BC Security Guard (BST) study guide: key rules on all 10 topics

Free BC Security Guard (BST) study guide: 270 key points from the Security Services Act and Regulation, with gov.bc.ca Rules for licensed security workers in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

By the Canada Exam Prep Editorial Team · Updated October 17, 2026

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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the B.C. Basic Security Training (BST) Exam on one page: 270 short points in our own words, grouped by topic and by handbook section. Read it from top to bottom before your first practice test, or jump to a topic from the list below.

Each topic ends with a link to its practice questions, so you can check what you just read straight away, and a link to the official chapter for the full wording. The notes summarise the Security Services Act and Regulation, with gov.bc.ca Rules for licensed security workers from the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General — Security Programs Division (training delivered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia); they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

Security Services Act and licensing

Who needs a B.C. security worker licence, the licence types including security guard under supervision, the age 19 and residency rules, the four routes to a full guard licence, prescribed checks, licence terms and fees, carrying and surrendering the licence, 14-day reporting, and how the registrar enforces the Act.

Practise Security Services Act and licensing questions Flashcards Official chapter

Definitions

Security work covers seven kinds of work: armoured car guard service, locksmith, private investigator, security alarm service, security consultant, security guard service and body armour salesperson.
A security guard service includes guarding or patrolling property, guarding a person, loss prevention, and door security at an establishment licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.
"Property" in the Act includes information and data as well as real and personal property.

Security worker licence required

An individual may not do security work, or hold themselves out as employed or employable in it, without a valid security worker licence for that kind of work.
Exceptions: the person is exempt by regulation, or the registrar decides the security work is only incidental to the person's main job.

Applying

An applicant must be ordinarily resident in Canada and, unless exempt, at least 19 years old.
Regulation exception: applicants for locksmith under supervision, security alarm installer under supervision or security alarm monitor may be 16 or older.
The application must authorize the prescribed checks and include the fee.
Prescribed checks (Regulation s. 5): criminal record check, police information check, correctional service information check.
Applicants disclose identity, fingerprints, physical description, a recent photo, criminal charges and convictions, mental conditions treated, training and experience, whether they are a peace officer and any earlier licence (Regulation s. 4).

Refusal

The registrar may refuse to issue or renew a worker licence if the applicant is charged with or convicted of a crime, is a peace officer, does not meet the requirements, or if licensing is not in the public interest.
The registrar must give written reasons and may hold a hearing first.

Licence types, term and fees

A full security guard licence requires enough English to converse with the public while working, plus the JIBC basic training (historically Basic Standards Training Levels 1 and 2) or equivalent training accepted by the registrar.
Security guard (item 12) covers guarding, loss prevention and monitoring or responding to alarms; security guard under supervision (item 13) is the same work done only under the supervision of a fully licensed guard.
Maximum licence term: 3 years; a security guard under supervision licence: 90 days, and only a person who has not held that type before qualifies.
Worker licence fees: $60 for 90 days or less, $120 up to one year, $180 up to two years, $240 up to three years; replacement or reissue $20.
The registrar may combine several worker licence types in one licence.

Security worker training requirements (updated April 21, 2026)

Under supervision: no training needed for that licence.
Full guard licence options: JIBC Basic Security Training (or a JIBC Approved Security Training School); JIBC Gaming Security Officer course; experience as a Canadian police officer, correctional officer, sheriff or auxiliary, reserve or border services officer; or a security worker licence from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario.
JIBC no longer issues BST certificates after December 15, 2025; the province verifies completion with JIBC.

Temporary licence

The registrar may issue a temporary worker licence to someone with an offer of employment from a licensed security business.

Using, carrying and reporting

A worker licence cannot be transferred; using another person's licence as identification is prohibited.
On expiry, cancellation, suspension or refusal of renewal, surrender the licence to the registrar immediately.
While doing security work, carry the licence and produce it on request of anyone to whom you hold yourself out as a security worker.
Report to the registrar within 14 days: a change of residential address, a criminal charge, or a conviction.
gov.bc.ca rules page also lists legal name changes and becoming a peace officer; after reporting you may keep working unless the Security Programs Division tells you to stop.

