Basic+Security+Training+Manual+(March+2017)
Basic+Security+Training+Manual+(March+2017)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 5
Instructions .................................................................................................................................. 5
The Academy Environment & Etiquette ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
About Paragon ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.0 – Introduction to security ......................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 7
The Program Agenda .............................................................................................................. 9
Foreword ............................................................................................................................... 10
Learning Journals .................................................................................................................. 11
1.2 Description of Industry Roles .......................................................................................... 13
1.3 Occupation of the Private Security Guard ....................................................................... 16
Specifications, Activities and Demands of Security Work ....................................................... 19
1.4 Section Summary ............................................................................................................. 27
2.0 - PSISA Act & Regulations .................................................................................................... 28
2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 28
2.2 Individual Responsibilities................................................................................................. 29
2.3 Duties, Standards & Regulations ....................................................................................... 31
2.4 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................ 50
Complaints and Investigations .............................................................................................. 52
2.5 Section Summary ............................................................................................................... 53
3.0 Report writing
....................................................................................................................................................... 54
3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 54
3.3 Types and purposes of reports ........................................................................................... 62
3.4 Legal Implications & Confidentiality ................................................................................ 73
3.5 Writing Basics .................................................................................................................... 74
3.6 Taking Statements .............................................................................................................. 76
3.7 Methods of submitting reports ........................................................................................... 77
3.8 Section Summary ............................................................................................................... 78
4.0 – Sources of legal authority ................................................................................................... 79
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 79
4.2 British common law ........................................................................................................... 79
4.3 Napoleonic code................................................................................................................. 79
4.4 The Constitution Act – The Charter of Rights and Freedoms ........................................... 80
4.5 Case Law ............................................................................................................................ 83
4.6 Ontario Statute Law and PIPEDA ..................................................................................... 84
4.6.1 Handling Information & PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act) .................................................................................................................... 84
4.6.2 Employment Standards Act, “ESA RSO 2000”.......................................................... 91
4.6.3 Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA), RSO 1999 .................................................. 105
4.6.4 Liquor Licence Act, R.S.O. 1990 ............................................................................. 110
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Introduction
Instructions
Welcome to PPI’s Basic Security Guard training program. This manual will assist you during
learning.
How this program is set up
This program is delivered over five days with forty (40) hours completed in class. There is an
equivalent amount of study time required for reading various sections of this manual to enhance
your knowledge. Upon successful completion of all aspects, we will send your name to the
Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services, Private Security Investigative Services
Branch so that you may book your appointment for testing.
About Paragon
Paragon Protection Limited, operated as Paragon Security is a privately owned Canadian company
that has been in business since 1976. It was founded by Ron France Senior. The company is still
owned by the France family and run by our President, Ron France Junior since 1994.
Paragon adheres to the organizational values and founding principles being an employee centered
and family oriented company. Paragon is a good place to work and succeed. Paragon is unique in
the contract security industry in Canada as it is the largest and most successful privately owned
organization of its type. This aspect along with the positive working environment and culture it
creates motivates our employees to do an excellent job.
Paragon seeks to provide value to our clients and employees while protecting assets, reducing
liability and providing excellent security services such that our clients’ organizations can operate
in the manner for which they were intended.
We provide Security Guard services as well as consulting and investigations. The types of
businesses we provide service to include Retail Shopping Centers, Commercial Office Buildings,
Residential and Condominium buildings, Hospitals, Community Colleges and Industrial or
Logistics businesses as well as others. Understanding the needs of these organizations and
providing excellent service, one shift at a time is the key to success for our employees.
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1.1 Introduction
This Basic Security Guard training program was implemented as regulated by government
effective April 15th, 2010. Ontario regulations require 40 hours of training. This course covers the
important information needed for basic training.
This program is designed to assist you learning the information required to successfully pass the
provincial exam and obtain your Security Guard license. This program complies with the course
requirements as set out by the standards published by the Ministry of Community Safety &
Correctional Services, Private Security & Investigative Services Branch.
Standardized training was part of the global changes initiated by the Provincial Government with
passing a revised Act into law, the PSISA, RSO 2005. Prior to 2005, Private Security Guards and
Investigators were governed by the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, RSO 1990.
Several events led to the changes brought about by this act; the old legislation proved somewhat
antiquated because of the changes in how services were being provided by the Public Police and
Private Security.
The old regulations were behind the times as new situations abounded whereby Private Security
was filling many of the needs previously filled by Public Police, yet new situations were not
captured under the regulations.
There was a recognized need for standardization as implemented in other provinces of Canada and
an inconsistency of governance for different types of security programs, services or coverage. This
included the fact that in-house security providers and Bouncers were not bound by the previous
laws, as they were outside of the scope of the legislation.
The primary catalyst for change was the result of government attention and focus groups engaging
in public discussions after a high profile death and resulting Coroner’s Inquest, known as the Shand
Inquest.
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Previous to the recommendations made by the Coroner in the Shand Inquest, the old Act governing
Security was put in place in 1966 and had not changed for twenty-four years. The
recommendations included the following changes:
1. Amendments to the Act Governing Private Security
2. The need for urgent change
3. Mandatory training, recertification standards and a specific curriculum for Security
Professionals
4. A license classification system
5. Identification of Security personnel
6. Record keeping & equipment
7. Portability of security licenses
8. Reporting use of force
9. An advisory about Excited Delirium
10. Specific training for Guards assigned to roles where they will use force
Of the recommendations made, the first nine changes in the above list have been fully
implemented. The last recommendation is a work in progress at the time of writing.
The course is written for you, the aspiring Security Guard. This workbook is written in plain
language, and supplements the program that includes lectures and exercises to help you learn the
material.
If there is anything you do not understand, be sure to let your facilitator know. Facilitators have
the experience to provide you with valuable examples from the security industry. When you start
working as a guard, you will gain your own important on-the-job experience.
This manual describes, in general terms, the duties and responsibilities of a Security Guard. It is
expected that students will become familiar enough with the materials that they will not only be
able to write (and pass) an examination, but will also be able to keep the content of these pages in
mind as they are called upon from day to day in the performance of their duties.
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13. Emergency First Aid – CPR Level B Emergency First Aid Level Certification 8
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Foreword
This training program is intended to provide persons with the occupational and behavioural skills
and attitudes necessary to professionally function as a Security Guard as required by provincial
acts, regulations and in accordance with other legislation. Successful completion of this basic
training will provide new Security Guards with the concepts and knowledge so they may function
effectively and efficiently as security staff.
The subjects covered are intended to provide Security Guards with a sound basis on which to deal
with various on-the-job-responsibilities properly. Many tasks performed support enforcement of
rules and regulations. Creating good public relations and your awareness of the limits of legal
powers and the use of force are extremely important. On the successful completion of this training,
Security Guard candidates will be able to properly:
• Deal with the public in a professional and ethical manner
• Arrest people within the limits specified under the Criminal Code of Canada and Trespass
to Property Act
• Be aware of the rights and freedoms of individuals
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Present verbal and material evidence in Court
• Write reports
• Protect evidence and crime/accident scenes
• Conduct themselves appropriately in court
• Direct traffic
• Detect or prevent thefts and vandalism
• Report and deal appropriately with perimeter protection systems, intrusion, fire, and other
types of alarms
• Respond and take appropriate measures in emergency situations
• Respond to bomb threats and suspicious packages
• Respond to weapons emergencies
• Respond to fire emergencies
• Respond to other emergencies
• Perform other duties as required of Security Guards
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Learning Journals
Journals tend to be one of two styles; either objective and analytical or private and introspective
for personal development. You could use a combination of the two styles, if you prefer. We
promote the objective, analytical approach to assist your critical thinking skills which are the key
to your success in writing the Security Guard Exam and also to assist you solving problems you
will encounter on the job.
Why
• Several well researched studies indicate the process promotes critical thinking
• Learning journals enhance student learning
• Learning journals complement in-class study
• They promote self-awareness
• They help develop personal skills
• They assist you connecting ideas and concepts with real life situations
• The learning journal is a course requirement of the Ministry curriculum
Process
Researchers agree that the journal is not a place to express unfounded opinion rather it is a content
and process approach intended to assist students learn the course material, make learning more
relevant, meaningful, and memorable, and to make connections between theory and practice, and
encourage personal / individual professional growth and development through reflective thinking.
• The student records or annotates a course theme, issue, principle, concept, or lecture or
tutorial, activity or event in factual, objective terms
• Following reflection and introspection, explore the subject in writing
• This process includes subjective and personal interpretation
• What is the relevance, feeling and meaning to the student?
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Lecture
Briefly summarise the topics covered and your experience of the lecture, highlighting the points
important to you, and any questions you might have. Explain how the material applies or might
apply in your work life.
