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Ontario Security Guard overview

Ontario Security Guard study guide: key rules on all 15 topics

Free Ontario Security Guard study guide: 325 key points from the Ontario Security Guard Study Guide in plain words, organised by topic, each topic linked to its practice questions.

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This study guide collects our notes on every topic of the Ontario Security Guard Licence Test on one page: 325 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 Ontario Security Guard Study Guide from the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General — Private Security and Investigative Services Branch; they do not replace it, and where our notes and the official source differ, the official source wins.

Study these notes as flashcards →

PSISA and getting licensed

Who needs a security guard licence under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, the eligibility rules (age 18, clean criminal record, right to work, training and testing), licence types, term, fees, renewals and the Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.

Practise PSISA and getting licensed questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Introduction to the security industry

  • PSISA (Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005) came into force August 23, 2007; aims: professionalize the industry, increase public safety, ensure proper training.
  • Training and Testing Regulation (O. Reg. 26/10) came into force April 15, 2010; every guard must meet it before applying for a licence.
  • Licence needed if you work for pay primarily protecting persons or property (guarding or patrolling). Examples: bodyguards, bouncers, loss prevention, people who patrol premises.

Application and non-application

  • Security guard = works for remuneration, primarily guarding or patrolling to protect persons or property (s. 2(4)); examples bouncer, bodyguard, loss prevention (s. 2(5)).
  • Private investigator = works for pay primarily conducting investigations to provide information (s. 2(2)).
  • Act does not apply to: lawyers in practice, peace officers acting as such, locksmiths, armoured vehicle services, people who only give security advice, licensed insurance adjusters (s. 2(7)).

Licence types and rules

  • Six licence types: individual security guard, individual PI, individual both; business licences for selling SG, PI or both services.
  • To act as a guard you must hold the licence and be employed by a licensed business, a registered employer or an employer not required to register (s. 6).
  • You may hold both SG and PI licences but may not act as both at the same time (s. 12, para 3).
  • A licence shows its type, its expiry date and a photo of the holder, and is not transferable (s. 12).

Mandatory requirements

  • Eligible only if: clean criminal record; and (individuals) 18 or older, entitled to work in Canada, completed prescribed training and testing.
  • Clean record = not convicted of a prescribed offence, or convicted but pardoned (record suspension).
  • If you stop meeting a requirement: stop working under the licence and return it within 5 days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (s. 10(2)).
  • Study guide: charges/convictions not on the prescribed list do not automatically bar you; PSISB reviews the file and may let you be heard.

Refusal and appeal

  • Registrar must give written notice before refusing, adding conditions or revoking.
  • 21 days after notice to request an opportunity to be heard; 21 days after written reasons to appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
  • Refused applicants may reapply if new evidence or changed circumstances.

Training and Testing

  • Must complete a training program that follows the ministry Training Syllabus for Security Guards, and pass the ministry licensing test.
  • Before taking the test, must give the test administrator a valid St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid certificate or equivalent.
  • Training may be provided only by: a public university, an Ontario college of applied arts and technology, a registered career college, a licensed business entity, or a registered business entity that employs you or has made a conditional job offer.
  • Holder of a permanent SG licence from another province/territory (issued after training and/or a test) is exempt from Ontario training.
  • Training certificate must show the business name, "Security Guard", your name, completion date and an authorized signature.

Training content and program length

  • Minimum in-class length: 40 hours with Emergency Level First Aid, or 33.5 hours without it.
  • Largest section: Legal Authorities, 7.5 hours in class. First aid section: 6.5 hours.
  • Recommended instructor/student ratio 1/24.
  • Classroom or web-based; web courses need real-time instructor interaction available; only students who attended the full course may take the test.

Security guard and private investigator testing (ontario.ca)

  • Separate tests for SG and PI; dual licence needs both tests.
  • 60 multiple-choice questions, 75 minutes per test.
  • Need a training completion number from your training provider to register.
  • Test online or at select DriveTest centres.

About the test

  • Appointment 2 hours, of which 75 minutes for the test.
  • Cut score 62%. (The guide's results time of five business days is out of date; the testing site says 2 business days.)
  • Must book in advance online or through a call centre agent; booking/payment questions go to Serco DES Inc.
  • Already licensed? You may only take the test for which you are licensed or trained; take it well before licence expiry.

Security guard or PI licence (individuals)

  • Licence expires two birthdays after the day it is issued; renewals are 2 years, tied to birth date (also O. Reg. 367/07).
  • Renew up to 90 calendar days before expiry.
  • Must carry a digital or printed copy at all times and show it on request.
  • Cost: $80 security guard licence; $80 PI; $160 dual; $80 to change licence type; no fee to change personal information.
  • Online application up to 15 calendar days; mail up to 30 calendar days. Mail payment: bank draft, money order or certified cheque to the Minister of Finance.
  • Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check must be issued within six months of submitting the application, in original format.
  • Two different valid government IDs (one identity, one work eligibility); health card and SIN card not accepted.
  • Must notify the ministry within 5 days of a conviction/finding of guilt for an offence listed in the Clean Criminal Record regulation.
  • Valid out-of-province licence: no Ontario training/testing; complete applications processed within 10 business days.
  • Physical cards no longer issued; licences are digital (can be printed).

