Is it lawful for a security guard to stop and question anyone at any time?

The correct answer is that a security guard must have reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing to stop and question anyone. This principle is rooted in the legal obligations and limitations that govern the actions of security personnel. Reasonable suspicion means that the guard must have specific articulable facts that suggest a person may be involved in criminal activity, rather than a mere hunch or instinct.

This requirement protects individuals' rights against unlawful search and seizure, ensuring that a security guard cannot arbitrarily stop anyone without justification. The concept of reasonable suspicion is a critical part of law enforcement and security practices, emphasizing the need for an objective basis for suspicion.

In contrast, simply having the authority as a security guard does not grant the unrestricted power to question individuals without any grounds for concern. Other incorrect options imply that questioning can occur without any basis or under conditions that are not legally justified, which may lead to legal repercussions for the security guard and violate individuals' rights. Hence, the necessity of reasonable suspicion is central to maintaining lawful and ethical security practices.