In a shopping centre scenario, you are asked to perform a pat-down on a 15-year-old by a colleague. What is your legal position?

In a shopping centre scenario, you are asked to perform a pat-down on a 15-year-old by a colleague. What is your legal position?

• A. Yes, if the teen consents
• B. Yes, if your supervisor approves
• C. Yes, if you have a manual
• D. No you don't have the power to search someone

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that search powers are legally restricted and private security staff don’t automatically have the authority to pat down someone. A pat-down is an intrusive search, and in most settings it can only be performed by police or by someone who has statutory authority. Consent from the teen does not grant you the power to search, and supervisor approval or having a manual doesn’t create legal authority to perform a search either. The proper course of action is to refrain from conducting the search and to follow established procedures: observe discreetly, involve management, and contact the police or other authorized personnel if you believe there’s a risk or a need for investigation.

The key idea is that search powers are legally restricted and private security staff don’t automatically have the authority to pat down someone. A pat-down is an intrusive search, and in most settings it can only be performed by police or by someone who has statutory authority. Consent from the teen does not grant you the power to search, and supervisor approval or having a manual doesn’t create legal authority to perform a search either. The proper course of action is to refrain from conducting the search and to follow established procedures: observe discreetly, involve management, and contact the police or other authorized personnel if you believe there’s a risk or a need for investigation.