What Are Security Guards Allowed to Do in Canada?
When people see a security guard, they often ask:
“What are they actually allowed to do?”
Can they arrest you?
Can they use force?
Are they like police?
The answer is simple—but often misunderstood.
What Are Security Guards Allowed to Do in Canada?
In Canada, security guards are not police officers.
They are private citizens with specific responsibilities and limited legal powers.
In Ontario, security guards are regulated under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA).
👉 https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05p34
Their role is focused on:
Preventing problems
Observing activity
Reporting incidents
Protecting people and property
Core Duties of a Security Guard in Ontario
Most security guard duties are simple and practical.
1. Observation and Reporting
This is the most important responsibility.
Security guards are trained to:
Watch for suspicious activity
Monitor CCTV systems
Patrol buildings and properties
Write detailed incident reports
👉 Example:
A guard notices someone trying door handles in a parking lot. They document it, notify management, and call police if needed.
2. Access Control
Security guards control who enters and exits a property.
This can include:
Checking IDs
Signing visitors in and out
Monitoring restricted areas
Enforcing site rules
👉 Example:
At a construction site, a guard ensures only authorized workers enter after hours.
3. Enforcing Property Rules
In Ontario, guards can enforce rules under the Trespass to Property Act.
They can:
Ask someone to leave private property
Remove individuals who refuse to comply
👉 Example:
A person loitering in a plaza after being told to leave can be removed under trespassing laws.
4. Detaining Individuals (Citizen’s Arrest)
Yes—security guards can detain someone.
But only in specific situations.
Under the Criminal Code, a guard can perform a citizen’s arrest if:
They witness someone committing a crime on the property
The arrest is made within a reasonable time
👉 Example:
A store security guard detains someone caught shoplifting until police arrive.
5. Using Reasonable Force
Security guards can use force—but only when necessary.
This is called reasonable use of force.
It must be:
Proportional to the situation
Used as a last resort
Only to protect people or property
👉 Example:
If someone becomes physically aggressive, a guard may restrain them to prevent harm.
What Security Guards Cannot Do
This is where many misconceptions happen.
Security guards cannot:
Act as police officers
Conduct criminal investigations like law enforcement
Use force without justification
Carry firearms in most cases
Detain people without legal grounds
👉 Learn more:
Are security guards allowed to carry guns in Canada?
Security Guards vs Police: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is authority.
Security guards:
Work for private companies or property owners
Protect specific locations
Have limited legal powers
Police:
Enforce laws across the public
Have broader authority to arrest and investigate
Carry weapons and have full enforcement powers
Common Misconceptions
“Security guards can arrest anyone.”
No—they must witness the offence or meet strict legal conditions.
“Security guards can use force whenever they want.”
No—force must be necessary and reasonable.
“Security guards are law enforcement.”
No—they are private security professionals.
Real-World Example
A property manager hires security for a residential building due to trespassing.
What the guard does:
Patrols the building
Monitors entrances
Asks unauthorized individuals to leave
Documents incidents
Contacts police if needed
What the guard does NOT do:
Act like police
Use force unless absolutely necessary
Why This Matters for Property Owners
Understanding security guard powers helps you:
Set the right expectations
Reduce liability
Choose the right level of security
Most issues—like theft, loitering, or vandalism—are solved through:
Visibility
Consistency
Proper procedures
Not force.
Learn More About Professional Security Services in Ontario
If you’re evaluating your current security setup or unsure what level of protection your property needs, understanding these roles is key.
Explore our services here:
Secured By PSI
The goal of security isn’t control—it’s prevention, safety, and peace of mind.