Readings
Briefly summarise the topics covered, highlighting the points important to you. Show how the
readings relate to lecture or team work. Critique them: what were their strong and weak points,
and why do you think so?
Team Work
Explain your team’s progress or lack thereof; detail what is happening and explore why things are
happening or not happening. Consider your role and contribution to the team’s task and process.
Compare this team to other experiences you have had.
Critical Incident
Here, describe any event or occurrence from the week related to the topics of the week, what it
means to you and why it is important in the context of the course. This section should include any
“light bulb moments.”
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Security Guards protect people, property and information (The Three P’s of Protection). Some
duties and responsibilities of a guard are extremely varied from site to site and there is also the
common theme of protection of the Three P’s. In order to satisfactorily undertake these
responsibilities, a Security Guard must understand the importance of the position and the general
duties of a Security Guard on a day to day basis. Guards must keep informed of changes and
developments within the industry and the expectations and obligations that are owed to the client,
the public, and his or her employer.
The security industry is one of the fastest growing industries in North America, as private security
continues to take on more of the roles traditionally filled by public police. According to a recent
Statistics Canada survey, there are more Security Guards working in Canada today than police
officers:
Private Security personnel outnumbered police officers in both 1991 and 1996. In 1996, there were
59,090 police officers in Canada compared to 82,010 private security personnel: 12,230 private
investigators and 69,780 Security Guards.
Criminal activity is not decreasing in frequency. Police agencies are expected to do more with
fewer resources. The widening gap between police service and demand must be filled with
something, and, based on the experiences of the last few decades in the United States of America
presumably it will be filled by private security.
While it is doubtful that a Security Guard would ever be called on to duplicate the extensive duties
of a police officer, it is possible to imagine private security facing increased responsibilities under
the guidance of the police. For example, Regina Police Service has recognized the advantage of a
direct interface with the private security industry, and undertaken extensive measures to coordinate
with that industry through its Cooperative Policing program.
There are two primary divisions of the security function responsibility in Canada: public (police,
military, coast guard, government intelligence, etc.) and private. Private Security may be deployed
in a variety of settings, each with a common and unique set of responsibilities.
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Private Investigators
(2) A private investigator is a person who performs work, for remuneration, that consists
primarily of conducting investigations in order to provide information.
(3) Examples of the types of information referred to in subsection (2) include information on;
(a) The character or actions of a person
(b) The business or occupation of a person
(c) The whereabouts of persons or property
Security Guards
A Security Guard is a person who performs work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of
guarding or patrolling for the purpose of protecting persons or property.
Examples of the types of work referred to in subsection (4) include:
• Acting as a bouncer;
• Acting as a bodyguard; and
• Performing services to prevent the loss of property through theft or sabotage in an
industrial, commercial, residential or retail environment;
• A reference to performing work for remuneration includes performing work pursuant
to an agreement that provides that the remuneration paid is contingent, in whole or in
part, on the completion.
Private Investigator
A private investigator provides information such as; the character, actions, business or
occupation of a person or business or the whereabouts of people or property for fees.
Peace officer
Peace officer means a person or a member of a class of persons set out in the definition of
“peace officer” in section 2 of the Criminal Code (Canada) 2005.
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Public security
Public security agencies are those groups that perform a security function but are funded
exclusively by governments in the interest of public service. These agencies include municipal,
provincial and federal police forces as well as the other services noted above. Legislation in
each jurisdiction initiates and empowers these agencies, mandates specific training, and creates
an objective complaint review process. Police forces are granted wide-sweeping powers that
are generally recognized by the public, including:
• Preserving the peace
• Preventing crimes and other offences
• Assisting victims of crime
• Arresting or detaining criminals or those suspected of criminal involvement
• Drafting, and laying criminal charges
• Investigating crimes
• Seizing evidence
• Testifying in court
• Executing search and arrest warrants
• Rescue operations on land and sea
Private security is similar to public security yet different than policing in several significant ways.
Contract private security is provided to clients for a fee, and except in special circumstances, has
authority limited to the property owned by the client. Rather than service provided in the interests
of the public, security is provided to protect the interests of the client.
Traditionally, legislation in Canada has recognized these differences and has not extended the
same powers of detention, arrest, search and seizure to security service providers as have been
extended to police.
Compare, for example, powers of arrest and powers of search and seizure are quite different for
security as compared to police, as you will see later in this manual.
Private security includes measures taken by people, partnerships and corporations designed to
protect people (staffs working on a site and the general public entering the site), property and
proprietary information (confidential data) and minimize the client’s liability.
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Companies that need private security without the costs associated with their own, in-house security
unit often contract the services of a security provider. By contracting the services of these agencies,
a company avoids incurring the costs associated with managing and administering the function.
For example, the costs of managing Guard performance, training, providing a benefit package,
vacation, etc., are avoided. When contract security providers are hired administrative and other
costs are carried by the security provider, decreasing the costs to all of the end users of the services.
Private security providers also operate independent of the politics of the client company. This
professional separation is more likely to project a fair and nonbiased approach when dealing with
rules and regulations on the property.
Contract security companies are often able to draw upon a wider range of expertise by the security
professionals they employ which is broader than experience associated with in-house security. It
may be more beneficial to hire experts rather than use in-house personnel.
1. People: Security is normally assigned the duty of protecting people (clients and the
public) from loss or injury. This includes: A responsibility to interact and cooperate
with law enforcement officials and the Justice system, where necessary, such as
apprehending and detaining someone who has committed a serious criminal or trespass
offence. Security professionals supplement the efforts of police, performing initial
investigations or securing crime scenes until the police can arrive. Security personnel
may also provide important information to the police and provide first aid or assist fire
authorities.
• In times of need and emergencies, people seek assistance from authority figures. A
Security Guard is sought out because they are visible in a uniform and often the first
available person in charge at an occurrence.
• Security Guards also have specific information that assists authorities during an
emergency. One example is when there is a fire alarm, Security Guards at the site help
expedite (make quicker) the response by directing firefighters directly to the
emergency scene. Security may also be able to warn emergency crews about dangers
on the site.
• When criminal charges have been laid as the result of information developed by a
Security Guard and proper procedures were followed in making an arrest, they will be
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2. Property: A Security Guard has a responsibility to the employer and client for the security
and protection of the property. This includes:
• The responsibility to ensure premises and property are properly protected against
natural and man-made threats, accidents and loss
• Deterring, preventing, detecting and responding appropriately to criminal offences,
certain provincial and other regulatory violations and preventing situations that can
cause harm on the property of the client or to the property anyone at the site
• Security has an obligation to perform these duties in a way that provides confidence
the Client will not lose business or have to pay a substantial civil claim because of the
actions of Security staffs.
3. Proprietary Information:
• Security professionals ensure that confidential data is protected, including a client’s
public image by treating information they have access to as strictly need to know. In
other words, if the information is considered sensitive or could cause harm or a loss of
reputation if released to unauthorized persons, security practitioners need to be very
discreet and ensure that this is protected from those without a legal entitlement to it.
• Security Guards also have certain legal obligations as set out in laws such as
P.I.P.E.D.A. (Private Information and Protection of Electronic Documents Act) that
will be discussed in further detail, later in this program.
• Some client sites have exceptionally sensitive information and may have a clean desk
policy that the Guards ensure is being adhered to. This means that when client
employees go home for the day, they secure sensitive documents and do not leave them
out on a desk, etc.
• Other institutions where private security companies provide service are subject to other
legal responsibilities, as well. Sites such as a Courthouse and Hospital are two good
examples
A Security Guard should be aware that first and foremost they represent their self, preferably at
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their best, as well as the contract company, the client and all other persons associated with these
businesses. As you are always under scrutiny you must maintain your professional image and
demeanour at all times.
Often security is responsible for protecting people who may be vulnerable to crimes as well as
hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars of property and equipment. You must maintain
a formal, fair and affable approach to your work and meet the obligations of these responsibilities
while on duty. Security Guards are also expected and have a regulated responsibility to behave
and deport themselves in an exemplary fashion off the job, similar to official authorities.
Although a Security Guard’s role may vary, one thing will never change. A Security Guard’s
primary responsibility is to provide protection, to people, property and information. It is also
important to note that the days of a Security Guard intimidating persons or as a “goon”, enforcing
the peace are past.
While there can be no doubt that some situations will involve physical intervention, the majority
of tasks assigned require a Security Guard to observe, deter, record and report or gain
compliance from others through persuasion. Police officers may rely on the status of their position,
their uniform, extensive specialized training, and weapons to control situations in which there is
some risk of being assaulted. Security Guards often do not have these tools available and may
better serve resolving issues by calling for police and acting as an excellent witness to events,
depending on who is at risk, the seriousness of the situation and the urgency to act.
That said, it is not always practical to just call for police and wait as life and safety may be seriously
at risk or the Security Professional may find they are on the scene of a serious occurrence and
engaged before the gravity of the situation becomes apparent.