Businesses

Carrying on a security business requires a security business licence; a self-employed guard needs both a worker and a business licence (gov.bc.ca rules page).
A licensed security business may employ only individuals licensed for that kind of security work.
Security business licensees must carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance (Regulation s. 8) and keep records, including use-of-force reports, for at least 2 calendar years (Regulation s. 7).

Enforcement

The registrar may cancel or suspend a licence after a hearing; to protect the public it may act immediately without notice and the licensee may file a written reply within 15 days.
Inspectors may enter and inspect premises and vehicles where security work is done, question people and remove records; entering a private dwelling needs the occupant's consent or a warrant.
The registrar handles public complaints and may refuse one filed more than a year after the complainant knew the facts.
Administrative penalties: up to $5,000 for an individual and $50,000 for a business entity; payable within 30 days of the notice; must be issued within 2 years of the contravention.
Obstructing an inspector or peace officer acting under the Act is an offence; a charge must be laid within one year.
The registrar is the Registrar of Security Services; the Security Programs Division (SPD) runs licensing.

Code of conduct, uniforms and equipment

The 13 duties of the B.C. security code of conduct, uniform lettering rules, the bans on badges, Sam Browne belts, batons, pepper spray and firearms, rules for security vehicles and dogs, the words a guard may not use, and when you must show your licence.

Practise Code of conduct, uniforms and equipment questions Flashcards Official chapter

Code of conduct

The registrar may make the code of conduct a condition of any licence; it applies while doing security work.
Act with honesty and integrity; use property and equipment as the licence allows; obey all federal, provincial and municipal laws.
Treat everyone equally, without discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital or family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, age, or economic or social status.
No profane, abusive or insulting language or actions; no unnecessary force; no behaviour prohibited by law.
Respect privacy: follow privacy law and keep information learned at work confidential unless the work or the law requires disclosure.
Co-operate with police when the law requires it.
Never be unfit for duty through alcohol or drugs.
Do not conspire with or help another licensee to break the Act, the regulation or a licence condition.
Do not wilfully or negligently make a false statement or false complaint.
Do not misrepresent the type or conditions of your licence or the nature of your legal authority.

Uniforms

A guard's uniform must show "SECURITY" on the chest of the shirt, blouse or sweater in letters at least 1.25 cm high.
If a jacket, vest or other outer garment is worn, "SECURITY" goes on the back in letters at least 5 cm high.
The uniform must also show the name of the person who employed or engaged the guard.
No uniform resembling a police uniform; no identification badge; no equipment belt with an over-the-shoulder strap linked to a waist belt (a Sam Browne belt).
A licensee doing private investigator work must not wear a uniform.

Vehicles

Security vehicles may not have a siren, a roof light bar or interior light like an emergency vehicle, or markings that make them look like police or emergency vehicles.
Flashing lights other than factory turn signals and hazard flashers need written approval from the director of Commercial Vehicle Safety and the registrar.
A guard-service vehicle shows "SECURITY" on both sides in letters at least 7.5 cm high, plus the name and phone number of the business that hired the guard service.
An unmarked guard vehicle is allowed only if the customer asks in writing, the request is filed with the registrar and the registrar approves.

Equipment

While doing security work, a licensee may not carry or use a restraining device, any weapon or device prohibited by the Criminal Code, or any other item designed to debilitate or control a person or animal.
gov.bc.ca examples of banned items: tasers, pepper spray, batons.
The registrar may authorize restraints (handcuffs) with conditions; banned equipment must be surrendered to an inspector on request.
Restraint authorization: JIBC Advanced Security Training (renew every three years) or recent police-type experience plus use-of-force training in the last 12 months (gov.bc.ca training page).

Firearms

A licensee must not carry a firearm while doing security work; only armoured car guards may be permitted by the registrar, with the required federal licences and a firearm registered to the business.

Dogs

Dogs may be used only with the registrar's authorization, and only for detecting people or things and protecting the guard on patrol or watch.
A dog must never be used to control individuals or crowds or to pursue people, and must not be trained to kill or seriously injure.
The dog must be accompanied and controlled by an authorized licensee and wear an ID tag with the business name; dog handlers need JIBC Canine Security Validation, renewed every year (gov.bc.ca training page).

