Ohio Security Guard License Practice Exam

In Ohio, security guards are allowed to conduct searches of individuals, but this authority is limited and defined by specific legal conditions. The correct answer indicates that they can perform searches if they have either probable cause or the individual's consent.

Probable cause refers to a reasonable belief that the person is involved in a criminal act or that the search will yield evidence of a crime. Consent means that the individual has voluntarily agreed to the search, which must be given freely and cannot be coerced. This approach is important as it balances the ability of security personnel to maintain safety and order while respecting the rights of individuals.

The other responses, while presenting different scenarios, do not align with the regulations governing security guard conduct in Ohio. Specifically, an outright prohibition on conducting searches without any exceptions does not reflect the reality of how security operations can function within the boundaries of the law. Additionally, requiring a warrant unnecessarily complicates the situation, as security guards do not have the same powers as law enforcement when it comes to search warrants. Finally, limiting the ability to search solely to minors does not represent the general legal framework applied to security guards. Thus, the correct choice reflects the balance between authority and individual rights in the context of security operations.