In these situations, Guards must act and make sound decisions, quickly, based on the entire
circumstances. To assist you in this endeavour we provide you with some resources, training,
policies, work instructions and equipment to accomplish the job in the safest way possible.
Sometimes you may find yourself in harm’s way which is a risk of the job and you will be provided
with some best practices to use as a guideline when things go wrong.
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These circumstances become a great responsibility in protecting life. Efforts to keep or restore the
peace and control a situation should be done with these cautions:
• Who is at risk, including yourself?
• How serious is the occurrence?
• Your work instructions (Post Orders)
• Urgency of the matter
• What could happen if you must leave your post to restore order?
• What other resources are available to you?
• Do you have a pre-existing plan for the circumstance?
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Security of information
Public Relations concerns the Contract Company and client’s image and reputation. Security
Guards often have access to trade secrets and proper measures must be taken to prevent
unauthorized release of this data. Confidential matters pertaining to persons such as staffs and
employees of the client’s tenants or residents may be accessible to security professionals.
Information of a legally binding confidential matter is exceptionally sensitive and it is your duty
to protect it. Information that could embarrass a person related to the property is another area of
concern.
Confidential information regarding site procedures, duties, schedules, alarm systems and other
layers of security must be protected and only released to authorized persons.
Security must also exercise restraint and discretion while maintaining positive relations when
dealing with the media. This manual will cover some of these topics in greater detail in the
following sections.
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As Security Professionals must enforce rules and regulations, they often contact less savoury
members of society, including anti-authoritarians, criminals, psychopaths, substance abusers,
persons with communicable diseases and even everyday people who become hostile due to their
dislike of authority and feeling subjected unnecessarily to control, not to mention the lack of public
understanding regarding the authorities of Security Guards.
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1. Protection of Life.
2. Protection of Client and Company Property.
3. Minimize liability
4. Protection of Client and Company Information.
5. Public relations on behalf of the Client.
6. Enforcement of Client rules, regulations and policies.
7. Enforcement of Federal, Provincial, Municipal Acts and Regulations as they relate to the
Client’s property.
8. Strict adherence to all standards of performance as detailed by the client and contract
security company in accordance with the Post Orders.
9. Performs other duties as required and assigned by the Client, Security Supervisor and/or
his superior.
Education and experience
Minimum Requirements: The Security Professional (Those at the higher levels) must have a
literacy and academic functioning ability at the grade 12 level or equivalent experience and
abilities.
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Mobile patrol is responsible for, on a shift-to-shift basis, alarm response and investigation,
premise visitation, critical incident response, action and investigation and to enforce rules, laws
and regulations on private property as contracted by clients.
Mobile patrol Guards must have a valid G-2 or higher licence and preference is given to those with
a full G-class licence and listed at least five years as a driver on an insurance policy.
Supervisor
A Supervisor must have all of the skill sets of a Security Guard and are generally more experienced
and skilled employees with a strong knowledge of security procedures, access control systems,
Closed Circuit Television Systems and so on.
Body Guard
A Bodyguard is a plain-clothes Security Guard who through their professional activity protects a
person who is or may be at risk. A much higher level of training in disciplines for executive
protection or close protection, including physical control techniques, counter-surveillance,
technology and security strategies as well as exceptional physical fitness are required for this job.
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Working conditions
In this job, one is able to work in all positions but this is dictated by the task such as driving a
patrol car under various adverse conditions for protracted periods of time over 12 hour shifts,
during night hours and under all traffic and weather conditions.
Physical fatigue is caused by driving, conducting patrols, walking vast distances on various terrain,
such as stairs and outside on ice and snow, hard concrete or other floor surfaces, alarm response
and investigation, extensive report writing, overtime hours, sometimes reading in poor lighting
and physical altercations during intervention.
Mental stress is caused by tactical decision making as a result of immediate and serious
circumstances requiring correct thinking and possibly resulting in severe injury, loss of life or law
suits if decisions are faulty. During critical encounters the public, clients and subjects of
intervention may expose the Guard to criticism, hostility in the workplace, and pressures to meet
deadlines. The Guard may be continuously exposed to disruptions of lifestyle due to shift work
and extended periods of work.
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Clashes with uncooperative subjects can result in mental anguish and fatigue or serious physical
injury or death. This can occur with every day, mundane patrol duties going suddenly wrong or
emergencies such as break and enters, back up calls for assistance, removal of unwanted intruders
or violent arrests. Car accidents are another potential hazard for personal injury. The custody and
care of other property and keys is an additional demand. There is also some potential to suffer a
shooting, stabbing or injury caused by assaults.
Heart disease, ulcers, post-traumatic stress disorder, breaks, sprains, contusions, cuts, abrasions,
eye strain and severe physical fatigue may manifest. Continuous, repeated sympathetic nervous
system response activation resulting from high-risk situations can quicken the onset of symptoms.
The Security Guard prevents crime by providing a highly visible deterrent and ensures the integrity
of various premises including the absence of hazards. This function includes the inspection and
minor repairs to locking mechanisms, alarm equipment, fire detection and suppression equipment,
environmental systems and auxiliary power, lights and sump pumps with a view to minimizing
danger to life, potential property damage or loss of proprietary information.
The Security Guard investigates the causes of alarm conditions, suspicious persons and activities
(found or reported), interviews members of the public, clients, staff, tenants and merchants, police
and other emergency services staff, criminals and trespassers.
The Security Guard enforces the client’s rules and regulations, the Trespass to Property Act,
Criminal Code of Canada (on or in relation to contracted private property) and other statutes and
by-laws as required by the company.
The Guard chooses suitable and effective consequences for intervention including issue of fines,
notices prohibiting entry, physical removal of offenders and arrest as appropriate under the
circumstances. In order to facilitate these actions, the Guard may exercise physical control and
restraint of often violent or hostile persons, as required. The Guard attends court or other tribunals
to give evidence as subpoenaed or summonsed under the law, in accordance with activities related
to enforcement duties.
The Guard provides an immediate response to various circumstances such as intrusion, critical
systems, distress, medical or other life safety alarms, calls for emergency assistance from clients
and other staff and various contingencies such as persons trapped in elevators, harassment,
reported intruders, suspicious activity, etc.
The Guard must be fully knowledgeable and able regarding all appropriate actions on finding any
of the above or other situations, remaining calm and collected while assessing, planning and acting
using the correct methods, procedures or protocols including primary emergency first aid to save
life if required.
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In the role of Security Guard you will handle confidential information on a daily basis. The type
of confidential information used includes alarm codes, client information, post orders and sensitive
client or company information, as well as the identity and private information regarding young or
adult offenders.
Decisions may be made related to critical incidents regarding appropriate actions such as use of
force response selection, engage, disengage, approach or don’t approach, call for support, enter or
do not enter an area, determination of potential consequences or signs of intrusion/illicit activity.
These decisions are made based on investigation and correct determination of occupant or subject
in as much as validity of activity or if this activity or person is illegitimate. Security Guards
prioritize personal workloads and effective methods of service delivery to meet the mission of the
security team, client and contract company.
Security Guards are enjoying an expanded role serving and assisting the general public and
interacting with various official services, including the Police. In order to fulfill your duties
responsibly and succeed you need to fully understand the scope, demand, negative and positive
aspects of your role.
This introductory section has provided you some basis for that understanding and created a level
of awareness so that you can select one or more appropriate disciplines or careers, depending on
your personal needs and aspirations.
Although demanding, the role of a Security Guard is also very rewarding and there is honour in
the job. We expect you will learn a great deal while applying the skills you bring with you and
enhance on your journey.
While this section provided an introduction, the following sections will provide more practical
and technical information related to the profession.
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2.1 Introduction
This section outlines all relevant components of the Private Security and Investigative Services
Act, and explains the Code of Conduct. The individual’s responsibility regarding licensing,
including the process for licence applications, mandatory requirements for eligibility, prohibitions
and penalties, and uniform and equipment specifications are also defined in this section.
The responsibilities of businesses that have employees who are performing work classified as
being regulated by this Act are also included here. The representation of both individuals and
employer organizations, with respects to the public are detailed, as are the obligations to provide
identification and maintain records of all aspects of their operations and to make those records
available to authorized inquiring parties.
The following are the types of licences that may be issued under this Act:
1. A licence to act as a private investigator.
2. A licence to act as a Security Guard.
3. A licence to engage in the business of selling the services of private investigators.
4. A licence to engage in the business of selling the services of Security Guards.
5. A licence to act as both a private investigator and a Security Guard (dual license).
6. A licence to engage in the business of selling the services of both private investigators and
Security Guards.