Booking and payment options (retrieved 2026-10-17)

  • Test fee $35.00 + 13% HST = $39.55, per test attempt.
  • Fee covers sitting and marking the test only; the ServiceOntario licence fee is separate.
  • The study guide page (last updated 2021) still shows an older $75.15 fee; the booking page is current.

Licence rules, uniforms and equipment

Carrying and producing your licence, the uniform rules (SECURITY lettering, ID tag, no chevrons, no black or navy collared shirts), banned words such as officer and police, equipment rules for batons, handcuffs and firearms, and the penalties for breaking the Act.

Practise Licence rules, uniforms and equipment questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

General rules and standards of practice

  • Anyone acting as a guard must carry the licence, identify themselves as a security guard on request, and produce the licence on request. Applies to plain-clothes guards too (loss prevention, bodyguards).
  • Uniform required, except for bodyguards and loss prevention (theft/sabotage prevention) work (s. 35(2)-(3)).
  • No identification or symbol of authority other than the uniform, the licence and anything allowed by regulation; e.g. a metal badge is prohibited (s. 35(4)).

Return of licence, other duties, holding out as police

  • A licence is Crown property; return it immediately if suspended or revoked, or if you stop meeting a s. 10 requirement.
  • No one may lend a licence, let another person use it, display a fake/altered one, or display a suspended/revoked licence as valid (s. 38).
  • A licensee must not falsely hold out as providing police services or duties (s. 39).
  • Banned terms (s. 40): detective / private detective, law enforcement, police, officer (and variations). So "security officer" is not allowed.

Offences and penalties

  • Offences include knowingly giving false information in an application, breaking a licence condition, or contravening the Act or regulations.
  • Proceedings must start within one year after the Registrar learns of the facts (s. 43(2)).
  • Individual: fine up to $25,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both. Business entity: fine up to $250,000.
  • Code of conduct compliance is a condition of every licence (s. 53(2)).

Uniforms

  • Employer's name, logo or crest on the chest of the outermost piece of the uniform.
  • "SECURITY", "SÉCURITÉ", "SECURITY GUARD" or "AGENT DE SÉCURITÉ" on the chest: upper-case, at least 1.5 cm high, contrasting colour; placed 2 to 3 cm below the employer's name/logo where required.
  • "SECURITY" or "SÉCURITÉ" on the back: upper-case, at least 10 cm high, contrasting colour — not required if the outermost piece is a collared shirt, sweater, blazer, sports jacket or suit jacket.
  • ID tag with the guard's name or licence number on the chest of the outermost piece.
  • No rank chevrons (exception: non-profit organization in existence before August 23, 2007).
  • Collared shirt must not be black or navy blue.
  • Trousers: no side stripes except reflective safety stripes.
  • No police-style forage cap.
  • Licensed employer must ensure its guards comply; the guard is also responsible for wearing the proper uniform (study guide).

Equipment

  • Firearm only if authorized to carry under s. 20 of the federal Firearms Act.
  • Baton only if issued by the licensed/registered employer, and for defensive purposes only; licensed employer must carry insurance for batons.
  • Handcuffs only if issued by the employer.
  • Cable ties or strip ties may NOT be used as restraints.

Code of Conduct and public complaints

The duties and prohibitions in the ministry Code of Conduct (O. Reg. 363/07), what counts as a breach, and how public complaints to the Registrar are filed, facilitated and resolved.

Practise Code of Conduct and public complaints questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Breach of code of conduct

  • A licensee breaches the code by contravening or failing to comply with the regulation.
  • PSISA s. 53(2): complying with the code is a condition of every licence.

Individual licensees shall, while working

  • (a) act with honesty and integrity
  • (b) respect and use all property and equipment according to the licence conditions
  • (c) comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws
  • (d) treat all persons equally, without discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability
  • (e) refrain from profane, abusive or insulting language or actions, or otherwise uncivil actions to the public
  • (f) refrain from unnecessary force
  • (g) refrain from behaviour prohibited or not authorized by law
  • (h) respect privacy: treat all information received while working as confidential, except where disclosure is required by the work or by law
  • (i) co-operate with police where required by law

Individual licensees shall not

  • (a) be unfit for duty through alcohol or drugs while working
  • (b) conspire with or aid/abet another licensee in a breach of the code
  • (c) wilfully or negligently make a false statement or complaint against another licensee
  • (d) misrepresent the type, class or conditions of their licence
  • Exception to (d): a licensee concealing their identity as a guard/PI to carry out their duties.