Words, logos and ads

A person in security work may not use the words "detective", "law enforcement", "peace officer" or "police" to describe their business or work.
Advertising must not glorify violence, suggest a link with a police service, or promote hatred; logos must not resemble a police logo.

Rules for licensed security workers (updated May 26, 2025)

Carry the physical licence; a photograph of the licence is not acceptable; replace a lost or stolen licence immediately; never work with an expired licence.
Show the licence to anyone who asks while you are doing security work, except when working as an armoured car guard or door security at a liquor establishment.
Hand your licence over only to police officers or Special Provincial Constables acting for the Registrar.
Your licence shows the professions you may work in and whether you are authorized to use dogs or restraints.

Arrest powers and detention

Why a guard has only a citizen's powers, arrest without warrant under Criminal Code section 494 (finds committing, fresh pursuit, owner's agent), delivering the person to police forthwith, giving the reason for arrest, breach of the peace, offence types, and Charter rights on arrest.

Practise Arrest powers and detention questions Flashcards Official chapter

Legal status of a guard

A licensed guard is not a peace officer; the registrar may refuse a licence to a peace officer (Act s. 4 (1) (f)).
A guard must not misrepresent the nature of their legal authority (Regulation s. 14 (o)) and may not call themselves police, peace officer, law enforcement or detective (Act s. 44 (5)).
A guard's arrest powers are the same as any private citizen's, plus the owner's-agent power in Criminal Code s. 494 (2).

Arrest by any person

Anyone may arrest without warrant a person they find committing an indictable offence.
Anyone may arrest a person they believe on reasonable grounds has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from, and being freshly pursued by, persons with lawful authority to arrest.
"Finds committing" means seeing the offence being committed, not learning of it later.

Arrest by owner or authorized person

The owner or person in lawful possession of property, or someone they authorize (such as a guard hired for the site), may arrest a person found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.
The arrest must be made at that time, or within a reasonable time after the offence if they believe on reasonable grounds that it is not feasible for a peace officer to make the arrest.
s. 494 (2) covers any criminal offence on or in relation to the property, not only indictable ones.

After the arrest

Anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without warrant must deliver the person to a peace officer forthwith (right away).
A person authorized to arrest under s. 494 is "authorized by law" for the purposes of s. 25 (use of force).

Duty when arresting

The person making an arrest must, where feasible, tell the person the reason for the arrest.
Failing to do so does not by itself remove protection from criminal responsibility.

Breach of the peace

Anyone who witnesses a breach of the peace may interfere to stop it continuing or being renewed.
They may detain a person who commits or is about to join or renew the breach, to hand the person to a peace officer, using no more force than reasonably necessary or proportionate to the danger.

Kinds of offences (as used in s. 494)

Indictable offences are the more serious offences; summary conviction offences are less serious.
Hybrid offences (for example theft of $5,000 or less, mischief, assault) may be prosecuted either way and are treated as indictable until the Crown elects; a guard can therefore arrest a person found committing one.
Provincial offences, such as trespass under the B.C. Trespass Act, are not criminal offences, so s. 494 does not give a power to arrest for them.

Arrest and detention

Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned (s. 9).
On arrest or detention, everyone has the right to be informed promptly of the reasons and to retain and instruct counsel without delay and be informed of that right (s. 10 (a), (b)).
s. 10 (c): the right to have the validity of the detention determined by habeas corpus and to be released if it is not lawful.

Handing over to police

Police need details: exact time and location, names of people involved, descriptions (hair, build, height, sex, race), what was seen, and any vehicle plate, colour and type.
A person arrested by a guard is handed to police with the guard's account of what was seen; the guard may later have to testify.

Use of force and force reporting

What counts as force under B.C. security rules, the duty to record every use of force on SPD Form 0513 or equivalent, the subject behaviour categories, and the Criminal Code limits: sections 25, 26, 27, 34 (defence of person) and 35 (defence of property).

Practise Use of force and force reporting questions Flashcards Official chapter

Rules for licensed security workers, Force

Force is any action a security worker takes to make someone comply with directions or to control their actions.
Examples given: blocking someone's access to or from a location, actively moving or restraining a person, using handcuffs, using a weapon.
If you use force you must keep a record of it, on SPD Form 0513 Use of Force Incident Report or an equivalent; a guard working for a security business gives the completed form to the manager.

