Understanding Use-of-Force Policies for Licensed Security Guards in Ontario
By Diligent Security Services | Security Guard Services in Brampton, ON
Every day, licensed security guards across Ontario stand watch over shopping plazas, warehouses, condo towers, hospitals, and event venues. Most shifts pass without a single physical confrontation. Even so, one question shapes how every guard is trained, supervised, and held accountable: when, if ever, can a security guard use force?
The answer is more limited than many people expect. Security guards in Ontario are not police officers, and they do not carry police powers. Therefore, understanding use-of-force policies matters for property owners, business managers, and the guards themselves. In this guide, Diligent Security Services explains how use of force works for licensed security guards in Ontario, which laws apply, and how a well-run security company turns those rules into daily practice.
This article is for general information only. It is not legal advice. For a specific situation, please speak with a qualified Ontario lawyer.
What Does "Use of Force" Mean for a Security Guard?
In security work, "use of force" refers to any physical action a guard takes to control, restrain, or stop another person. It can be as light as a guiding hand or as serious as a physical restraint. Importantly, it also includes the use of any approved equipment, such as handcuffs, when a company's policy and the law allow it.
However, force is never the starting point. Professional guards treat it as the last step in a much longer process. Before anyone is touched, a trained guard observes, communicates, and tries to lower the tension. As a result, the best security guards often prevent physical contact altogether.
Who Regulates Security Guards in Ontario?
Security guards in Ontario work under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). The Ministry of the Solicitor General administers this law and its regulations. Together, they set the licensing rules, the training expectations, the uniform standards, and the Code of Conduct that every licensed guard must follow.
To work legally, a guard must hold a valid security guard licence. In addition, a guard must complete the province's basic security guard training, pass the provincial test, and hold valid first aid and CPR certification. Furthermore, the training covers topics that directly affect use of force, including legal authorities, communication, emergency response, and the limits of a guard's powers.
Because the PSISA treats security work as a regulated profession, a guard who crosses the line can face serious consequences. These may include licence suspension, licence revocation, and fines. Beyond that, a guard may face criminal charges or civil claims when force is excessive or unjustified.
The Legal Foundation: Guards Are Private Citizens With Limited Powers
This point is the heart of the matter. In Ontario, a licensed security guard has the same basic legal status as any private citizen. A uniform and a licence do not create special arrest or search powers. Consequently, a guard's right to use force comes from the same laws that apply to ordinary people, along with some additional rules in the PSISA.
Several legal sources shape what a guard may and may not do:
The Criminal Code of Canada. Provisions on self-defence, defence of property, and citizen's arrest set the outer limits of lawful force. The Code also warns that anyone who uses more force than necessary can be criminally responsible for the excess.
The Trespass to Property Act (Ontario). This law lets an occupier, or a person the occupier authorizes, direct people to leave private property. It also provides for arrest of a person found on premises in violation of a trespass notice.
The PSISA and its Code of Conduct. These rules require guards to act with honesty and integrity, to respect the rights of others, and to avoid conduct that brings the profession into disrepute.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Although the Charter mainly restricts government action, its values still influence how courts view reasonable conduct, particularly when a guard detains someone.
In other words, a guard's authority is narrow by design. Instead of a broad grant of power, the law offers a handful of specific situations in which limited force may be justified.
The Core Principles Behind Every Use-of-Force Policy
While each security company writes its own policy, strong policies in Ontario share a common set of ideas. Understanding these principles helps clients judge whether a provider is truly professional.
1. Necessity
Force is acceptable only when there is no safer, reasonable alternative. If a guard can solve a problem by talking, by stepping back, or by calling the police, then force is not necessary. Accordingly, guards learn to ask a simple question before acting: "Is there another way to handle this?"
2. Proportionality
Any force used must match the threat in front of the guard. A verbally upset visitor does not justify a physical response. Similarly, a person who is simply walking away from a guard is not an immediate danger. On the other hand, a person who is actively assaulting someone creates a very different situation. Proportionality means the response never exceeds the risk.
3. Reasonableness
Courts judge a guard's actions by what a reasonable, trained person would have done in the same circumstances. This standard takes into account the pressure of the moment. Nevertheless, it also expects guards to rely on their training rather than on anger or fear.