Code of Conduct

  • Respecting the code is mostly common sense; treat the public respectfully and professionally.

Public complaints

  • Any person may complain to the Registrar that a licensee breached the code of conduct, the Act/regulations or a licence condition.
  • Complaint must be in writing, signed, and filed within 90 days after the matter arose (later with Registrar's consent).
  • Registrar may decline a code-of-conduct complaint that is frivolous, vexatious or not in good faith, and must give reasons.
  • Code-of-conduct complaints are referred to a facilitator unless the complainant does not want that; the licensee must attend required meetings.
  • Facilitator may recommend remedial instruction; the Registrar then imposes it as a licence condition.
  • Study guide: complaints can lead to facilitation, investigation, charges, a warning or licence revocation.

O. Reg. 363/07 s. 2(1)(b), (g) (added T22)

  • (b) respect and use all property and equipment in accordance with the conditions of the licence.
  • (g) refrain from behaviour that is either prohibited or not authorized by law.

Duties, access, crowd and traffic control

The core role of a guard (observe, deter, record, report), access control and visitor logs, removal of materials, crowd control factors, traffic control on private property, shift handover and dealing with people under the influence of drugs.

Practise Duties, access, crowd and traffic control questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Important note

  • Practices vary between companies; know your employer's policies, not only the guide or syllabus.

Duties of a security guard

  • Role: protect people, property and information.
  • Duties include: protecting premises against natural and man-made threats; preventing, detecting and reacting to criminal and quasi-criminal acts against the client's property; working with police and the justice system (e.g. securing crime scenes until police arrive, being a source of information); leading in emergencies and assisting emergency personnel (e.g. directing firefighters to the best route); controlling access (gates, escorts, bag inspection); controlling or restoring order to a crowd; preventing work accidents by reporting hazards.
  • Most tasks: observe, deter, record and report only; physical intervention is the exception.

Access control

  • Log sheet records each person's name and time of entry and exit, so visitors can be located during an emergency or afterwards.
  • A visitor's pass shows whether an escort is needed, who authorized the visit, the visitor's status and their business on site.

Material access

  • Removal of materials (computers, disks, briefcases) is one of the most sensitive tasks.
  • The client decides what steps protect their property; the guard follows those instructions and the access rules/protocols given by the supervisor.

Crowd control

  • On private property a guard may maintain crowd control; if it escalates, police may be needed.
  • Factors to weigh: risk to life/property whether or not action is taken; personal risk to the guard; supervisor or client instructions; risks of leaving the post; availability of backup; urgency; developing tactics/plans.
  • If the crowd threatens to get out of control, contact police.

Traffic control and parking

  • Guards may control traffic on private property (gated entrances, parking lots).
  • Use conventional signals and movements so drivers understand; dress for weather; reflective vests or cuffs must be worn; be courteous and persuasive, explaining reasons.

Basic elements of security

  • Includes escorting people, inspecting baggage and vehicles, contacting the right personnel on a breach, creating a barricade/staging area, locking down a facility, controlling traffic on company property or on public roads in emergencies, hand signals, traffic control equipment, appropriate attire, shift handover (updating the next person on shift).
  • Syllabus lists suggested training hours: Basic Security Procedures 3 hours in class, 5 outside.

Drug effects

  • Guards may meet people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including people in withdrawal; know signs of substance abuse and effects on behaviour so they can protect themselves and the subject.
  • Syllabus drug categories: cannabinoids, depressants, dissociative anesthetics, hallucinogens, opioids/morphine derivatives, stimulants, inhalants.

Patrols and surveillance

Planning a patrol, foot patrol, vehicle patrol and fixed surveillance, with the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the situational awareness skills the syllabus expects.

Practise Patrols and surveillance questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Patrolling

  • Main purpose: maintain security of the premises under the guard's authority. Start with understanding the patrol's purpose (keep intruders away, help confused members of the public, check boilers/equipment).
  • Purpose may change during a shift: e.g. first round intruders, second round safety equipment, third round intruders again.
  • Know the geography: telephones, water shut-off valves, electrical and alarm panels, light switches, emergency lighting; emergency equipment (generators, first aid kits, fire alarms, hydrants, extinguishers).
  • Best emergency route: simplest, most direct, fewest hazards.
  • Plan route in advance with a map of checkpoints, passageways, rooms, stairwells, doors, windows; plan alternate routes for fire, explosion or chemical leak.
  • Vary timing and route so patrols are not routine or predictable. Bring proper equipment and clothing.

Foot patrol

  • Most common patrol method; used where motorized patrol or electronic surveillance cannot give the same coverage. All senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch) may be used.
  • Advantages: highly visible; knowledge of area patterns helps anticipate incidents; all senses used; can reach small spaces such as stairwells.
  • Disadvantages: restricted mobility/coverage; time; bad weather; hard to carry equipment (reports, forms, first-aid kits); communication problems without radio/phone; foot patrols hard to supervise.