Use of Force Incident Report

Under Act s. 21 (a) and Regulation s. 7, a security business must record any incident in which one of its workers used any type of force against another person, including restraints, firearms or other weapons, or a security dog attacking someone.
A worker not employed by a licensed business must record such incidents as a condition of the licence.
The form asks: date, number of people involved, description, whether police attended, who was injured, who gave medical care and how anyone was taken to hospital.
It records whether the subject had a weapon, the distance when a weapon was used, and signs of drug or alcohol influence.
It records whether a dog, restraints or a firearm were used by the worker.
Subject behaviour categories: high risk but co-operative, passive resistance, active resistance, assaultive toward the worker, bodily harm toward the worker.
It asks for pre-assault cues (for example glaring, verbal threats, threatening body language) and history known before the incident.
Use-of-force records are kept at least 2 calendar years (Regulation s. 7 (2)).

Code of conduct

A licensee must not use unnecessary force.

Protection when acting under the law

A person required or authorized by law to do something in enforcing the law, including as a private person, is justified in using as much force as is necessary for that purpose if acting on reasonable grounds.
Force intended or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm is not justified unless the person believes on reasonable grounds it is necessary to preserve themselves or someone under their protection from death or grievous bodily harm.
A person making a lawful s. 494 arrest is "authorized by law" for s. 25 (s. 494 (4)).

Excessive force

Anyone authorized to use force is criminally responsible for any excess.

Preventing an offence

Anyone may use as much force as is reasonably necessary to prevent an offence for which the offender could be arrested without warrant and which would likely cause immediate and serious injury to a person or property.

Defence of person

Not guilty if: they believe on reasonable grounds that force or a threat of force is being used against them or another person; they act to defend or protect against it; and the act is reasonable in the circumstances.
Factors include the nature of the force or threat, whether it was imminent and whether other means were available, each person's role, weapons, size, age, gender and physical capabilities, history between the parties, and proportionality of the response.

Defence of property

Applies to a person who believes on reasonable grounds they are in peaceable possession of property, or who acts for or lawfully assists such a person.
They must believe on reasonable grounds that someone is entering or about to enter without legal right, or taking, damaging or destroying the property.
The act must be for the purpose of preventing or removing that person, or retaking the property, and must be reasonable in the circumstances.

B.C. Trespass Act

Occupiers and authorized persons, enclosed land, the three ways to commit trespass, notice by voice, writing or signs, the defences of consent and colour of right, demanding a name and address, why only peace officers can arrest under the Act, and restitution orders.

Practise B.C. Trespass Act questions Flashcards Official chapter

Definitions

Occupier: a person entitled to sue for trespass, a person lawfully entitled to possession, or anyone responsible for and in control of the condition of the premises, the activities there, or who may enter.
Authorized person: someone authorized by an occupier to use the occupier's powers or duties under the Act (a security guard hired for the site is the usual example).
Premises: land (including enclosed land, foreshore and land under water) and things on it: buildings and permanent structures, vessels, trains, vehicles and aircraft except while in operation, trailers and portable structures, and water.
Enclosed land: land surrounded by a lawful fence, a natural boundary, or both, or land posted with signs prohibiting trespass.

Trespass prohibited

It is an offence to enter enclosed land, to enter premises after notice from the occupier or an authorized person that entry is prohibited, or to do an activity after notice that the activity is prohibited.
A person found on enclosed land is presumed to be there without consent.
After a direction, oral or written, from an occupier or authorized person to leave or to stop an activity, it is an offence not to leave or stop as soon as practicable, or to come back or start again.

Defences

No conviction if the person had the consent of the occupier or an authorized person, other lawful authority, or colour of right (an honest belief in a legal right).

Notice and signs

Notice may be given orally, in writing, or by a sign at or near each ordinary point of access.
A sign must be clearly visible in daylight and normal weather from the approach to the access point; any writing must be legible and any picture clearly visible.
A sign naming or picturing an activity with an oblique line through it is enough notice that the activity is prohibited.
Notice may cover all or only part of the premises, and different parts may have different notices.
Proof that a compliant sign was posted at the access point the defendant used is enough to prove notice.

Signs

Only the occupier or an authorized person may remove, alter or deface posted trespass signs; anyone else commits an offence.

