Cops / Rent-a-cops, what's the difference?

[lindsayvine]

What is the name of your state?My sister was stopped by department-store security for shoplifting. They read her her rights and then detained her for 2 hours (to take photos, scold her, and wait for the cops). During that time they did not permit her to call anyone, even though she asked.

What sort of authority do corporate rent-a-cops have?
Is it legal for them (or real cops for that matter) to deny her a phone call?

Lindsay

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state?My sister was stopped by department-store security for shoplifting. They read her her rights and then detained her for 2 hours (to take photos, scold her, and wait for the cops). During that time they did not permit her to call anyone, even though she asked.

What sort of authority do corporate rent-a-cops have?
Is it legal for them (or real cops for that matter) to deny her a phone call?

Lindsay

What state is this?

And by "rent-a-cop" do you mean a security guard? Or an off duty police officer paid to work security?

If they are security guards, then they likely have the right to detain an arrested suspect until they are turned over to the police. However, the limitations on this would be subject to state law on the matter, and state laws vary.

- Carl