Security officers have the authority to detain potential terrorists. (T/F)

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Only with a warrant
• D. Only after arrest

Answer: (B)

Detention authority for security personnel comes from the ability to take brief, reasonable action to prevent imminent harm when there is suspicion of criminal activity, including terrorism. If a security officer reasonably believes someone is involved in planning or committing a terrorist act, they can stop and briefly detain that person to assess the threat and to summon law enforcement. This can happen without a warrant, because the goal is safety and rapid coordination with police, not a formal arrest by the security officer. The detention should be narrowly tailored, time-limited, and followed by handing the person over to police for proper investigation and arrest if warranted. So the statement is true.