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Section 24 PACE Explained for Security Staff (Citizen's Power of Arrest, UK 2026)

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

When and how a security officer can lawfully arrest without a warrant under s24A PACE. This guide gives a straight, evidence-based answer with the practical steps, mistakes and FAQs UK security professionals need in 2026.

Key takeaways

  • Security officers use s24A PACE (citizen's power), not s24 (police only).
  • Arrest must be for an indictable offence and it must not be reasonably practicable for a constable to make it.
  • You must have reasonable grounds and one of the statutory necessity reasons.
  • The person must be handed to a constable as soon as reasonably practicable.

The exact wording of s24A

Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides a limited power of arrest for people other than constables. Read the section itself — the wording matters more than any summary.

The four things you need before you touch anyone

1) The offence is indictable. 2) You have reasonable grounds. 3) One of the necessity conditions applies (e.g. preventing physical injury, loss or damage, or escape). 4) It is not reasonably practicable for a constable to make the arrest instead.

How to communicate the arrest

Tell the person: what they are being arrested for, that you are making a citizen's arrest, and that police are being called. Use plain English. Body-worn video is your ally.

Handover to police

Call 999 immediately. Preserve evidence. Do not use force beyond what is proportionate. Hand over to the officers on arrival with a written note of what happened.

When it goes wrong — and how to protect yourself

If the arrest was unlawful (wrong offence, no necessity, disproportionate force), you and your employer can be sued and prosecuted. When in doubt, contain and call — do not detain.

Quick checklist

  • s24A wording read and understood
  • BWV on and recording
  • 999 called at point of arrest
  • Written statement completed same shift

Common mistakes

  • Detaining for summary-only offences.
  • Using restraint techniques you have not been trained in.

Frequently asked questions

Can I arrest for shoplifting?+

Theft is indictable, so yes — provided the necessity test is met and you have reasonable grounds.

Do I have to caution them?+

No, that's a police duty. But you must communicate the reason for the arrest in plain terms.

Is this guide free?+

Yes. Every Guard.Academy guide is free, no signup required. Bookmark it and share it with your team.

Does this replace an SIA-approved course?+

No. Guard.Academy is a CPD and study resource. A licensable role in the UK still requires the SIA-approved qualification from an accredited provider.

How current is the information on section 24 pace explained for security staff (citizen's power of arrest, uk 2026)?+

We refresh guides on a rolling schedule and note the last-updated date at the top. If the SIA or Home Office issue material changes we prioritise those updates first.

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