Are Security Guards Allowed to Use Force in Canada?
Understanding Legal Limits, Responsibilities, and Use-of-Force Rules
Security guards in Canada are allowed to use force — but only under limited and strictly defined legal circumstances. Unlike police officers, security professionals do not have special law enforcement powers. Instead, their authority comes from the Criminal Code of Canada, property rights, and provincial legislation regulating private security.
Understanding when force is legally permitted helps businesses reduce liability, protects public safety, and ensures security operations remain professional and compliant.
This guide explains when security guards may legally use force in Canada and how those rules apply in Ontario.
Quick Answer: Can Security Guards Use Force?
Yes. Security guards in Canada may use reasonable force when it is necessary for:
Self-defence
Defence of another person
Protection of property
Carrying out a lawful citizen’s arrest
However, the force used must always be reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to the situation.
Excessive or punitive force is not allowed.
Why Security Guards Can Use Force at All
Security guards are legally considered private citizens, not peace officers. This means their authority to use force comes from laws that apply to everyone in Canada.
The key legal framework is the Criminal Code of Canada, which allows individuals to protect themselves, others, and property when certain conditions are met.
Security guards receive training to apply these laws professionally while prioritizing de-escalation and prevention.
The Criminal Code of Canada and Use of Force
Several sections of the Criminal Code govern when force may be used.
Self-Defence (Section 34)
A person may use force to defend themselves or another individual if they reasonably believe force is being used or threatened against them.
The response must be proportional to the threat.
Security guards may rely on self-defence when:
Facing physical aggression
Protecting another person from harm
Responding to immediate threats
Defence of Property (Section 35)
Canadian law allows reasonable force to prevent:
Damage to property
Theft or vandalism
Unauthorized interference with property
Because security guards act on behalf of property owners, this provision is frequently relevant in retail, residential, and commercial environments.
Citizen’s Arrest (Section 494)
Security guards may detain someone using reasonable force when:
They witness a criminal offence being committed, or
The arrest occurs shortly after the offence on or related to the property they protect.
After a detention, police must be contacted immediately and custody transferred as soon as possible.
What “Reasonable Force” Means
The most important legal concept is reasonableness.
Courts evaluate force based on factors such as:
The seriousness of the threat
Whether force was necessary
Availability of safer alternatives
The level of resistance encountered
Proportionality of the response
Training and professional expectations
Force must stop once the threat ends.
Security guards are expected to use the minimum force necessary.
The Role of De-Escalation in Modern Security
Professional security services emphasize prevention over confrontation.
In Ontario, training programs require guards to focus on:
Verbal communication
Conflict resolution
Situational awareness
Risk assessment
Observation and reporting
Physical force is considered a last resort, not a primary tool.
Most incidents are resolved without physical contact.
Ontario Law: The Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA)
In Ontario, licensed security guards operate under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
The PSISA establishes:
Licensing requirements
Mandatory training standards
Identification rules
Professional conduct expectations
Accountability mechanisms
The legislation reinforces that security guards must act lawfully, responsibly, and within defined limits.
Improper use of force can result in:
Licence suspension or revocation
Civil liability
Criminal charges
When Security Guards Cannot Use Force
Security guards may not use force:
As punishment
Out of anger or retaliation
Without legal justification
When a situation can be safely resolved without force
After a threat has ended
To conduct unauthorized searches
Using force outside legal boundaries exposes both the guard and the employer to legal consequences.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Shoplifting Incident
A guard witnesses a theft and detains the individual using minimal force after they attempt to flee. Police are contacted immediately.
✅ Likely lawful if reasonable and necessary.
Example 2: Verbal Argument
A person refuses to leave but poses no physical threat.
❌ Physical force would likely be unjustified.
The correct response is verbal direction and escalation procedures.
Example 3: Assault Prevention
A guard intervenes to stop a physical fight between individuals.
✅ Reasonable force may be justified to prevent harm.
Why Understanding Use-of-Force Laws Matters for Businesses
Organizations hiring security services benefit from understanding legal limits because it helps:
Reduce liability exposure
Protect customers and staff
Ensure professional incident handling
Maintain regulatory compliance
Improve risk management outcomes
Professional security providers train staff extensively to operate within these legal frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can security guards restrain someone?
Yes, but only when legally justified and using reasonable force, typically during a lawful detention.
Can security guards hit someone?
Only if necessary for self-defence or protection of others and when proportional to the threat.
Do security guards have the same use-of-force powers as police?
No. Police have broader statutory authority. Security guards rely on citizen powers under Canadian law.
Must security guards call police after using force?
Yes. Police should be contacted promptly whenever detention or significant force occurs.
The Professional Approach to Security
Modern security is focused on prevention, visibility, and risk reduction. Physical force is rare and used only when absolutely necessary to maintain safety.
Well-trained security guards prioritize:
Communication first
De-escalation second
Physical intervention only when legally required
This approach protects both the public and the organizations they serve.
About Protection Security Investigations
Protection Security Investigations provides licensed security guard and mobile patrol services across Ontario. Our team emphasizes prevention-based security, professional conduct, and strict compliance with Canadian and provincial legislation to help businesses maintain safe and secure environments.