4. Minimum Force for the Shortest Time
Even when force is justified, a guard should use only the amount needed and stop as soon as the threat ends. For instance, once a person stops resisting, restraint should end or ease immediately. Continuing past that point is a common source of legal trouble.
5. Accountability and Documentation
Every use of force should be reported, reviewed, and recorded. Detailed notes, incident reports, and witness details protect the public, the guard, and the client. Moreover, a clear paper trail shows that the company takes safety and compliance seriously.
When Can a Licensed Security Guard Use Force in Ontario?
No single rule covers every scenario. Still, force by a guard in Ontario generally falls into a few recognized categories.
Self-Defence and Defence of Others
Like any other person, a guard may use reasonable force to protect themselves or someone else from an unlawful attack. The force must respond to a real threat, and it must be reasonable in the circumstances. A guard cannot claim self-defence after the danger has passed.
Defence of Property
The law allows a person in peaceable possession of property, or someone acting on their behalf, to use reasonable force to protect it. Even so, this right is narrower than many people think. Force to protect property must never be excessive, and it should not cause serious harm over a minor loss. For example, a guard should not tackle a person simply because they are walking off with a low-value item.
Removing Trespassers
When a person refuses to leave private property after a lawful direction, the Trespass to Property Act offers a path forward. First, the guard clearly communicates the request to leave. Then, if the person refuses, the guard may call the police or, in some situations, use only the force that is reasonable and necessary. In practice, most trespass situations end through calm communication or police involvement.
Citizen's Arrest
Under the Criminal Code, a private citizen may arrest a person found committing an indictable offence, or arrest someone on or in relation to property under specific conditions. These rules are strict. A guard must be sure the legal conditions are met and must hand the person over to police as soon as possible. Because mistakes here can create serious liability, many companies instruct guards to avoid arrests unless safety or the law clearly requires one.
Why De-escalation Comes Before Force
Use-of-force policies are often misunderstood as rules about fighting. In truth, they are mostly rules about not fighting. Professional guards focus on prevention through presence, communication, and judgment.
Here are some of the de-escalation tools that guards learn:
Calm tone and open body language. A steady voice and relaxed posture can lower the temperature quickly.
Active listening. When people feel heard, they often become cooperative.
Clear, simple directions. Short requests with a clear reason reduce confusion and conflict.
Personal space and positioning. Standing at a safe distance and keeping an exit path open protects everyone.
Calling for backup. Guards are trained to request help from a supervisor, a team member, or police when a situation grows beyond control.
As a result, the most skilled guards are often the ones you never notice using any force at all.
The Force Continuum: A Simple Way to Understand Escalation
Many Ontario security providers teach a "force continuum" or similar model. It shows how a guard's response should rise or fall with the subject's behaviour. A typical continuum looks like this:
Presence. A visible, professional guard often discourages problems before they begin.
Verbal communication. Polite requests, clear instructions, and calm persuasion come next.
Control without strikes. If a person becomes physically resistant, a guard may use trained, low-level control techniques within company policy and the law.
Greater force when necessary. Only when a person poses a serious threat of harm may a guard consider stronger responses, always within the limits of the law.
Crucially, a continuum is a guide, not a ladder that must be climbed step by step. A guard can move up or down based on what is happening. If a threat suddenly ends, the guard's response must drop right away.
Equipment and Restrictions on Guards in Ontario
Ontario places firm limits on what licensed guards may wear and carry. The PSISA and its regulations control uniforms, vehicle markings, and approved equipment. For example, uniforms and vehicles must not look like those of police, so the public is never misled about a guard's authority.
In addition, equipment such as handcuffs or other restraint tools is not something a guard may use freely. Rules about authorization, employer approval, and training apply. Weapons raise even stricter requirements, and firearms are subject to separate and demanding rules. Therefore, property owners should always ask a security provider exactly what equipment its guards are permitted to carry and what training backs it up. Guards and clients can confirm current requirements with the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
What a Strong Use-of-Force Policy Should Include
As a business owner, property manager, or condo board member, you can learn a lot about a security provider by asking to see its use-of-force policy. A solid policy usually covers the following:
A clear statement that force is a last resort
Definitions of necessity, proportionality, and reasonableness
Step-by-step guidance on de-escalation
Rules about when to call 911 or request police assistance
Limits on restraint and requirements for monitoring a person's health and breathing
Immediate first aid duties after any physical contact
Detailed incident reporting rules, usually before the end of the shift
Supervisor review and, when needed, retraining
Respect for human rights, including fair treatment regardless of race, disability, gender, or background
Similarly, a good provider will explain how these policies fit with site-specific instructions, sometimes called post orders. A mall, a hospital, and a construction site each carry different risks, so the written rules should reflect those differences.