Name and address

An occupier or authorized person with reasonable grounds to believe someone is or was trespassing may demand the person's correct name and address.
Refusing is an offence, and refusing while remaining on the premises is a further offence.

Arrest without warrant

Only a peace officer (or a conservation officer) may arrest without warrant under the Act.
A peace officer may arrest a person found on premises believed on reasonable and probable grounds to be trespassing.
A peace officer may arrest a person who has recently left if they refuse to give their name and address, or the officer believes it is false.
A security guard therefore has no arrest power under the Trespass Act: give notice, direct the person to leave, ask for name and address, and call police.

Compensation

On application, the Provincial Court may order a person convicted of trespass or sign damage to pay restitution for loss or damage.

Defence of property (link to trespass)

A person in peaceable possession, or acting for them, may use reasonable force to prevent entry or remove a person not legally entitled to be there.

Privacy, video surveillance and human rights

The confidentiality duty in the code of conduct, consent and collection rules in B.C.'s Personal Information Protection Act, safeguards and retention of records, the privacy commissioners' video surveillance guidelines, the Human Rights Code grounds for services to the public, and the Charter right against unreasonable search.

Practise Privacy, video surveillance and human rights questions Flashcards Official chapter

Privacy in the code of conduct

Licensees must follow privacy legislation and treat all information received while working as confidential, unless the work or the law requires disclosure.

Consent

PIPA governs how private organizations in B.C. (including security businesses and their clients) collect, use and disclose personal information.
Personal information is information about an identifiable individual; business contact information and work product information are excluded.
An organization may not collect, use or disclose personal information unless the person consents, the Act allows it without consent, or consent is deemed.
Consent is deemed when the purpose would be obvious to a reasonable person and the person volunteers the information for that purpose.
Consent obtained through false or misleading information or deceptive practices is not valid.
An organization may not require consent beyond what is needed to provide a product or service.
A person may withdraw consent on reasonable notice; the organization explains the likely consequences.

Collection

On or before collecting information from the person, the organization must tell them (verbally or in writing) the purposes, and on request who can answer questions.
Collection is limited to purposes a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances.
Collection without consent is allowed, among other cases, when asking for consent would compromise the information's availability or accuracy and the collection is reasonable for an investigation or proceeding.
"Investigation" includes a breach of an agreement, a contravention of a law, and the prevention of fraud.

Access, safeguards and retention

On request, an organization must give a person their own personal information and how it has been used, subject to exceptions.
An organization must protect personal information with reasonable security arrangements against unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification or disposal.
Information used to make a decision that directly affects a person must be kept at least one year after that use.
Otherwise, documents are destroyed or anonymized once they no longer serve the purpose and are not needed for legal or business reasons.

Guidelines for Overt Video Surveillance in the Private Sector (federal, Alberta and B.C. privacy commissioners, March 2008, on oipc.bc.ca)

Watching people through a camera is covered by B.C. PIPA even when nothing is recorded.
Consider less privacy-invasive alternatives first (for example locking up inventory) and use cameras only for a stated business reason.
Cameras are inappropriate where people expect more privacy, such as washrooms, showers, spa treatment rooms or looking into windows; operators must not be able to aim them there.
Position cameras to avoid people who are not targeted (a store camera should not record passersby outside); limited-time recording is preferred to "always on".
Record sound only if there is a specific need; capturing sound raises the Criminal Code rules on intercepting private communications.
If a camera is monitored live, turn on recording only when unlawful activity is suspected or seen.
Post clear signs before people enter, with a contact for questions or access requests.
Store recordings securely with access limited to a few authorized people; disclose outside the organization only when justified, and document it.
Footage gathered for one purpose (for example garage safety) cannot be used for another (tracking tenants), but may be given to police if a crime such as a car break-in happens.
People may access images of themselves; other people in the footage are masked first.
Keep recordings only as long as needed, then destroy them securely; train operators; review the need for cameras regularly.

Services to the public

A person must not, without a bona fide and reasonable justification, deny or discriminate in any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public.
Protected grounds for services: Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and age.
"Age" in the Code means age 19 or older.
A guard deciding who may enter or stay in a mall, store or venue is providing access to a service customarily available to the public.