Vehicle patrol

  • Covers areas too large for foot; vehicles often in constant contact with a dispatcher; covers parking lots, storage yards, perimeter fence lines.
  • Guard must check the vehicle works properly before patrol.
  • Advantages: highly visible; large areas faster; faster response; carry more equipment; protection from weather.
  • Disadvantages: restricted to roads/paths; vision partly restricted; weather; engine noise masks sounds or alerts others; sealed cabs may hide dangers such as fumes.

Surveillance (non-mobile patrol)

  • Also called visual or fixed patrol; with technology the guard stays stationary but watches a specific area (entrance/exit, cameras, mirrors, fences).
  • Advantages: access and egress readily controlled; hard for someone to physically attack the guard; visible station/cameras deter; fewer guards needed.
  • Disadvantages: cameras and fences can be defeated; blind spots exist; equipment may fail, especially in bad weather; long concentration on one area; relies on one sense (vision); response may be limited to calling police/internal personnel, especially when monitoring off-site.

Surveillance

  • Focus: decision-making, recognizing patterns (situational awareness), observing minor but critical details, recognizing typicality and detecting anomalies, improvising, adapting, prioritizing.
  • Completing initial checks establishes a benchmark for later observations; use all five senses.

Notebooks, reports and statements

Keeping a notebook, the who-what-when-where-why-how of reports, using notes in court, and how to take and correct a witness statement.

Practise Notebooks, reports and statements questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Note-taking

  • The notebook is arguably a guard's most important tool; daily account of events.
  • Keep it neat, chronological, not tampered with; never tear out pages (looks like removing information).
  • Accuracy and transparency reflect the guard's integrity and reliability.
  • Guard keeps it secure (never unattended where the public can reach it), but the notebook is ultimately the employer's property; write legibly, spell names and locations accurately.

Report content

  • Stick to facts and observations, not opinions or assumptions.
  • Answer: who (suspects, victims, complainants, witnesses), what (what happened, what each person did, evidence), when (time, date, sequence start to finish), where (location, where each person was, where evidence found), why (motives if evident), how (how it happened, how each person acted).

Report writing

  • Types of reports: incident, use of force, witness statements.
  • Elements: date, time, location, actions/behaviours, descriptions of individuals, observations, time of completion.
  • Objective report: factual, written in third person, no emotional terms, no introspection, clear and concise.
  • Legal implications: needed for audits or as evidence in court; confidentiality; care in distribution (e.g. problems emailing confidential reports).

Reports as evidence

  • Guards may be subpoenaed to testify; keep thorough, accurate notes.
  • On the stand the guard may be permitted to refer to notes, but notes are a memory aid only — should not have to read straight from them.
  • Review all notes carefully before court.

Statements

  • Purpose: accurate record of a witness's recollection.
  • Taken freely, no threat or promise.
  • Good practice contents: witness full name, date of birth, ID; employment and contact information; address and location of statement; date of interview; time started and ended; name of guard and company; introduction paragraph; verbatim (word for word) account; closing paragraph.
  • Witness reviews the statement and may ask for changes before signing.
  • Correction: draw a line through the removed item; both witness and guard initial at the beginning and end of the correction.

Health and safety, WHMIS

WHMIS responsibilities and emergency steps for hazardous materials, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act duties of workers and the right to refuse unsafe work.

Practise Health and safety, WHMIS questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

WHMIS

  • OHSA and WHMIS together protect the safety of guards and the people they deal with.
  • WHMIS: national system giving information on dangers and safe handling of workplace materials, including biological and chemical substances.
  • Sets out responsibilities of suppliers, workers and employers; hazardous product information must be readily available; employer must have procedures suited to the workplace.
  • Guards may not handle hazardous materials but may be exposed; should know WHMIS symbols and responses.
  • Employer should inform guards of emergency procedures for hazardous materials.
  • Prepare: review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); evaluate hazards and the tools needed; post emergency contact numbers in a visible location.
  • In an emergency: know when to start the emergency response plan; evacuate the area and restrict access; contact the employer's WHMIS response team or emergency services.
  • Examples needing emergency response: chemical spills or leaks, fires or explosions, improper exposure to a dangerous substance.

Health and safety

  • Trainer should cover the right to refuse unsafe work. 1 hour in class.
  • Example situations: accepting a delivery of hazardous materials, fire near hazardous materials, a leaking container found on patrol.

Duties of workers

  • Work in compliance with the Act and regulations; use or wear equipment/protective devices/clothing the employer requires.
  • Report missing or defective equipment or protective devices that may endanger anyone to the employer or supervisor.
  • Report any contravention or known hazard to the employer or supervisor.
  • No pranks, contests, feats of strength, unnecessary running or rough conduct; don't remove protective devices.

