if you stayed after he told you to leave, you could be charged with trespass. Even if it is open to the public, they can ask you to leave, and press charges if you remain.
2007-10-25 04:17:46 · answer #4 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You were on private property, the guard is acting as the "agent of the owner", the guard may direct you to leave the property; and if you don't you are trespassing. It is that simple. If you are trespassing, depending on the state, the guard may detain you for the police.
Why would you even question this? Are you just looking for trouble or have problem with authority. Remember in a parking lot you are a guest of whomever owns that lot, don't be a punk.
2007-10-26 21:33:02 · answer #5 · answered by r_77_p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He can hold you for the police, while on the stores property you are required to abide by their rules and policies, if you refuse you are immediately a trespasser and subject to arrest. I really dont get the problem here, you were on someone elses property but dont feel you have to honor their requests? So I guess if I decided to ride my bike around your living room that wouldnt be problem either?
2007-10-25 04:13:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Learn what the store policy is on boarding...is there any 'real' law against skateboarding in public ?
I would think the most they could do is tell you to leave their property...which you were doing anyway.
2007-10-25 04:26:55 · answer #7 · answered by sirbobby98121 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They do NOT have the power of arrest as do commissioned officers. They can detain you under "citizen's arrest" for the police , but that is all.
2007-10-25 08:31:47 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably more in Las Vegas, NV than anywhere else.
2007-10-25 06:26:58 · answer #9 · answered by L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rent a Cops are a pain. They have limited authority and no brains.
2007-10-25 04:13:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