Security Guard Authority in Canada: What You Need to Know

In Canada, security guards play an essential role in maintaining safety and order in public and private spaces. From shopping malls and office buildings to construction sites and residential complexes, they are often the first line of defense against disturbances and unauthorized access. However, while their responsibilities are broad, their legal authority is clearly defined. In this blog, we’ll explore what security guards legally do in Canada, helping you understand the limits and scope of their powers.

The Role of Security Guards in Canada

Security guards are trained professionals hired to deter crime, monitor activities, and protect people and property. Depending on their training and the province they operate in, their duties can include:

• Patrolling premises
• Monitoring security cameras
• Controlling access to buildings
• Responding to alarms or suspicious activity
• Writing incident reports
• Escorting individuals off the property

While they may seem similar to police officers in their roles, it’s important to understand that security guards are not law enforcement officers. Their powers and limitations are significantly different.

What Security Guards Legally Do in Canada

So, what Security Guards legally do in Canada? Here are the key legal powers they are allowed to exercise:

1. Citizen’s Arrest

Security guards in Canada can perform a citizen’s arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code. This means they can detain a person if:

• The person is found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property they are protecting.
• The arrest is made immediately after the offence is committed.
• The arrest is reasonable and necessary to prevent the continuation of the offence.

It’s important to note that a citizen’s arrest carries significant legal risk if not handled correctly, and guards must use minimal force necessary.

2. Use of Force

Security guards are legally allowed to use reasonable force to detain someone or protect property. What’s considered “reasonable” depends on the situation and must be proportionate to the threat involved. Excessive force can result in legal consequences for both the guard and their employer.

3. Requesting Identification

While security guards can ask individuals for ID, no one is legally obligated to provide it unless they're being lawfully detained or arrested. Unlike police officers, security guards do not have the authority to compel someone to identify themselves in most situations.

4. Ejecting Individuals from Private Property

One of the most common things security guards legally do in Canada is ask people to leave private property. If someone refuses, they can be considered trespassing under the Trespass to Property Act (varies by province), and the guard may call the police or detain the person until they arrive.

5. Searches

Security guards do not have the legal authority to search individuals without consent. In settings like clubs or events, a “search” may be a condition of entry, but individuals always have the right to refuse. If they refuse, they can be denied entry—but not searched forcibly.

What Security Guards Cannot Do

Understanding what security guards cannot do is just as important:

• They cannot impersonate a police officer or claim to have police-like authority.
• They cannot detain someone indefinitely—they must call the police after making a citizen’s arrest.
• They cannot enter private property without permission.
• They cannot carry weapons unless licensed to do so (e.g., baton, pepper spray, or firearms in certain provinces).

Why It Matters

For both property owners and the general public, understanding what security guards legally do in Canada helps set expectations and ensures everyone’s rights are respected. Guards themselves must remain educated on the limits of their authority to avoid legal liability or jeopardizing their employer’s reputation.

Conclusion

Security guards serve a vital function in Canadian society, but their powers are not unlimited. From making a citizen’s arrest to requesting someone leave the premises, their actions must always align with Canadian law. By understanding what Security Guards legally do in Canada, businesses can hire with confidence and the public can interact with respect.

For trained, professional, and licensed security services across Canada, contact Eagle Eye Security Ltd—your trusted partner in protection, safety, and peace of mind.