Search

Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure (s. 8).
The Charter applies to Parliament, the legislatures and government (s. 32); a private guard has no general legal power to search a person, so searches depend on true consent or a lawful condition of entry.

Door security at licensed establishments

Why door staff need a security worker licence, refusing entry to or removing intoxicated, undesirable or armed people, the 24-hour no-return rule, minors and the two-ID rule, capacity limits, weapons and incident logs under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act.

Practise Door security at licensed establishments questions Flashcards Official chapter

Door security is security work

Providing door security at an establishment licensed under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act is part of a "security guard service", so door staff need a security worker licence.
The LCRB Liquor Primary Terms and Conditions handbook repeats that door security staff must be licensed under the Security Services Act.
gov.bc.ca rules page: door security at a liquor establishment does not have to show the licence to every person who asks (the general show-on-request rule has this exception), but must carry it.

Licensee duties in the service area

A licensee or employee must not allow an intoxicated person to enter or remain in a service area.
If they believe a person is intoxicated, they may refuse entry or ask the person to leave.
They may also refuse entry or ask a person to leave if the person's presence is undesirable or the person has a knife or other weapon without lawful excuse.
A person asked to leave must leave and must not return within 24 hours; returning is an offence.
Carrying a weapon "for self-protection" is not a lawful excuse.
The licensee must not allow violent, quarrelsome, riotous or disorderly conduct or unlawful activity; call the police if it has happened, is happening or may happen.

Intoxication in public places

An intoxicated person must not be or remain in a public place; police may arrest without warrant (a power for police, not door staff).

Minors and ID

The legal drinking age in B.C. is 19; a minor is anyone under 19.
Minors may not enter a liquor primary service area unless the licence allows it; using borrowed, altered or forged ID to get in is an offence.
If in doubt about age, ask for two pieces of ID: the first government-issued with name, date of birth and photo; the second showing the name and a signature or photo.
The combined B.C. driver's licence and Services Card counts as one piece only; digital IDs are not accepted.
A licensee who asked for, examined and reasonably believed the prescribed ID has a defence.

Capacity, weapons and incidents

The licence states the maximum capacity; control every entry point and be able to count people in and out; if fire or building officials set a lower occupant load, the lower number applies.
Do not let a person with a weapon enter or stay; call police if you know or suspect a patron has one.
Every incident with an intoxicated patron and the action taken must be written in the incident log.
An intoxicated person who is refused should be helped to leave safely.

Notes, reports and going to court

Writing honest, factual reports, the details police and courts need (time, place, descriptions, vehicles), the use-of-force report, witness statements, storing reports under PIPA, and what happens when a guard is subpoenaed and testifies.

Practise Notes, reports and going to court questions Flashcards Official chapter

Honest records

A licensee must not wilfully or negligently make a false statement or false complaint; a report that is careless as well as one that is deliberately wrong can breach the code.
Security businesses keep prescribed records (including use-of-force reports and the dates, hours and type of work of each worker per shift) for at least 2 calendar years.

What an incident report captures

Who: the worker's name and licence number, employer, number of people involved, who was injured.
When and where: the date of the incident and a description of what happened.
Facts that matter later: whether police attended, medical care given and by whom, how anyone went to hospital, weapons, distance, signs of drugs or alcohol, the subject's behaviour and pre-assault cues, and what history was known beforehand.
The worker signs and dates the report.

Making a statement (witness guidance, updated March 12, 2026)

Police ask for: your name and contact number; the exact time and location; names and addresses of people involved; a description of each person (hair colour and length, build or weight, height, sex, race); what you saw; and for vehicles the plate number, colour, type and any injuries.
Read a written statement carefully and sign only when it is completely accurate, because you may be asked about it in court.
If you remember something after signing, tell police as soon as you can; you may ask for a copy.
Crown and defence counsel get copies of witness statements, and the defence usually gives a copy to the accused.

Witnesses in court (updated March 2026)

A written statement cannot become evidence by itself; the witness must testify orally under oath or affirmation.
A subpoena is a court order: a witness who does not appear may be arrested, and one who refuses to answer may be charged with contempt of court.
Witnesses may not watch the trial until after they testify, so other testimony does not influence them.
The side that called the witness questions first (direct examination); the other side then cross-examines.
Witnesses swear an oath or solemnly affirm to tell the truth; lying in court is perjury, a criminal offence.
If a lawyer objects to a question, wait for the judge to decide before answering; questioning ends when the judge excuses the witness.
Preparing for court: wear clean, neat, respectful clothes; arrive early; stay until told you may leave; tell police at once if anyone threatens you about testifying.