Right to refuse

  • A worker may refuse work if they have reason to believe equipment, the physical condition of the workplace, or workplace violence is likely to endanger them (or equipment another worker).
  • Promptly report the refusal to the employer or supervisor, who investigates in the worker's presence (with a worker representative if any).
  • Until the investigation ends, the worker stays in a safe place as near as reasonably possible to the work station and available.
  • If still reasonable grounds after investigation, the worker may continue to refuse and an inspector is notified.

Workers must not (added T22)

  • (a) remove or make ineffective a required protective device without an adequate temporary device; replace it immediately when the need ends.
  • (b) work or operate equipment in a way that may endanger themselves or another worker.
  • (c) engage in pranks, contests, feats of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct.

Emergency response, fire and alarms

Types of emergencies, a guard's role set by the employer or client, fire prevention checks, the main types of intrusion alarm, safe alarm response and duty of care at a crime scene.

Practise Emergency response, fire and alarms questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Emergency situations

  • Guards respond to emergencies and minimize their impact; scene management matters.
  • Emergencies may involve fire, bombs, weapons, suspicious packages or explosive devices.
  • Syllabus: protect people and property — contain, activate, evacuate.

Emergency response procedures / potential roles

  • Know the employer's emergency response procedures and plans.
  • A guard's role in an emergency is set by the employer or client and should be documented before the guard starts on the site.
  • Intrusion alarm example: some employers want the guard to call the client and police and wait; others want the guard to investigate and secure the scene.
  • Fire: may be expected to activate the fire alarm, call the fire department, help evacuate (including crowd control) and direct emergency personnel.
  • Syllabus: recognize when an emergency is beyond the guard's scope and needs more help; know building occupancy limits (e.g. Ontario Fire Code).

Prevention and detection of fires

  • Constant lookout for fire hazards on patrol or at a fixed post: electrical equipment producing heat or sparks, combustibles near heat, signs a fire has started (activated alarms, smoke, heat).
  • Explosives/flammables not stored near ignition sources.
  • Corridors (especially evacuation routes) free of obstructions; no combustibles stored there.
  • Exit doors, including floor area on both sides, clear and accessible at all times.
  • Watch for damaged or deteriorated fire suppressors; fire alarm systems must be operative.

Alarm response (types)

  • Infrared (most common): motion in large areas from heat changes.
  • Physical contact: door/window opened when two sensor parts separate.
  • Photo-electric beams: beam broken (like garage doors).
  • Seismic: physical shocks in certain frequencies, like glass breaking.
  • Vibration: very sensitive sensors on fences or structures.
  • Rare: ultrasonic (sound waves), microwave, electric fields, trip wires.
  • During response stay in touch with dispatcher, supervisor or another guard; own safety is the priority.
  • If a crime is witnessed or confirmed: call police immediately, back off, observe from a safe distance.

Duty of care

  • Duty of care = what a reasonable person should do in a particular situation.
  • Guard must be able to secure and protect a crime scene until the appropriate personnel arrive.

Emergency level first aid

Why emergency level first aid certification is required before the test, what the course covers, the goals of first aid and a guard's extra duties at a casualty scene.

Practise Emergency level first aid questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Training and testing

  • Before taking the licensing test, applicant must give the test administrator a valid St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid certificate or equivalent.

Emergency level first aid certification

  • Required only for students who do not have current, valid emergency-level first aid certification; those who do are exempt from this part.
  • Standard: equivalent to the St. John Ambulance emergency-level first aid course. 6.5 hours in class.
  • Must cover: emergency scene management; shock, unconsciousness and fainting; choking (adult); severe bleeding; one-rescuer CPR (adult).
  • Must be delivered by a St. John Ambulance certified instructor or a WSIB (Ontario) approved first aid trainer.

What is first aid?

  • First aid = emergency care or treatment for an injured or ill person using readily available materials before regular medical help is obtained.
  • Goals: preserve life, prevent further injury, promote recovery.
  • Anyone can take charge of an emergency scene and give first aid. Ambulance, police and fire are "first responders" who take charge when they arrive and may ask direct questions; a trained guard can say "I am a First-Aider", give the scene history and casualty's condition.
  • Other duties at the scene: protect the casualty's belongings, keep unnecessary people away, reassure family or friends.
  • Know the employer's first aid policies, including accident reporting.
  • Study guide is not a substitute for in-course training.

Trespass to Property Act

Occupiers and their agents, the three ways to commit trespass, giving notice by voice, writing, signs or red and yellow markings, the $10,000 maximum fine and the power to arrest and hand over to police.

Practise Trespass to Property Act questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Trespass to Property Act

  • Ontario law letting occupiers of private premises decide who may or may not be there; occupier may designate people to act for them — guards often fill this role.
  • Offence (s. 2(1)): entering where entry is prohibited; engaging in a prohibited activity; refusing to leave when directed by the occupier or an authorized person (e.g. a guard).
  • If entry is prohibited or restricted, notice must be given — verbally, in writing, or by signs or markings.
  • Violators of s. 2 may be arrested without a warrant; a guard who arrests under the Act must contact police as soon as possible and deliver the person to a police officer.