Registration
Registered employer
If a business entity, other than a business entity that engages in the business of selling the
services of private investigators or Security Guards to the public, employs a private
investigator or Security Guard, that business entity shall;
Register as an employer in accordance with the prescribed requirements; and
Provide the Registrar with a mailing address for service in Ontario, and notify the Registrar of
any change in its mailing address within five days of the change.
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Mandatory Requirements
No person is eligible to hold a licence under this Act unless the person possesses a clean criminal
record and in the case of an individual;
The person is 18 years old or older, the person is entitled to work in Canada, and the person has
successfully completed all prescribed training and testing.
If, at any time subsequent to being issued a licence, a person ceases to meet a requirement set out
in the Act, the person shall not continue to act or offer services under the licence and shall return
the licence to the Registrar as required under section 37 within five days, excluding Saturdays,
Sundays and public holidays, within the meaning of the Employment Standards Act,
A licence is not transferable.
Licensee means an individual or business entity that holds a licence under this Act, and “licensed”
has a corresponding meaning.
Registrar means the Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards appointed under section
3.
Tribunal means the Licence Appeal Tribunal established under the Licence Appeal Tribunal Act,
1999.
Individual licence
No person shall act as a private investigator or a Security Guard or hold himself or herself out as
one unless the person holds the appropriate licence under this Act.
No person who holds a licence to act as a private investigator or Security Guard shall act or hold
his self or herself or itself as being available to act with respect to, the collection of accounts acting
as a bailiff or an eviction under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.
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Protected witnesses
No person who holds a licence to act as a private investigator or Security Guard shall act or hold
himself, herself or itself as being available to act with respect to;
a) Locating a person known or suspected by the licensee to be a member of a witness
protection program
b) Gathering information about any person known or suspected by the licensee to be a
member of a witness protection program for the purpose of enabling the person to be
located
Licences – general rules
The Registrar may decline to issue or renew a licence if the Registrar is of the opinion that one of
the following applies, and if the Registrar is of the opinion that the matter is relevant to the
applicant’s fitness to hold a licence:
• The past conduct of the applicant or of an interested person in respect of the applicant
affords reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant will not carry on business in
accordance with the law and with integrity and honesty.
• The applicant, an employee or agent of the applicant makes a false statement or provides a
false statement in an application for a licence or for a renewal of the licence.
• The applicant, has been convicted of or found guilty of an offence under a law of Canada
for which a pardon under the Criminal Records Act (Canada) has not been issued or
granted.
• Has been convicted of or found guilty of a provincial offence or an offence under a law of
any other province or territory of Canada.
• Is liable to pay a fine for a provincial offence that has not been paid.
• Has been convicted of a criminal offence under the law of another jurisdiction for which a
pardon has not been issued or granted.
• A ground exists that is prescribed as a ground for which an application for the issuance or
renewal of a licence may be refused.
• It is in the public interest to refuse to issue or renew the licence.
An applicant who meets the requirements set out in this Act and the regulations for the applicable
licence is entitled to the issuance or renewal of a licence unless another condition as stated in the
act applies.
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A person may be issued more than one type of licence, but, regardless of the licences a person
holds, the person may not act as a Security Guard and a private investigator at the same time.
Every licence shall display a clearly recognizable photograph of the holder, if the holder is an
individual.
A licence is not transferable
The Registrar may issue or renew a licence subject to such conditions as he or she considers
appropriate and may, at any time, attach such additional conditions as he or she considers
appropriate to an existing licence.
Application
This Act applies to private investigators and Security Guards within the meaning of the Act.
Notice by Registrar
Where the Registrar becomes aware that a person no longer meets a requirement as set, the
Registrar shall promptly give the person notice that the Registrar’s records have been changed to
show that the person no longer has a valid licence.
Request to reconsider
(4) Where the Registrar has given notice that the person no longer has a valid licence, the person
to whom notice has been given may request that the Registrar reconsider the change to the
Registrar’s records, and the Registrar may consider any relevant information in doing so.
Clean criminal record
A person possesses a “clean criminal record” if;
• The person has not been convicted of a prescribed offence under the Criminal Code
(Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) or any other Act of Canada,
or;
• The person has been convicted of such an offence and a pardon under the Criminal Records
Act (Canada) has been issued or granted.
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The Registrar may decline to issue or renew a licence if the Registrar is of the opinion that one of
the following applies, and if the Registrar is of the opinion that the matter is relevant to the
applicant’s fitness to hold a licence:
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1. The applicant or an interested person in respect of the applicant is carrying on activities, that
are in contravention of this Act or the regulations or that will be in contravention of this Act
or the regulations if the applicant is issued a licence or a licence is renewed
2. The past conduct of the applicant or of an interested person in respect of the applicant affords
reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant will not carry on business in accordance with
the law and with integrity and honesty.
3. The applicant, an employee or agent of the applicant makes a false statement or provides a
false statement in an application for a licence or for a renewal of the licence
15. The Registrar may revoke a licence or if the Registrar proposes to revoke a licence and he or
she considers it to be in the interest of public safety to do so, the Registrar may by order suspend
the licence and any such order takes effect immediately
(8) The Registrar shall, at the time of serving the written reasons, advise the applicant or licensee
of the right to appeal under section 17
No business entity shall employ a private investigator or a Security Guard unless the private
investigator or the Security Guard has an appropriate licence.
Every licensee under this Act shall ensure that the following information is on file with the
Registrar and shall inform the Registrar in writing of any change within five business days of the
change occurring:
• The licensee’s mailing address for service
• The mailing address of every branch office of the licensee
• The street address of the licensee’s office and branch offices, if different from the mailing
address
• Name of business
No person who holds a licence to engage in the business of selling the services of private
investigators or Security Guards shall carry on business in a name other than the name in which
the person is licensed
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No person who is acting as a private investigator or holding himself or herself out as one shall
possess any identification or symbol of authority other than the licence issued to him or her under
this Act.
Every person who is acting as a Security Guard or holding himself or herself out as one shall carry
his or her licence, on request, identify himself or herself as a Security Guard; and on request,
produce his or her licence (exceptions apply for LPPs & Undercover Investigators – please clarify
with the Paragon Academy, if you have questions).
Every licence is the property of the Crown and a person shall immediately return his, her or its
licence to the Registrar in the following circumstances:
The licence is suspended or revoked if;
• The licence names a branch office at which the public is invited to deal and the business
entity discontinues business at that office.
• The licence is to engage in the business of selling the services of private investigators or
Security Guards and the licensee discontinues the business.
• The person ceases to meet a requirement set out in the Act and is prohibited from acting or
offering services under the licence.
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Section 38
No person shall;
• Possess, display or permit to be displayed a fake, altered or fraudulently obtained licence.
• Lend a licence to another person or permit another person to use it.
• Display or represent as his, her or its own a licence that was not issued to him, her or it.
• Display or represent as valid a licence that has been suspended or revoked.
• Display or represent as valid a licence when the person to whom the licence was issued no
longer meets a requirement under subsection 10 (1). 2005, c. 34.
Section 39
No person who holds a licence under this Act shall hold himself, herself or itself out as providing
services or performing duties connected with police.
Section 40
No private investigator, Security Guard or person who engages in the business of selling the
services of private investigators or Security Guards shall use the following terms or variations of
them:
1. Detective or Private Detective.
2. Law enforcement.
3. Police
4. Officer
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The Act- Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (S.O. 2005)
Investigators
The Registrar may appoint persons to be investigators for the purposes of this Act. The Registrar
shall issue to every investigator a certificate of appointment bearing the Registrar’s signature or a
facsimile of it.
Police officers, by virtue of office, are investigators for the purposes of this Act and the regulations,
but they do not require an investigator’s license. Every investigator who exercises powers under
this Act shall, on request, produce the certificate of appointment as an investigator or identification
as a police officer, as the case may be.
The Registrar or an investigator may, initiate an investigation based on a complaint alleging a
contravention of this Act, the regulations or a condition of a licence; or initiate an investigation
even if no complaint has been made.
Upon application made without notice by an investigator appointed under this Act, a justice of the
peace may issue a warrant, if he or she is satisfied on information under oath that there is
reasonable ground for believing that, a person has contravened or is contravening this Act or the
regulations; and there is in any building, dwelling, receptacle or place anything relating to a
contravention of this Act or the regulations.
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Evidence
A warrant obtained may authorize an investigator named in the warrant to enter premises,
including a dwelling, specified in the warrant;
• examine money, valuables, documents, records and other things relevant to the
investigation.
• seize anything on the premises that is relevant to the investigation for the purpose of being
used as evidence.
• require a person, other than a person on the premises of the licensee being investigated, to
produce anything mentioned that is relevant to the investigation.
• remove, for the purpose of making copies or extracts, anything mentioned above that is
relevant to the investigation.
• use any data storage, processing or retrieval device or system used in carrying on business
in order to produce a document or record in readable form.
