The short answer
An Arizona private security guard can perform lawful protective duties such as observing, patrolling, controlling access, documenting incidents, communicating property rules, asking unauthorized people to leave private property, contacting the client, and calling police, fire, or EMS. The exact assignment is also governed by the property owner’s authority, the security contract, written post orders, and the guard’s training.
What to know
What a guard cannot claim is police authority. Arizona Revised Statutes §32-2634 states that employment as a security guard or armed security guard does not give the person the authority of a commissioned police or peace officer; duties are performed as a private citizen. Licensing, a uniform, or armed status does not create broader governmental powers.
Questions about searches, physical contact, detention, private-person arrest, removal from property, or use of force depend heavily on the facts and applicable law. Those actions can create serious safety and liability consequences and should never be reduced to a universal website rule. A professionally managed program uses post orders, de-escalation, incident reporting, supervision, and prompt law-enforcement involvement to keep officers within a defined role. This answer is general education, not legal advice. A client planning duties that could involve enforcement or physical intervention should have Arizona counsel review the contract and procedures.