Storing reports

Reports contain personal information: store them securely and share them only with people entitled to see them.
If a report is used to make a decision that directly affects a person, keep it at least one year after that use.

Incident logs

Licensed liquor establishments must log every incident with an intoxicated patron and the action taken.

Personal safety and working alone

WorkSafeBC rules a guard works under: working alone check-in procedures, late night retail requirements, violence risk assessments and instruction, reporting unsafe conditions and the three-step right to refuse unsafe work.

Practise Personal safety and working alone questions Flashcards Official chapter

Working alone or in isolation

A worker works alone or in isolation when assistance would not be readily available in an emergency, or if the worker is injured or becomes ill.
Many guard posts (night patrols, single-guard sites) fit this definition.

Hazards first

Before a worker is assigned to work alone, the employer must identify the hazards and eliminate them or, if not practicable, minimize the risk with engineering or administrative controls.

Check-in procedure

The employer must have a written procedure for checking the well-being of a worker who works alone.
The procedure sets the time interval between checks and what to do if the worker cannot be contacted, including emergency rescue.
A designated person contacts the worker at the set intervals and records the results.
There must also be a check at the end of the shift.
Intervals are set in consultation with the joint committee or health and safety representative and with the worker.
Higher-risk work needs shorter intervals; visual or two-way voice contact is preferred; a one-way device that calls for help if not reset is acceptable where two-way contact is not practicable.

Training and review

The lone worker and the person doing the checks must be trained in the procedure.
The procedure is reviewed at least once a year, and sooner if conditions change or a report shows it is not working.

Late night retail

Late night hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.; late night retail premises are gas stations and retail stores open to the public in those hours.
A lone worker at risk of violence needs a written cash-handling procedure.
During late night hours the employer must use a locked barrier between the worker and the public, assign a second worker, or run a violence prevention program.
A violence prevention program includes a time-lock safe, good visibility, limited access, video surveillance and signs; the lone worker must be at least 19 and wear a monitored personal emergency transmitter.

Violence in the workplace

Violence: the attempted or actual use of physical force by a person other than a worker that could injure a worker, including threatening statements or behaviour that give the worker reasonable cause to believe they are at risk.
A risk assessment is required where workers may be at risk of injury from violence; it considers past experience at the workplace, similar workplaces, and the location and circumstances of the work.
If a risk exists, the employer sets procedures, policies and work arrangements to eliminate it, or minimize it if elimination is not possible.
Workers are told the nature and extent of the risk, including information about people with a history of violence they are likely to meet.
Instruction covers recognizing the potential for violence, the procedures in place, how to respond and get help, and how to report, investigate and document incidents.
A worker who reports an injury or adverse symptom from violence is told to consult a physician of their choice.

Unsafe conditions and refusing work

Anyone who sees an unsafe or harmful condition or act reports it as soon as possible to a supervisor or the employer, who must investigate and correct it without delay.
A person must not carry out work they have reasonable cause to believe would create an undue hazard to anyone's health and safety.
Step 1: the worker reports immediately to the supervisor or employer, who investigates and fixes the problem or explains why the report is not valid.
Step 2: if the worker still refuses, the investigation is repeated with the worker and a worker member of the joint committee, a union-chosen worker or another worker the refusing worker picks.
Step 3: if still unresolved, the employer and worker notify a WorkSafeBC officer, who investigates and issues orders.
Refused work cannot be given to another worker until resolved unless that worker is told in writing about the refusal and their own right to refuse.
A worker may not be punished (prohibited action) for refusing under this procedure; temporary alternative work at no loss of pay is allowed.

Equipment and fitness

Guards may not carry weapons, batons, pepper spray or restraints without authorization, so personal safety depends on awareness, distance, communication and calling for help.
A guard must never be unfit for duty because of alcohol or drugs.

De-escalation, fights and emergencies

Warning signs of violence, verbal and non-verbal de-escalation, ending a hostile interaction, responding to a fight, fire classes and the PASS method, when not to fight a fire, and evacuation and emergency planning basics.