Training: Where Policy Becomes Practice
A written policy means little without real training behind it. After a guard completes the provincial basic course, a responsible company adds its own onboarding, site orientation, and refresher sessions. These often include scenario-based practice, communication drills, and review of past incidents.
Training also helps guards recognize the human side of conflict. For example, a person who seems aggressive may be confused, intoxicated, in distress, or living with a mental health condition. Because of this, guards in Brampton's diverse and busy communities benefit from cultural awareness and strong communication skills. Better understanding often means less conflict.
Why Use-of-Force Policies Matter to Brampton Businesses
Brampton is home to growing retail corridors, large logistics hubs, busy residential complexes, and active community spaces. With so much activity, clients need a security partner who can manage risk responsibly. A clear use-of-force approach delivers several benefits:
Lower liability. Properly trained guards reduce the chance of lawsuits, injury claims, and reputational harm.
Safer environments. De-escalation protects customers, employees, residents, and guards.
Better public trust. People feel more comfortable in spaces watched by respectful, professional staff.
Stronger insurance standing. Insurers often look favourably on documented training and incident procedures.
In short, a disciplined approach to force protects people first and protects your business second.
Common Myths About Security Guards and Force
Myth: Guards can detain anyone they suspect of theft. In reality, guards must follow strict legal conditions, and wrongful detention can lead to civil or criminal consequences.
Myth: A uniform gives a guard police powers. It does not. Guards operate as private citizens with licensed responsibilities.
Myth: More force means better security. Actually, the opposite is often true. The safest sites rely on prevention, visibility, and calm communication.
Myth: Force is only physical. Threats, intimidation, and aggressive commands can also create legal and ethical problems. Professional guards avoid them.
How to Choose a Security Provider With the Right Approach
Before hiring a security company in Brampton, consider asking these questions:
Are all guards licensed under the PSISA, and can you verify it?
Can I review your use-of-force and de-escalation policies?
What ongoing training do your guards receive?
How do you handle and report incidents?
What insurance coverage do you carry?
How do you supervise guards on site?
A transparent provider will answer these questions openly. If answers are vague, that is often a warning sign.
Final Thoughts
Use-of-force rules for licensed security guards in Ontario are built around restraint, not power. Guards work as private citizens with limited authority, and the law expects them to rely on communication, judgment, and teamwork before anything else. When force is truly unavoidable, it must be necessary, proportionate, reasonable, and well documented.
At Diligent Security Services, we believe the strongest security presence is a calm and professional one. By combining proper licensing, ongoing training, and clear policies, we help Brampton businesses, property managers, and communities stay protected while respecting the rights of everyone involved.
If you are looking for reliable, professionally trained security guard services in Brampton, Ontario, we would be glad to talk about how we can support your property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a licensed security guard in Ontario use force?
Yes, but only within strict limits. A guard may use reasonable force in situations such as self-defence, defence of others, or lawful property protection. The force must be necessary and proportionate.
2. Do security guards in Ontario have police powers?
No. Security guards are private citizens with a licence. They do not have the arrest, search, or detention powers that police officers have.
3. Can a security guard arrest someone in Ontario?
In limited cases, yes. A guard can make a citizen's arrest under the Criminal Code when strict legal conditions are met, and must hand the person to police quickly. Many companies advise guards to call police instead.
4. What happens if a guard uses excessive force?
The guard may face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and licensing action under the PSISA, including suspension or revocation. The employer and client can also face liability.
5. Can security guards in Ontario carry weapons or handcuffs?
Only if the law, employer authorization, and required training allow it. Rules on equipment are strict, and firearms face even tougher requirements. Always confirm current rules with the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
Diligent Security Services provides licensed, professional security guard services to businesses and communities in Brampton, ON. Contact us to discuss a security plan that fits your property.
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