True or False: Under the retail theft act, security officers have more authority to make arrests than a civilian.

The statement is true because under the retail theft act, security officers possess a specific authority that allows them to make arrests for retail theft, which is typically greater than that of a civilian. Security officers are often trained and authorized to detain individuals suspected of theft until law enforcement arrives. This authority is rooted in their role and responsibilities within the retail environment, which includes protecting the store's property and preventing loss due to theft.

Their ability to act in such a capacity is usually derived from employer policies and relevant state laws that grant certain powers to individuals employed to safeguard private property. This contrasts with civilians, who generally do not have the same legal standing to detain individuals suspected of criminal behavior unless in the context of a citizen's arrest, which carries its own legal complexities and limitations.

State laws can vary in terms of the powers granted to security personnel versus civilians, but in the context of the retail theft act, security officers are specifically trained and given authority to take action in a manner that civilians usually are not, thereby justifying the statement as true.