• remove materials or substances for examination or test purposes subject to the owner, or
other occupant of the premises, being notified thereof.
• use any other investigative technique or procedure or do anything described in the warrant
if information and other evidence concerning the offence will be obtained through the use
of the technique or procedure or the doing of the thing.
A warrant obtained shall contain such conditions as the justice of the peace considers advisable to
ensure that any search authorized by the warrant is reasonable in the circumstances.
No person shall obstruct an investigator carrying out an investigation under this section or withhold
from him or her or conceal, alter or destroy anything that is relevant to the investigation.
A person who is required to produce anything as noted above shall produce it and shall, on request
by the investigator, provide any assistance that is reasonably necessary, including assistance in
using any data storage, processing or retrieval device or system, to produce a document or record
in readable form.
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An investigator who removes or seizes anything from premises under the authorities noted above
shall return it when it is no longer required.
Although a warrant issued would otherwise be required, an investigator may exercise any of the
powers described without a warrant if the conditions for obtaining the warrant exist but by reason
of exigent circumstances it would be impracticable to obtain the warrant.
Entry without warrant as noted in the above paragraph does not apply to a building or part of a
building that is being used as a dwelling place.
The investigator may, in executing any authority given by this section, call upon police officers
for assistance and the investigator and the police officers may use whatever force is reasonably
necessary under the circumstances.
A copy of a document or record certified by an investigator as being a true copy of the original is
admissible in evidence to the same extent as the original and has the same evidentiary value.
An investigator may take possession of a licence if, while acting in the course of his or her duties,
the investigator believes on reasonable grounds that the licence, is required to be returned to the
Registrar or is being used contrary to the Act.
An investigator who takes possession of a licence shall promptly forward it to the Registrar.
Inspectors
The Registrar may appoint persons to be inspectors for the purposes of ensuring compliance with
this Act, the regulations and the conditions of a licence. The Registrar shall issue to every inspector
a certificate of appointment bearing the Registrar’s signature or a facsimile of it.
Every inspector who exercises powers under this Act shall, on request, produce the certificate of
appointment as an inspector.
The Registrar or an appointed inspector may at any time initiate and conduct an inspection and
may, as part of that inspection, enter and inspect at any reasonable time the premises of a licensee
that is licensed to sell private investigator or Security Guard services for the purposes of ensuring
that the licensee is complying with the Act.
No person shall obstruct an inspector conducting an inspection or withhold from him or her or
conceal or destroy anything that is relevant to the inspection.
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The Ministry employs investigators and inspectors whose activity includes random
inspections of licensed Agencies, work sites and/or any security vehicles and
employees. Most of the investigators currently deployed are sworn Police Officers
of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Inspections include an assessment of compliance with various regulations as set out
pertaining to the uniform, vehicles, cresting, equipment carried by and used by the
Security Guard and the demeanour or attitude of the Security Guard inspected.
One of the criteria the Enforcement Branch will assess is the level of awareness
regarding the inspection program each Agency creates in the workforce. The purpose
of this advisory is to encourage awareness of the program in the Security
Professionals workforce.
This material is presented as part of the Basic Training program and you are
encouraged to discuss this with your Facilitator.
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Records to be kept
1. (1) Every licensee that is a business entity shall keep the following records:
1. A list of all the private investigators and Security Guards currently
employed by the licensed business entity.
2. A list of all the private investigators and Security Guards not currently
employed by the licensed business entity but who were employed by the
licensed business entity at any time in the previous two years.
3. With respect to every person named on the lists required by paragraphs
1 and 2,
i. a copy of his or her employment contract, and
ii. a record detailing the period when the person was employed and the
locations where he or she provided private investigator or Security
Guard services in the course of that employment.
4. With respect to all private investigator and Security Guard services
provided by the licensed business entity,
i. all notes and reports prepared by the private investigators and
Security Guards employed by the licensed business entity,
ii. all photographs and video, audio or other electronic records
produced or obtained in the course of providing the services,
iii. a use of force report, in the form approved by the Registrar, for every
instance that a private investigator or Security Guard employed by
the licensed business entity used handcuffs, a baton, a firearm or any
other weapon or otherwise used force in the course of that
employment, and
iv. a use of force report, in the form approved by the Registrar, for every
instance that a dog used in the provision of private investigator or
Security Guard services attacks a person.
5. If a private investigator or Security Guard employed by the licensed
business entity is authorized or required by the licensed business entity
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Identification of guard
3. An identification tag with the Security Guard’s name or licence number must
be affixed to the chest of the outermost piece of the uniform. O. Reg.
362/07, s. 3.
Rank chevrons
4. (1) The uniform must not have rank chevrons. O. Reg. 362/07, s. 4 (1).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a uniform worn by a licensee who is
an employee of a non-profit organization that was in existence before
August 23, 2007. O. Reg. 362/07, s. 4 (2).
Shirt colour
5. If the uniform includes a shirt with a collar, the shirt must not be black or
navy blue. O. Reg. 362/07, s. 5.
Trouser stripes
6. The trousers must not have stripes, other than reflective safety stripes, down
the side. O. Reg. 362/07, s. 6.
Hats
7. The uniform must not include a police-style forage cap. O. Reg. 362/07, s. 7.
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(b) to respond only to aggression against the dog’s handler or the person the
dog is accompanying, and to respond accordingly when the aggression
abates; and
(c) to not kill or seriously injure people or animals. O. Reg. 365/07, s. 5.
Policies and procedures
6. A licensed business entity shall develop written policies and procedures on
the care and handling of dogs used as permitted by this Regulation,
including policies and procedures on the dogs’ feeding, housing,
transportation, veterinary care, retirement and euthanasia. O. Reg. 365/07,
s. 6.
Oversight by employers
7. A licensed business entity shall ensure that the individual licensees
employed by it comply with this Regulation. O. Reg. 365/07, s. 7.
Information to new owners
8. An individual licensee or licensed business entity that gives away or sells a
dog that was used as described in section 4 shall advise the dog’s new owner
that the dog was used to accompany one or more Security Guards in the
provision of Security Guard services. O. Reg. 365/07, s. 8.
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Definition
1. In this Regulation, vehicle means,
(a) an automobile, or
(b) other motor vehicle with at least four wheels and a truck or delivery
body permanently attached to it. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 1.
Licensee providing Security Guard services to comply with regulation
2. A licensee shall not use a vehicle in the provision of Security Guard services
that is not in compliance with this Regulation. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 2.
Marked vehicles
3. (1) If a vehicle is marked as being a vehicle used in the provision of Security
Guard services, it must comply with the requirements of this section.
O. Reg. 364/07, s. 3 (1).
(2) The word “SECURITY” or “SÉCURITÉ”, in upper case letters, must
be prominently displayed in a colour that contrasts with the colour of
the vehicle,
(a) on both sides of the vehicle, in letters not less than 10 centimetres
high; and
(b) on the front and back of the vehicle, in letters not less than 8
centimetres high. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 3 (2).
(3) The word “security” or “sécurité” may also appear in or as part of the
licensee’s crest or logo. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 3 (3).
(4) The vehicle must not have any red, blue, gold or yellow stripes or any
combination of red, blue, gold or yellow stripes, except as part of the
licensee’s crest or logo. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 3 (4).
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Prohibited markings
4. A vehicle must not have the following terms, or any variations of them,
displayed anywhere on it:
1. Detective or détective.
2. Private detective or détective privé.
3. Police.
4. Officer or agent de police.
5. Law enforcement or exécution de la loi. O. Reg. 364/07, s. 4.
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The Registrar may receive a complaint from any person alleging that a licensee has breached the
code of conduct established under the regulations or alleging that a licensee has failed to comply
with this Act or the regulations or has breached a condition of a licence.
Form of complaint
A complaint shall be in writing, signed by the complainant, and filed with the Registrar within 90
days after the subject-matter that gives rise to the complaint arose or at a later date with the
Registrar’s consent.
The Registrar may, in writing, inform the licensee of the nature of the complaint.
The Registrar may decline to deal with a complaint related to a breach of the code of conduct if,
in the Registrar’s opinion, the complaint is frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith.
Notice
If the Registrar declines to deal with a complaint the Registrar shall give notice of the decision to
the complainant and shall specify the reasons for the decision.
If the Registrar declines to deal with a complaint, and if in the opinion of the Registrar the
complaint is in regard to a breach of the code of conduct established under the regulations, the
Registrar shall refer the complaint to a facilitator, unless the complainant does not wish the matter
to be referred.
The Registrar may establish rules concerning facilitations under this section, and a facilitator shall
comply with any applicable rules.
Facilitation shall not take place without the participation of the complainant and the licensee must
attend any meetings required by the facilitator.