Definitions

  • "Occupier" includes a person in physical possession, or with responsibility and control over the premises' condition, activities or persons allowed to enter; there can be more than one occupier.
  • "Premises" = lands and structures, including water, ships and vessels, trailers and portable structures for residence/business/shelter, and trains, railway cars, vehicles and aircraft except while in operation.
  • School boards have occupier rights for school sites.

Trespass an offence

  • Offence if, without the occupier's express permission (proof of which rests on the defendant), a person enters when entry is prohibited or does a prohibited activity; or does not leave immediately when directed by the occupier or authorized person.
  • Fine: not more than $10,000.
  • Defence for land: colour of right — person reasonably believed they had title or an interest entitling them.
  • Aggravating factor: still on premises more than 24 hours after being given notice to leave (or longer period specified), or likely to reoffend.

Notice

  • Entry prohibited without any notice on a garden, field or other cultivated land (lawn, orchard, vineyard, young trees averaging no more than 2 metres, farm woodlots), or land enclosed to show intent to keep people out or animals in.
  • Presumption: access for lawful purposes to the door of a building by the normal path is not prohibited.
  • Notice that particular activities are permitted = all other activities prohibited; notice that one activity is prohibited = others allowed.
  • Notice may be given orally or in writing; by signs clearly visible in daylight from each ordinary access point; or by markings. Substantial compliance is enough.
  • Sign naming/showing an activity = permitted; with an oblique line through it = prohibited.
  • Red markings = entry prohibited. Yellow markings = entry prohibited except for certain activities. Markings must fit a circle 10 cm in diameter and be visible in daylight from each access point.
  • Notice may cover only part of the premises.

Arrest

  • Police officer, occupier or person authorized by the occupier may arrest without warrant anyone believed on reasonable and probable grounds to be on the premises in contravention of s. 2.
  • If not a police officer: promptly call for police and give the arrested person into police custody.
  • Arrest off premises after fresh departure (refusing name/address or giving false one) — police officer only.

further provisions (T22, from the e-Laws Word copy in _source/)

  • Premises include vehicles, trains, railway cars and aircraft only while not in operation.
  • Occupier can be a manager with control over who enters (more than one occupier possible).
  • s. 4(2) limited prohibition: notice banning one activity leaves other activities not prohibited.
  • s. 2(3)2: court finding that the defendant is likely to contravene again is an aggravating factor (2025 amendment).
  • s. 9(1) standard: belief on reasonable and probable grounds. s. 9(3): police officer receiving custody is deemed to have arrested for Provincial Offences Act release/detention/bail.
  • s. 11: offence by motor vehicle — driver liable; owner also liable unless driver convicted or vehicle taken without consent.
  • s. 12: on conviction, court shall (on prosecutor's request, with victim's consent) give judgment for damages, in addition to the fine; private prosecutor's costs; enforce through Small Claims Court; judgment extinguishes a civil action on the same facts.

Arrest powers and other laws

Why guards have only citizen's powers, arrest under Criminal Code section 494 (indictable offences, property owners and their agents, fresh pursuit), delivering a prisoner to police, and privacy laws such as PIPEDA.

Practise Arrest powers and other laws questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Powers of arrest

  • Guards have neither police nor peace officer powers; they have the same Criminal Code powers as any member of the public. Section 494 sets out when a member of the public may arrest.
  • Guarding property and authorized by the owner or lawful possessor: may arrest for any criminal offence committed on or in relation to that property, if the guard witnessed it.
  • Indictable offence: may arrest even if not on or related to the guarded property, as long as the guard witnessed it.
  • Indictable offences are typically more serious; many offences guards see are indictable, e.g. theft.
  • After an arrest, deliver the person to a peace officer as soon as possible.

Arrest without warrant by any person

  • (1)(a) Anyone may arrest without warrant a person found committing an indictable offence.
  • (1)(b) Anyone may arrest a person they believe on reasonable grounds has committed a criminal offence and is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons with lawful authority to arrest.
  • (2) Owner/lawful possessor of property, or a person they authorize, may arrest a person found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property: (a) at that time, or (b) within a reasonable time after, if they believe on reasonable grounds it is not feasible for a peace officer to make the arrest.
  • (3) Anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without warrant shall forthwith deliver the person to a peace officer.
  • (4) A person authorized to arrest under s. 494 is authorized by law for the purposes of s. 25 (use of force).

Legal authorities

  • Biggest section: 7.5 hours in class, 10 outside.
  • Know difference between indictable and summary offences; common offences: criminal harassment, mischief, assault, theft, causing a disturbance, breaking and entering, possession of stolen property.
  • Defence of property and of persons; common elements of tort law (staying within lawful authority).
  • Guards act as agents of the property owner; know private vs public property.

