When your "police officer" is untrained, unregulated, and possibly unwell
Across the country, private police are chronically undertrained and inadequately regulated. It doesn't help that the requirements to become an armed private security guard are lax in many states. Just four states require mental health evaluations. Few conduct any kind of investigation into shootings by security guards or conduct comprehensive background checks. None meet training standards set by the industry's own trade organization.
Virginia's special police, or "Special Conservators of the Peace," are private citizens who can apply to a judge for the ability to arrest people, carry a gun, direct traffic, and otherwise present themselves as police officers. There are around 750 in the state. Inevitably, there are multiple reports of them carrying out false arrests.