9.1-146 - Limitation on powers of registered armed security officers. - Virginia Statutes

§ 9.1-146. Limitation on powers of registered armed security officers.

Compliance with the provisions of this article shall not itself authorize anyperson to carry a concealed weapon or exercise any powers of a conservator ofthe peace. A registered armed security officer of a private security servicesbusiness while at a location which the business is contracted to protectshall have the power to effect an arrest for an offense occurring (i) in hispresence on such premises or (ii) in the presence of a merchant, agent, oremployee of the merchant the private security business has contracted toprotect, if the merchant, agent, or employee had probable cause to believethat the person arrested had shoplifted or committed willful concealment ofgoods as contemplated by § 18.2-106. For the purposes of § 19.2-74, aregistered armed security officer of a private security services businessshall be considered an arresting officer.

(1976, c. 737, § 54-729.33; 1978, c. 560, § 54.1-1907; 1980, c. 425; 1988,cc. 48, 765; 1992, c. 578, § 9-183.8; 1994, c. 45; 2001, c. 844.)