Practise De-escalation, fights and emergencies questions Flashcards Official chapter

Violence and harassment warning signs

No single sign predicts violence; read signs in context and watch for several signs or escalation over time.
Physical signs include a flushed or pale face, sweating, pacing or restlessness, trembling, clenched jaw or fists, exaggerated gestures, loud talking, rapid shallow breathing, glaring or avoiding eye contact, and invading personal space.

Dealing with negative interactions: verbal skills

Give full attention and keep eye contact; stay calm; watch tone and volume; speak slowly and confidently in plain language.
Listen without interrupting; use silence to help calm the situation; ask open questions to understand why the person is upset.
Do not tell an upset person to "calm down" or "relax".
Restate what you heard; be honest and never promise what you cannot deliver.
Ask for small, specific favours (such as moving to a quieter spot); offer choices; break the problem into smaller steps.

Non-verbal skills

Relaxed posture, unclenched hands, attentive expression.
Keep about one metre of personal space and stand at an angle rather than squarely in front of the person.
Avoid challenging gestures: hands on hips, pointing, waving arms, folded arms, glaring.

Avoiding escalation and ending an interaction

Set clear ground rules and calmly explain the consequences (ending the conversation or refusing service); suggest alternatives instead of commands or ultimatums.
Do not take sides, do not reject demands outright, and do not bargain with a threatening person.
Someone enforcing a penalty should wait for backup or a safer moment.
To end an interaction: interrupt firmly and politely, say abusive language will not be accepted, and leave or ask the person to leave; if they stay, step away and tell a supervisor; do not go back if they may be a physical threat.
If you said you would call police or security, follow through; file an incident report afterwards.

Physical fights

First priority: avoid injury to yourself and bystanders; do not step in if you fear injury or lack training.
If any weapon, including an improvised one, is involved, call police immediately.
Get help or assign a named bystander to get it; move bystanders back, and send an audience that is fuelling the fight to a specific place.
Give the fighters clear, specific instructions in a calm, firm voice without yelling; use names or visible features.
Refer to organizational policy rather than personal authority; do not take sides or demean anyone.

Fire extinguishers

Four elements make a fire (fuel, heat, oxygen and a chemical reaction); removing one puts it out.
Class A: ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth, rubber, plastics). Class B: flammable liquids and gases, oil, paint. Class C: energized electrical equipment. Class D: combustible metals. Class K: cooking oils and fats.
Water extinguishers are for Class A only, never electrical, flammable-liquid or cooking-oil fires; CO2 is for B and C fires and has a short range; dry chemical (e.g. ABC) is the most common type.
PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
Do not fight a fire if you do not know what is burning, which extinguisher to use or how to use it, or if it is spreading beyond where it started; pull the alarm, evacuate and call the fire department.
Keep your back to an escape route (stand between the fire and the exit); never walk away from a fire that seems out, because it can reignite.
Extinguishers get a visual check monthly and professional servicing at least once a year.

Emergency planning

Emergencies include fire, explosion, spills, building collapse, power or communication failure, floods, earthquakes and severe storms; one event can trigger another.
Keep evacuation routes and alternate exits known and clear; use designated gathering points and head counts to confirm everyone is out.
Use one distinct evacuation signal; assign people to help those who need assistance.
An Emergency Co-ordinator (with back-ups) reports emergencies, activates the plan, orders evacuation and sounds the all-clear.
Keep current contact lists and agree on a chain of command with fire, police and ambulance in advance.
Practise the plan with drills, review it after each drill or real emergency, and at least once a year.

Written in our own words from: Security Services Act and Regulation, with gov.bc.ca Rules for licensed security workers

FAQ

BC Security Guard (BST) study guide: common questions

What is the best way to use this BC Security Guard (BST) study guide?

Read one topic, then answer that topic's practice questions while the rules are fresh. Note the questions you miss, re-read those notes, and finish with a full practice test across all 10 topics.

Is this the official BC Security Guard (BST) handbook?

No. It is our own summary of the Security Services Act and Regulation, with gov.bc.ca Rules for licensed security workers. Use it to review, and use the official handbook when you need the exact wording of a rule.

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