PIPEDA and privacy

  • PIPEDA protects personal information; personal information handled on duty should not be used or disclosed.
  • Other privacy laws may apply: FIPPA, MFIPPA.
  • Syllabus: procedures for handling, storing, disseminating and destroying personal information.

Additional legislation

  • Employment Standards Act, 2000; Labour Relations Act, 1995; Liquor Licence Act; Provincial Offences Act; Residential Tenancies Act, 2006; Trespass to Property Act.

Prohibited activities

  • A licensed guard must not act or offer to act in collecting accounts, acting as a bailiff, or an eviction under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

Criminal Code offences named in syllabus Section 8 (T22, retrieved 2026-10-17 from laws-lois.justice.gc.ca)

  • s. 322 Theft: fraudulently and without colour of right taking/converting anything with intent to deprive the owner (temporarily or absolutely). (2) complete when the thing is moved with intent to steal. (3) secrecy not required.
  • s. 334 Punishment: over $5,000 — indictable up to 10 years or summary; not over $5,000 — indictable up to 2 years or summary.
  • s. 430 Mischief: wilfully destroy/damage property; render it dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective; obstruct/interrupt/interfere with lawful use (no damage needed). (1.1) computer data. Endangering life: life imprisonment; over $5,000: up to 10 years or summary; other: up to 2 years or summary.
  • s. 265 Assault: (a) intentional force without consent, directly or indirectly; (b) attempt/threat by act or gesture with (apparent) present ability; (c) openly wearing/carrying a weapon or imitation while accosting, impeding or begging. s. 266: indictable up to 5 years or summary.
  • s. 175(1)(a) Causing a disturbance in or near a public place (fighting, screaming, shouting, swearing, singing, insulting/obscene language, being drunk, impeding/molesting): summary conviction only — so s. 494(1)(a) (indictable only) does not apply off the guarded property.
  • s. 348 Breaking and entering with intent / committing / breaking out: dwelling-house — life; other place — up to 10 years or summary. "Place" (s. 348(3)): dwelling-house; building/structure or part; railway vehicle, vessel, aircraft, trailer; fur-bearing animal pen.
  • s. 354 Possession of property obtained by crime: knowing it was obtained by/derived from an indictable offence. (2) VIN wholly/partly removed or obliterated = proof (absent contrary evidence) it was obtained by an indictable offence. s. 355 penalties mirror theft ($5,000 line).
  • s. 264 Criminal harassment: e.g. repeatedly following, repeatedly communicating, besetting or watching home/work, threatening conduct — causing reasonable fear for safety. Indictable up to 10 years or summary.
  • s. 30: anyone who witnesses a breach of the peace may interfere to prevent its continuance/renewal and detain a participant to give them into a peace officer's custody, using no more force than reasonably necessary.
  • s. 787(1) general summary conviction penalty: fine up to $5,000, up to two years less a day, or both.

privacy laws

  • Besides PIPEDA, FIPPA and MFIPPA may apply. Syllabus: procedures for handling, storing, disseminating and destroying personal information.

Use of force theory

Criminal Code sections 25, 26, 27, 34 and 35, the National Use of Force Model, excited delirium and positional asphyxia, and restraint rules.

Practise Use of force theory questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Use of force theory

  • Guards must understand use of force theory, the use of force model and keeping composure under stress.
  • Criminal Code s. 25: when required or authorized by law to do something in administering or enforcing the law, a person (like any member of the public) acting on reasonable grounds may use as much force as is necessary.
  • s. 26: anyone authorized to use force is criminally responsible for any excess.
  • Excited delirium: signs of severe mental disturbance; may be violent and aggressive; avoid agitating or exciting them. Causes include drug use, mental illness, brain injuries or tumours, heart disease, high blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, respiratory problems, fever.
  • Positional asphyxia: can happen to anyone restrained; much higher risk with excited delirium. Do not hold face down; no pressure on the chest.
  • National Use of Force Model: situational model; assess the subject's behaviour (inner circles) and choose an appropriate response (outer coloured circles); e.g. no hard physical force on a cooperative subject.
  • Syllabus: specialized training is needed to use defensive equipment; 2 hours in class.

Protection of persons acting under authority

  • (1) Justified, if acting on reasonable grounds, in using as much force as is necessary — applies to private persons too.
  • (3) Not justified in using force intended or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless believing on reasonable grounds it is necessary to preserve self or someone under their protection from death or grievous bodily harm.

Prevention of 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 that would likely cause immediate and serious injury to a person or property.

Defence of person

  • Not guilty if: believe on reasonable grounds force or threat of force is being used against them or another; act is for defending/protecting; act is reasonable in the circumstances.
  • Factors include: nature of the force or threat; how imminent and whether other means were available; the person's role; weapons; size, age, gender and physical capabilities; relationship/history; proportionality of the response.