The facilitator shall attempt to resolve the complaint, and at the end of the facilitation shall
communicate to the Registrar the results of the facilitation and either his or her decision to make
no recommendation; or his or her recommendation that the Registrar require the licensee to take
appropriate remedial instruction.
Where the facilitator has made a recommendation the Registrar shall act in accordance with the
facilitator’s recommendations by imposing the taking of the remedial instruction as a condition of
the licence.
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This section does not prevent the Registrar from exercising his or her authority under any other
provision of this Act in respect of a licensee against whom a complaint has been made, whether or
not the Registrar has dealt with the complaint under this section (could revoke or suspend license).
2.5 Section Summary
Individual Security Guards and Private Investigators must be licensed and carry out duties in
accordance with the Act. The Regulations include the Code of Conduct.
Businesses providing investigation and security services for hire must also be licensed and comply
with the regulations as set out in the Act or may hire Security Guards for the protection of their
own business interests and must be a registered business.
There are specific minimum training and testing standards set out by the Act and all persons
working as Security Guards and Private Investigators must be trained and tested to work in the
occupation.
Record Keeping regulations are specifically set out under the regulations and all persons working
in the occupation must govern their self accordingly.
Uniform and equipment standards are clearly set out, as are regulations pertaining to the use of
vehicles, how they may be marked, and the use of animals in private sector security work.
Failure to comply with the Act & Regulations may result in penalties, including conditions
attached to the license of a business or individual, jail sentences, fines and suspension or revocation
of licenses as determined by the Registrar.
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3.1 Introduction
Security Guards are required to compile written reports of occurrences, duties performed and
comprehensive descriptions of their tasks and observations. This section will prepare the
participant to write reports that are objective and standardized.
Your reports and source notes become documentary evidence for legal purposes and all
information contained in the documents you produce may be disclosed in court. Well written notes
and reports will support the evidence or testimony given by a Security Guard whereas poorly
written notes and reports may result in your loss of credibility as a witness or be deemed as
inflammatory or prejudicial and excluded from evidence as a result.
This section also introduces the participant to the different types and purposes of reports including
the correct use of notebooks and producing a report that is easy to read. What may appear of little
consequence when first observed may become exceptionally important related to events later on
and a properly kept notebook will assist capturing this information.
3.2 Recording Facts in Notebooks
Notes must contain facts, not your personal opinions. There is a difference regarding “the
audience” for a report and your memo book. The notebook or memo book is written for you; to
refresh your memory and to write your reports, however it must be understood that this notebook
becomes a legal document when professionally completed and may be examined and scrutinized
by others.
General Rules;
• Date each shift and ensure your notes are legible
• Print it in block letters and enter the time in the margin for each entry
• Use black or blue pen only (preferably black medium ballpoint ink, never pencil)
• Do not skip lines or pages, do not erase or blot out errors
• Write factual records not opinions
• Write your notes as soon as possible after the event
“Write” your notes by printing in block letters. This method lends itself to producing more legible
notes. Notebooks are always completed in ink and never in pencil. Do not erase (scribble out)
errors. Should an error be made, draw a single line through the error and initial it, then enter the
correct word(s).
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The body of your notes contains important information including the following types of
information;
• Your general activities and patrols during your shift
• Conditions of areas checked, including information such as “all appeared in order”,
“no unusual or suspicious activity to report”, “conditions appeared normal”,
“normal activity in this area for the this time of day”, etc.
• Unusual circumstances, discrepancies, activity or persons.
• Hazardous conditions, safety hazards
• The time a call for service is received
• The event viewed, or the complaint made
• Nature of the occurrence
• Factual information, such as names and addresses
• Any diagrams required
• Evidence found: by whom, where, at what time, how it has been labelled, final
disposition
• Reports of lost or found property
• Statements of witnesses, victims and complainants
• Names of persons involved, including aliases and nicknames, if appropriate
• Addresses, telephone numbers, and dates of birth
• Descriptions of persons and property
• Description of the scene, including diagrams and measurements
It is okay to use abbreviations, codes and jargon in your notes as long as you follow a few
rules. When taking statements it is important that these are documented exactly as the
witness or complainant, etc gives to you including all of the exact words they use. We will
cover more on this topic later in this section.
Sign over any equipment and keys, including the condition etc to the person relieving you
or note where you placed it when ending your shift and if not normally relieved by another.
Close the notebook by entering “off duty” and the time at the end of a shift or tour. Sign
the notebook on the last line entry after the end of each shift.
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A law enforcement or police style memo book will have a cover that contains spaces for you to
enter basic identifying information such as your company name, your name, employee number
and the date range of the entries made (First date, last date).
These notebooks will be small enough to carry in a uniform shirt or jacket pocket and may or may
not be issued with a hard or soft cover to preserve the memo book from wear and tear and the
elements. Most of these notebooks have numbered pages due to the legal implications of notes and
the integrity of making notes at the time of an event and not filling in information later.
If your employer does not provide you with a notebook, you will need to either purchase one of
these books yourself or create a notebook with numbered pages and other required information
according to the best practices in this training program.
Memo books must be carried on your person during your shift or work day and should be properly
secured away when not on your person so that the sensitive and confidential information that it
may contain is preserved. Notebooks must be kept by your employing agency as set out by the
Ministry standards. In order to assist with this, notebooks should be turned in to your employer for
safe keeping every time one is filled out and another memo book should be issued at that time.
Generally speaking, Security Guards will keep only one memo book at a time. The exception to
this rule may be where a Guard is regularly assigned and scheduled to one specific site, yet
regularly works for the same company in other roles or sites in order to earn overtime pay, etc. In
this circumstance the Guard would maintain one memo book for the regular site and another memo
book for the overtime duties that could be identified on the cover as the “Float” or “Field Support”
memo book, for example.
Keep control of your notebook. It contains confidential information such as descriptions of events,
telephone numbers, addresses, etc. You do not want this information to fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose it, the notes contained will be viewed as never written.
• No pages should be removed from the notebook.
• All notebook entries are made in chronological order, following the correct sequence in
time.
• If you forget to include something in your notebook, but remember it later, don’t hesitate
to submit a late entry into your notebook pertaining to the earlier occurrence. Make a note
of “Note”, “L.E.” or “Late Entry” and enter the information.
• Keep writing, you can never write too much when something important happens. Make
“copious notes”.
• If two Guards are involved in an occurrence they may discuss the occurrence, each
completing their own notes, sharing information discussed.
• When writing quickly your handwriting may be difficult to understand. That’s okay – you
can always interpret your notes when giving evidence. The back section of the notebook
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can be used to record quickly taken “source notes” and transposed to the neatly written
front section, later.
• No written entries of a personal nature are to be made in your notebook. This is a work
document.
• When taking statements have the person review what you have written and sign it. When
giving statements to the Police ask if you can write it out in your memo book, photocopy
it and sign the photocopy so you have a record of your own statement.
• The language used should be formal.
• A list of emergency numbers and information, other frequently used numbers and
important information such as lists of suspicious or problematic vehicles or persons and
relevant dates/times, etc. may be kept in the reference section at the back of your notebook.
• Other essentials that your notebook must include are
• Full four part date
• Site name & address, shift and assignment
• On/off duty times
• Name of the person(s) you are relieving/ being relieved by
• Weather conditions at the beginning/end of shift, as well as any changes that
occur during your tour
• Information you received during your briefing
• Information regarding the condition of the vehicle or equipment you have been
issued and sign over
• Dispatch Calls such as: Book On Duty/Book Off Duty/Hourly Calls or
emergency communications
• Occurrences and duties performed
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Image 3.2.a
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Image 3.2.b
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You are writing reports to provide information to the target audience, or other persons. The report
is a communication tool for you to explain a circumstance, environment or condition to other
persons such as the Client, your Supervisor, management at your company, authorities such as
police or Ministry representatives, etc.
Reports should be written in plain English without using abbreviations, slang, swearing or jargon
unless it is important to the report and it is being written as a quotation of words used by someone
else.
The industry standard for writing reports is to record information from the perspective of third
party, past tense. That is to refer to yourself in the reports as “the writer” and to enter all
information in the report as if it has already occurred, which of course it has by the time you enter
your report.
In other words rather than writing “I am walking down a hallway”, the Security Professional will
write “The writer patrolled the fourth floor hallway.” The first person word, “I” is replaced with
the third person term, “the writer” and the entire entry is written as having happened in the past.
This helps to keep and demonstrate a non-biased perspective in your reports.
Depending on the type or format of the report you are writing there is certain information that must
also be included, if the report is regarding an occurrence or incident. This includes;
• Date/time of occurrence (versus date/time of report completion)
• Specific location of occurrence
• Occurrence type
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There may also be some optional information such as; “Attention to” or “Confidential to.” There
are also many various types of reports including incident or “Special Occurrence Reports” (known
as SOR).
