While some guards depending on laws have reduced authority I can assure you in a court of law they are treated similarly to LEO's in their testimony and actions .

In other words if it came down between you and a paid security officer whos doing his job in a professional manner you will loose in court. So just because they are "only a security guard" the courts don't see it that way and neither do the police. The same goes for large event staff, bouncers, armoured car guards etc.. If they get paid to provide security the law DOES treat them differently than joe blow public.

Flip