Law & Powers

Citizen's Arrest UK: What Security Guards Can and Cannot Do

10 min read· Updated 2026-07-07· Free · No signup

Citizen's arrest by security personnel is legally permissible but narrower than most people think. The legal grounding is section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). Miss any condition and it is unlawful imprisonment.

Key takeaways

  • Only for indictable offences (loosely, more serious ones).
  • Only when it is not reasonably practicable for a constable to make the arrest.
  • One of four conditions must apply (harm, evidence, escape, injury).
  • You must call the police immediately and hand over the person.

The section 24A conditions

Prevent physical injury, prevent property loss or damage, prevent absconding before a constable arrives, or prevent them causing loss or damage to themselves. Absent all four, the arrest is unlawful.

What 'reasonably practicable' means

If the police are en route in five minutes and the suspect is contained peacefully, a formal arrest by you is rarely required. Detention pending police arrival, done proportionately, is a different question.

Doing it lawfully

State clearly that they are under citizen's arrest and why. Use minimum necessary force. Call 999. Preserve evidence and witnesses. Do not question them beyond identity.

Quick checklist

  • Confirmed the offence is indictable
  • Confirmed one of the four PACE conditions applies
  • Called 999 immediately
  • Preserved CCTV and witnesses

Common mistakes

  • Arresting for summary-only offences.
  • 'Interviewing' the detained person yourself.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use handcuffs?+

There is no explicit prohibition, but their use will be scrutinised. Most reputable employers prohibit them without specific training and authorisation.

What if they run?+

You may pursue with reasonable force to detain. You must not endanger the public in doing so.

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