(a) A sheriff’s or police security officer is a public officer, employed by the sheriff of a county or police chief of a city, whose primary duty is the security of locations or facilities as directed by the sheriff or police chief. The duties of a sheriff’s or police security officer shall be limited to the physical security and protection of properties owned, operated, controlled, or administered by the county or city, or any municipality or special district contracting for police services from the county or city pursuant to Section 54981 of the Government Code, or necessary duties with respect to the patrons, employees, and properties of the employing county, city, or contracting entities.
(b) A sheriff’s or police security officer is not a peace officer nor a public safety officer as defined in Section 3301 of the Government Code. A sheriff’s or police security officer may carry or possess a firearm, baton, and other safety equipment and weapons authorized by the sheriff or police chief while performing the duties authorized in this section, and under the terms and conditions specified by the sheriff or police chief. These persons may not exercise the powers of arrest of a peace officer, but may issue citations for infractions if authorized by the sheriff or police chief.
(c) Each sheriff’s or police security officer shall satisfactorily complete a course of training as specified in Section 832 prior to being assigned to perform his or her duties. Nothing in this subdivision shall preclude the sheriff or police chief from requiring additional training requirements.
(d) Notwithstanding any other law, nothing in this section shall be construed to confer any authority upon any sheriff’s or police security officer except while on duty, or confer any additional retirement benefits to persons employed within this classification.