Initially, the author discusses the legal right to self-defense and details limitations on the use of force, particularly deadly force, in self-defense situations. He examines the legal right of private security personnel to arrest, citing examples of misdemeanor and felony arrests and a special law for merchants. The right to use force during an arrest and legal limitations on the use of deadly force during arrest are then detailed. The text also discusses the constitutional application of the fourth amendment to warrantless searches and seizures and the admissibility as evidence of confessions obtained by private security personnel. Tables of cases and an index are supplied. (Publisher abstract modified)