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All Special Occurrence Reports (S.O.R.) or Incident Reports will begin with the preamble;
1. “At the above noted time, date and location while. ”
This initial statement is followed with appropriate words regarding how the matter came to your
attention, depending on the specific circumstances such as...
2. “ monitoring C.C.T.V. from the control room” or “while responding to an alarm” or “while
investigating a complaint” or “while conducting a regular perimeter patrol” or “while
conducting a floor by floor patrol” or “while checking the mechanical room”, etc.
3. The writer of the report next inserts the specific wording of the occurrence they are
reporting on, then concludes the report
For example, a report submitted by a Guard who was dispatched to investigate a complaint from
a tenant in an office tower may read as follows:
“At the above noted time, date and location while responding to MNO Services to investigate a
complaint as dispatched, the writer found a Subject later identified as John Paul George yelling
profanities at the owner of MNO, Mister Greg.”
The Interrogatories – Five W’s and the H
There are six questions to be answered for good reports to be written later on. These are sometimes
called the interrogatories because they ask interrogative type questions. These questions are also
essential elements of good notes that must be compiled at the time of an occurrence. The concept
is that by answering these questions, good factual data will be recorded.
1. Who
2. What
3. Where
4. When
5. Why
6. How
You should be using these questions as a guideline while recording notes on general patrol, when
taking statements and when investigating during your shift. When you use the five W’s and the H
as a matter of course, you will take good notes and ultimately submit better reports.
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Actions Taken
Recording the actions you took in response to an occurrence is the proper way to conclude an
occurrence report. These actions may include a course of action you undertook personally to
remedy a situation such as, “the writer placed a bucket under the dripping faucet and submitted
this report for your attention” or it may be reporting the matter to another person to take required
action or it may simply be reporting the matter both verbally and in writing to another person,
depending on the type of occurrence or seriousness of the circumstances.
For examples please see Figures 3.3.a to 3.3.f
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Figure 3.3.a
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Figure 3.3.b
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Figure 3.3.c
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Figure 3.3.d
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Figure 3.3.e
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Figure 3.3.g
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It is important for Security Guards to recognize the potential issues and concerns related to the
function of providing a formal written record of events at a client’s property. The report, no matter
what the form and any notes made by the Security Guard in relation to their duties and activities
at a site are submitted or entered with the understanding that these documents are an official record
of what occurred.
There is a recognized understanding and practice that these records will be entered objectively,
without any bias or opinion and without emotional influence so that the reports are fair and
accurate as possible. It is due to the factual and formal nature of these reports, as well as the ethical
and legal implications that increases the seriousness of failing to adhere to the guidelines set out.
This fact along with the expectations clearly articulated by law including the confidential and
personal nature of many of the reports submitted by Security Guards makes failure to adhere to
the standards a serious infraction with real consequences.
Your reports may be used for audits including health and safety concerns, contain important
evidence to be heard in courts and include sensitive and confidential personal information
including the names of victims and perpetrators of crimes, medical information or information
regarding activities or conditions on a site that may cause personal harm to some party if it got into
the wrong hands.
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Protection of this information is not only a duty of care for Security Guards but may also be
formally protected by other laws such as Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act (PIPEDA) to be covered under the section by that name in this manual and training
program.
All reports must adhere to the basic standards and tenets of proper grammar and spelling. If you
were providing service in a Northern Ontario community, it may be appropriate to write in
Canada’s official language of French if the majority of the population was either primarily French
speaking or was fluent in both official languages.
As we are concerned with providing service in Southern and Central Ontario, it is appropriate to
complete reports in English as most persons in this area are fluent in that language. In addition to
basic rules such as consistency in gender and nouns or pronouns, the Security Guard must also
know how and why certain words are used together and the structure of sentences and paragraphs.
Good reports, like good essays not only have an introduction, body and conclusion but also adhere
to the use of the “Five C’s.”
Clarity – the reporter must make it clear to the reader of the report what and who the report is
about.
Conciseness – Being concise is keeping appropriately brief enough by getting to the point right
away. Use only as much dialogue as required.
Completeness – Reports must contain all of the information previously covered in this section by
starting with a preamble or introduction answering the Five W’s and H, as well as concluding with
the action taken.
Correctness – The report must be as correct (or accurate) as possible in addition to the other
concepts of the five C’s by ensuring all of the relevant information regarding the subject is
captured.
Courtesy – The concept of courtesy in report writing is a reference to being fair and keeping bias,
either personal bias or the bias of others out of the report. The report is factual, only.
As included earlier in this manual, reports must adhere to the rules of chronology in order for them
to make sense. Events unfold in an order and if the chronology or order is mixed up, the report
will be confusing. Another tendency of writers is to use a principal we call introspection or seeking
within one’s self for information. When writing factually based reports, falling prey to
introspection will certainly create bias.
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Avoid emotional terminology in your reports and simply describe events as they happen. In other
words, instead of writing, “The two men were angry.” You would instead write that, “the two men
involved in the occurrence were shouting obscenities at one another” then relay the specific
circumstances and words used.
We need to be careful with written language as the emotion and message normally relayed in
interpersonal communications is not present when using reports. In the above example there is an
important difference of perception created by the phrase, “the two men were yelling obscenities at
each other” and “the two men were yelling instructions at each other regarding how to best lift the
refrigerator, using foul language.” While one circumstance may appear a disagreement between
two people, the other may be subject of a complaint regarding the language used by two persons
working together.
E-mail communications can be one of the least secure forms of transmitting data. Not to mention
the fact that once sent over the internet, unauthorized persons in any of the Internet service
Providers may be able to access the data, once an e-mail is sent it may have gone to an incorrect
recipient if your e-mail address is entered incorrectly. This situation is aggravated by the fact that
incorrect entry of even one letter or keystroke/character in an e-mail address could result in
transmission to the wrong party as many e-mail addresses can be similar yet belong to different
persons.
E-mails may be printed and left in insecure areas of offices. Written and hand submitted or reports
transmitted by other means also present a concern in this regard as they may be left on desks or
other areas where persons either happen across them or purposely look at them due to curiosity.
Reports that are sent by inappropriate means or handled carelessly at any level could result in a
breach of confidentiality. Exceptional care must be taken to ensure this does not happen
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Statements are different than reports as a statement is a way of recording one person’s perspective
or even opinion regarding a factual matter at hand. Statements are an important part of report work.
Due to the nature of statements, it is important to get many different statements so that a
comparison can be made by professionals who may either exclude a statement as extremely biased
one way or another or inaccurate or may corroborate other statements.
Statements made by witnesses, victims, suspects or accused persons must be recorded verbatim or
using the exact wording of the individual giving the statement. A sound method of obtaining a
statement from an individual is to use open ended questions such as “tell me what happened?”
This is followed by information seeking questions or probing for clarification.
An example of a close ended question, which is to be avoided is, “Did you see the truck run into
the car?” Close ended questions can usually be answered with a Yes or No reply and create bias
in a statement by exerting influence over the outcome of the questions and answers.
It is best to start by introducing yourself to the person giving the statement then advise them of the
reason you are seeking information, followed by a request for cooperation. After the person being
interviewed starts talking, ask their permission to take a few notes and begin writing down what
they are saying in your memo book.
In some cases, you may ask a person to write out their statement on separate lined paper or in your
memo book, if appropriate. It is best to request a person to sign a statement although as a private
person you cannot compel the person to do so.
In some cases, such as when interacting with a person accused of a crime, you must adhere to
certain rules as set out by law, including reading the person their Rights under the Charter of Rights
and Freedoms and/or cautioning the person before asking them for information. If it is this
circumstance, you are best to read the person their rights and caution them but do not interrogate
them or ask them to complete a statement as the interviews and statements are best collected by
the Police in these circumstances. We will cover more on this topic under the Legal Authorities
section of this program.
When taking statements from complainants, witnesses or victims or giving statements, write these
in first person, present tense from the statement giver’s perspective.
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Security reports are confidential matters, particularly when dealing with sensitive data.
As suggested in the previous sub sections on reports there are many different methods of report
submission. Often verbal reports are made for urgent matters in person or by telephone to the client
contact, dispatch centre or security company management.
As Security Guards may be in constant communication with a Dispatch Centre or a site specific
control room, many reports are also made by two way radio.
Written reports may be hand delivered, sent in the postal service, faxed and in some circumstances
e-mailed as an attachment or typed in the body of the electronic mail message. Some modern
reporting systems have electronic reporting that may transmit in real time over a local area
computer network on a site or even over a wide area network on the internet.
Regardless of the distribution method, it is important that reports are sent only to those authorized
to see them and on a “need to know” basis to ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements.
