Iowa Security Guard Board Practice Exam 2025 - Free Iowa Security Guard Board Practice Questions and Study Guide

The distinction between a security guard and a law enforcement officer primarily revolves around the responsibilities and the scope of their roles. Security guards are typically employed by private entities or organizations with the primary responsibility of safeguarding property, assets, and individuals from theft, vandalism, and other security threats. Their main focus is on maintaining safety and order within a specific area, often through monitoring, patrolling, and enforcing company policies.

In contrast, law enforcement officers are agents of the government whose roles involve enforcing laws, maintaining public order, preventing and detecting crime, and ensuring the overall safety of the community. They have broader powers, such as making arrests, conducting investigations, and carrying out official law enforcement duties.

The assertion that security guards protect property encapsulates their core mission and illustrates the key difference between what they do and the functions of law enforcement officers. Their training and authority differ significantly, as security guards do not typically have the same level of legal authority that law enforcement officers possess, including the power to arrest without a warrant in most situations.