Are Security Guards Law Enforcement in Canada?
Many people see a uniform and assume the same thing:
“Are security guards basically police?”
It’s a common question—and an important one.
The short answer is simple.
Are Security Guards Law Enforcement in Canada?
No—security guards are not law enforcement in Canada.
They are private professionals hired to protect people and property.
They do not have police powers.
In Ontario, security guards are licensed under provincial law, while police operate under federal and provincial policing legislation.
👉 External reference: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/
What Is the Difference Between Security Guards and Police in Canada?
The key difference is authority.
Security Guards:
Work for private companies or property owners
Protect specific locations (plazas, buildings, sites)
Have limited legal powers (same as private citizens)
Focus on prevention, observation, and reporting
Police Officers:
Work for public law enforcement agencies
Enforce laws across the public
Have full legal authority to arrest and investigate
Carry weapons and have broader use-of-force powers
👉 In simple terms:
Security guards protect property. Police enforce the law.
Are Security Guards Peace Officers in Canada?
No—security guards are not peace officers.
In Canada, “peace officer” is a legal term.
It includes:
Police officers
Correctional officers
Certain government officials
Security guards are not included in this category.
Where Do Security Guards Get Their Authority?
Even though they are not law enforcement, security guards still have authority.
That authority comes from:
1. Property Rights
Security guards act on behalf of the property owner.
They can:
Control access to private property
Ask people to leave
Enforce site rules
2. Trespass Laws (Ontario)
Under the Trespass to Property Act, guards can:
Remove unauthorized individuals
Take action if someone refuses to leave
👉 Example:
A guard at a shopping plaza asks someone loitering after hours to leave the property.
3. Citizen’s Arrest (Criminal Code)
Security guards can arrest—but only under limited conditions.
They must:
Witness the offence, or
Act within a reasonable time after it occurs
This is called a citizen’s arrest.
Do Security Guards Have the Same Powers as Police?
No.
Security guards do not have:
Broad arrest powers
Authority to investigate crimes like police
The ability to enforce laws outside their assigned property
Special legal protections given to law enforcement
Their powers are limited and situational.
Common Misconceptions About Security Guards
“Security guards can act like police.”
No—they must operate within strict legal limits.
“Security guards can arrest anyone at any time.”
No—arrest powers are narrow and must follow the law.
“Security guards are part of law enforcement.”
No—they are part of private security, not public policing.
Real-World Example
A business hires security for a commercial plaza.
What the guard does:
Monitors activity
Enforces property rules
Responds to disturbances
Contacts police when needed
What the guard does NOT do:
Conduct criminal investigations
Act as a police officer
Enforce laws outside the property
Why This Matters for Businesses and Property Managers
Understanding this difference helps you:
Set realistic expectations
Reduce liability
Use security effectively
Most security issues—like theft, trespassing, or loitering—are handled through:
Visibility
Consistency
Proper procedures
Not police-level enforcement.
Learn More About Professional Security Services in Ontario
If you’re evaluating your current security setup, it’s important to understand what security guards can—and cannot—do.
Explore our services here:
Secured By PSI
The goal of security is not to replace police—it’s to prevent problems before they happen.