Ace the Chicago/Illinois Security Guard PERC Test 2026 – Shield Up and Secure Your Success!

A security guard may legally conduct a search when they have probable cause or consent from the individual involved. This means that if a guard has a reasonable belief that a person's belongings might contain evidence of a crime or if the individual gives their permission, the guard is within their rights to conduct a search. This provision is rooted in the legal principles surrounding personal privacy and property rights, ensuring that searches are conducted lawfully and ethically.

Probable cause involves having sufficient reason based on known facts to believe that a crime has been committed. Consent indicates that the individual willingly agrees to the search, which can be given verbally or in writing. Both of these scenarios place checks on the authority of security personnel, ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected while allowing security guards to perform their duties effectively.

The other options do not align with legal standards; a security guard cannot search anytime during their shift without justification, cannot conduct a search solely based on a suspicion of theft without further grounds, and cannot act solely on an executive order unless that order complies with legal search protocols. This underscores the importance of abiding by legal requirements and respecting individual rights in security operations.