When it comes to protecting property — whether it’s a warehouse, a construction site, or a vacant retail space — one of the most common threats is trespassing. In the Southeast U.S., property owners often deal with unauthorized individuals entering land or buildings, putting safety, liability, and assets at risk.

But while many rely on traditional security guards, those guards typically have no legal authority to remove or arrest intruders. Off-duty police officers, however, can enforce trespassing laws with full legal authority — and that makes all the difference.

At C4 Security, our team of certified off-duty law enforcement officers understands local laws and how to act decisively, professionally, and legally to protect your property.

What Is Considered Trespassing?

Trespassing laws vary slightly across southeastern states, but they all generally define trespassing as the unauthorized entry onto private property — whether posted or not.

Common types of trespassing include:

• Entering fenced or gated property without permission

• Ignoring “No Trespassing” signs

• Staying after being asked to leave

• Using land for hunting, dumping, or parking without consent

• Breaking into abandoned or vacant structures

Even seemingly minor trespassing can open property owners up to insurance issues, vandalism, or theft — especially in construction zones and industrial sites.

State-Specific Examples in the Southeast

Here are just a few ways trespassing laws are enforced in states we serve:

Tennessee:

• Criminal trespassing is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines or jail.

• Posting signage or verbally warning a trespasser is enough to enable arrest.

• Landowners can authorize law enforcement officers to remove or cite violators.

Alabama:

• Trespassing in the second degree (on fenced property or posted land) is a Class C misdemeanor.

• Trespassing in the first degree (on structures or dwellings) is more serious.

• Only law enforcement can enforce criminal charges.

Georgia & Mississippi:

• Both states emphasize clear signage (“No Trespassing” signs every 500 feet).

• Verbal or written notice to vacate can lead to arrest if ignored.

• Private guards cannot make arrests; police must be involved.

Why Off-Duty Police Are the Right Solution

Traditional security guards may look official, but legally they’re civilians. That means:

• No power to detain or arrest trespassers

• Can’t file charges or investigate incidents

• Must wait for police to arrive, often long after damage is done

C4 Security officers, on the other hand:

• Retain full police powers, even while off-duty

• Can legally warn, detain, and arrest individuals violating trespassing laws

• Understand the exact trespassing statutes for your state and region

• Can write reports that hold up in court and assist prosecutors

Our officers are trained in de-escalation but can act decisively when needed — a critical advantage when property, people, or sensitive equipment are at risk.

Liability and Insurance Considerations

Hiring off-duty police also helps reduce liability exposure. If something goes wrong and a trespasser is injured or damages property, showing that you had certified, insured law enforcement on site is far stronger than relying on a basic guard service.

With C4 Security:

• You’re backed by officers trained in legal protocol

• Your site is covered by our insurance

• Your reports are legally sound and court-ready

Protecting Property the Right Way

Whether you manage vacant properties, operate remote construction sites, or oversee large commercial spaces, protecting them isn’t just about locking gates — it’s about real enforcement.

Only police officers can uphold the law. At C4 Security, our off-duty officers offer a legal, powerful, and proactive deterrent to trespassers.

🛡️ C4 Security – Real Police. Real Protection.

📍 Serving Tennessee, Alabama, and surrounding Southeastern states