Defence of property

  • Not guilty if: reasonable belief of peaceable possession (or acting under the authority of someone in peaceable possession); reasonable belief the other person is entering without right, taking, or damaging property; act is to prevent or remove/retake; act reasonable in the circumstances.

O. Reg. 366/07 (cross-reference)

  • No cable/strip ties; batons employer-issued and defensive only; handcuffs employer-issued.

Effective communication and 10 codes

Clear and concise communication, non-verbal cues, tone and volume, being assertive without being confrontational, and the APCO ten codes listed in the study guide.

Practise Effective communication and 10 codes questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Communication skills

  • Communication media: writing (reports, policies), in person, phone, email, two-way radio, video recording.
  • Information should be clear, concise, in appropriate language, accurate and without personal bias or opinion.
  • Non-verbal cues: posture, gestures, facial expression, eye contact.
  • Check employer protocols for situations such as fire alarms and for radios.
  • General rules: be brief; be explicit; be concise; make sure you are understood; do not be antagonistic.

Tactical communication

  • Adjust communication style to the situation and audience (helping an injured person vs controlling a rowdy crowd).
  • Be assertive without being confrontational.
  • Tone, volume and cadence affect how a message is received — especially on the telephone, where non-verbal cues are missing.
  • Syllabus: "Communication" was formerly called "Tactical communication"; covers de-escalation with progressive intervention steps, spatial distance, posture, eye contact.

Interpersonal skills

  • Courtesy and professionalism build rapport and trust; strong interpersonal skills help prevent or defuse difficult situations.
  • Syllabus: guards' conduct is vital to the professional image of the whole industry; scan for problems and act preventively.

APCO "10" codes (selected)

  • 10-4 message received; 10-9 repeat; 10-7 out of service; 10-8 in service; 10-20 advise location; 10-22 disregard; 10-23 arrived at scene; 10-33 emergency, all units stand by; 10-31 crime in progress; 10-32 person with gun; 10-52 request ambulance; 10-70 fire alarm; 10-78 request assistance; 10-89 bomb threat; 10-41 beginning shift; 10-42 end shift; 10-12 stand by; 10-0 use caution; 10-1 signal weak; 10-3 stop transmitting; 10-10 fight in progress; 10-37 suspicious vehicle; 10-50 traffic accident; 10-76 en route; 10-95 subject in custody.

Sensitivity and human rights

Recognising your own biases, the Ontario Human Rights Code and Code of Conduct duty to treat everyone equally, and serving people with disabilities.

Practise Sensitivity and human rights questionsFlashcardsOfficial chapter

Sensitivity training

  • Guards deal with the public daily; approach people with respect.
  • Understand the types of prejudice arising from differences, including (not limited to) ethnic background, education, religion, gender.
  • Identify your own biases so they do not affect professional interactions.
  • Miscommunication and misinterpretation can happen between people from different backgrounds (e.g. misinterpreting gestures); be sensitive to differences.
  • Legally must comply with the Code of Conduct Regulation and the Ontario Human Rights Code — treat all persons equally and without discrimination.
  • OHRC: provincial law giving everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination.
  • Provide appropriate service to people with disabilities; reference: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Training syllabus Section 10

  • Addresses prejudice against ethnic backgrounds, persons with mental or physical disabilities, gender and sexual orientation.
  • Recognize own biases and how they influence situations; impact of mental, physical, cultural and sexual differences on situational dynamics.
  • 3 hours in class, 2 outside; working knowledge.

Code of Conduct

  • Treat all persons equally, without discrimination based on race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

Services (e-Laws Word copy, retrieved 2026-10-17)

  • Right to equal treatment for services, goods and facilities without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. Gender identity and expression are not in the Code of Conduct list, but guards must comply with both.

O. Reg. 191/11 (AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards) Part IV.2 Customer service, ss. 80.45–80.49

  • Service animal: readily identifiable (vest, harness) or documented by a listed regulated health professional (e.g. physician, nurse, psychologist, optometrist).
  • Support person: helps with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or access to goods/services/facilities.
  • Provider must let a person enter with a service animal and keep it with them unless excluded by law (then offer other measures); support person enters together and access is not prevented.
  • Staff training: interacting with people with various disabilities, assistive devices, service animals, support persons; using on-site equipment; what to do when someone has difficulty accessing services.

Training syllabus Sections 9–10 (additional)

  • Issues with diverse groups: communication difficulties, misinterpretation of gestures. Self-assessment of biases; learning journal to keep them in check.
  • Interpersonal skills include sensitivity/empathy toward different cultures, persons with disabilities, human rights and mental health issues.

Written in our own words from: Ontario Security Guard Study Guide

FAQ

Ontario Security Guard study guide: common questions

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