Another concern arises regarding the security of radio communications, considering that more than
one contracted service, for example the maintenance or cleaning staffs and security at a site may
share the same radio network and channels. In addition, radio communications may be overheard
by the general public in an area if an earpiece is not used or caution exercised so this is probably
not the best method of sending confidential reports.
A telephone line may seem secure however in the modern era of trunked phone lines a business
may have one common phone number which is trunked to several extensions. If the business
general phone line is called and the call transferred, there is a potential that a person who is not
authorized may still be connected during the transfer. When you consider as well that phones often
have two- way speaker capability, this mode may even be overheard if the person receiving the
call does not pick up the handset.
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Security reports are factual documents which serve as documentary evidence as well as official
records of conditions, events, occurrences and circumstances related to a client’s property.
A Security Guard’s source notes serve as an aid for completion of the final report and also to
refresh the Guard’s memory while giving testimony.
Notes and reports must be completed according to the various rules of grammar and spelling as
well as rules of evidence and best practices regarding official records.
There are many types of reports with which the Security Professional must be familiar in order to
properly select the type and method of report delivery.
Statements are different from reports in as much as reports are factually based whereas statements
give a person’s perspective and may be more subjective or reflect an individual’s bias as a result.
Statements may form part of the report and it is essential to follow the rules of taking statements
so as not to taint evidence or invalidate important information by not following rules of evidence
and the law. It is best to get as many statements from different sources as practicable under the
circumstances to corroborate evidence and discount biased or inaccurate statements.
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4.1 Introduction
This section focuses on the broader legal context of private security to help you understand your
rights and obligations when performing your duties. The intent is to provide the participant with a
working knowledge regarding the topics covered.
The Canadian Court and Legal system is descended from the British Common Law, which is law
developed from the decisions of Judges in Courts and other Tribunals. This has been further
developed from, Canadian Law precedents and decisions and codified law set out in documents
called statutes such as the British North America Act, which preceded The Constitution Act,
proclaimed in 1982 and the Criminal Code of Canada, etc.
Common Law systems, simply stated, require Judges to interpret decisions of other Courts and
make judgements based on appropriate guidelines which may affect the decisions of future cases.
Security Guards in Ontario may hear references to Napoleonic Code as a comparison to the
common law system, as the Napoleonic Code is the basis of the system applied in the Province of
Quebec, historically descended from the rule of France.
This was the civil law system and basically divided the law into three main areas of concern: the
law of persons, the law of property and the acquisition of property.
This system historically promoted judges interpreting the codified law only in relation to the case
at hand opposed to a system where the decisions of the courts could include the validity of a law,
influencing the regulations put in place by the government.
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Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule
of law:
1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out
in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably
justified in a free and democratic society.
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) Freedom of conscience and religion
(b) Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and
other media of communication;
(c) Freedom of peaceful assembly and
(d) Freedom of association.
3. Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of
Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.
6. (1) Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada
Rights to move and gain livelihood
(2) Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident
of Canada has the right;
(a) to move to and take up residence in any province; and
(b) to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.
Limitation
(3) The rights specified in subsection (2) are subject to
(a) Any laws or practices of general application in force in a province other than those that
discriminate among persons primarily on the basis of province of present or previous
residence; and
(b) Any laws providing for reasonable residency requirements as a qualification for the
receipt of publicly provided social services.
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(i) If found guilty of the offence and if the punishment for the offence has been varied
between the time of commission and the time of sentencing, to the benefit of the
lesser punishment.
12. Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or
punishment.
13. A witness who testifies in any proceedings has the right not to have any incriminating
evidence so given used to incriminate that witness in any other proceedings, except in
a prosecution for perjury or for the giving of contradictory evidence.
24. (1) Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by this Charter, have been
infringed or denied may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain such
remedy as the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances.
(2)Where, in proceedings under subsection (1), a court concludes that evidence was
obtained in a manner that infringed or denied any rights or freedoms guaranteed by
this Charter, the evidence shall be excluded if it is established that, having regard
to all the circumstances, the admission of it in the proceedings would bring the
administration of justice into disrepute.
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Case law is a body of law that may be described as “best practices” for decisions by the courts in
relation to various cases that have already been tried. Case law or precedent is somewhat dynamic,
in other words it is subject to review depending on the level of court and relevancy to other
accepted standards such as statutes set out by parliament and British Common Law.
Case law sets out a number of standards related to justifications for reasonable use of force,
grounds for arrest and so on related to the duties you undertake and works along with official
statutes as guidance for authorities to decide the facts in a case.
A basic understanding of some of the principles set out in case law relevant to Security Guards;
arrest, search and use of force will assist you making sound decisions on what is the correct course
of action in various circumstances.
The concept of reasonable actions includes another concept known as duty of care. Duty of care is
a legal term that says anyone performing an act that could hurt others, must adhere to a reasonable
standard of care.
In most circumstances we are contracted to provide a reasonably safe environment by the Property
Manager/Owner at large facilities where there is an implied invitation to the general public to
enter. Entry is allowed on private property for the purposes to engage in activity for which it was
intended. When there is a significant disruption either by criminal act or otherwise we should take
reasonable steps to return the premises to normal.
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This sub-section deals with collection, storage, dissemination & destruction of information. We
discuss the procedures & regulations with respect to managing information & how to keep
information secure in a manner consistent with PIPEDA
This is a Federal Act protecting personal information that is collected, used or disclosed in certain
circumstances, by electronic means to communicate or record information or transactions.
Personal information under this Act means information about an identifiable individual, but does
not include the name, title or business address or telephone number of an employee of an
organization.
A record for the purposes of PIPEDA includes any correspondence, memorandum, book, plan,
map, drawing, diagram, pictorial or graphic work, photograph, film, microform (size-reduced film
or paper copy), sound recording, videotape, machine-readable record and any other documentary
material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, and any copy of any of those things.
This part of the Act establishes rules to govern the collection, use and disclosure of personal
information in a manner that recognizes two needs:
• The right of privacy of individuals regarding their personal information
• The need of organizations to appropriately collect, use or disclose personal information.
This Part applies to every organization that collects uses or discloses personal information of an
individual in the course of commercial activities, or collects, uses or discloses personal information
about an employee in connection with the operation of a federal work, undertaking or business.
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Assistance
(2) An organization shall assist any individual who informs the organization that they need
assistance in preparing a request to the organization (for a copy of their private information
held by the organization).
Time limit
(3) An organization shall respond to a request with due diligence and in any case not later than
thirty days after receipt of the request.
28. Every person who knowingly contravenes subsection 8(8) or 27.1(1) or who obstructs the
Commissioner or the Commissioner’s delegate in the investigation of a complaint or in
conducting an audit is guilty of;
(a) An offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000;
or
(b) An indictable offence and liable to a fine not exceeding $100,000.
(1.1) This Part does not apply to any organization in respect of personal health information that it
collects uses or discloses.
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS
31. (1) Definitions in this subsection apply in this Part.
Data means representations of information or concepts, in any form.
Electronic document means data that is recorded or stored on any medium in or by a
computer system or other similar device and that can be read or perceived by a person
or a computer system or other similar device. It includes a display, print out or other
output of that data.
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SCHEDULE 1 (Section 5)
4.1.4
Organizations shall implement policies and practices to give effect to the principles, including
(a) Implementing procedures to protect personal information.
(b) Establishing procedures to receive and respond to complaints and inquiries;
(c) Training staff and communicating to staff information about the organization’s policies
and practices; and
(d) Developing information to explain the organization’s policies and procedures.
4.2.5
Persons collecting personal information should be able to explain to individuals the purposes for
which the information is being collected.
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4.4.1
Organizations shall not collect personal information indiscriminately. Both the amount and the
type of information collected shall be limited to that which is necessary to fulfil the purposes
identified. Organizations shall specify the type of information collected as part of their
information-handling policies and practices, in accordance with the openness principle (Clause
4.8).
4.5.2
Organizations should develop guidelines and implement procedures with respect to the retention
of personal information. These guidelines should include minimum and maximum retention
periods. Personal information that has been used to make a decision about an individual shall be
retained long enough to allow the individual access to the information after the decision has been
made. An organization may be subject to legislative requirements with respect to retention periods.
4.5.3
Personal information that is no longer required to fulfil the identified purposes should be destroyed,
erased, or made anonymous. Organizations shall develop guidelines and implement procedures to
govern the destruction of personal information.
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4.6.2 4.6.2
An organization shall not routinely update personal information, unless such a process is necessary
to fulfil the purposes for which the information was collected.
4.7.1
The security safeguards shall protect personal information against loss or theft, as well as
unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. Organizations shall protect
personal information regardless of the format in which it is held.
4.7.2
The nature of the safeguards will vary depending on the sensitivity of the information that has been
collected, the amount, distribution, and format of the information, and the method of storage. More
sensitive information should be safeguarded by a higher level of protection. The concept of
sensitivity is discussed in Clause 4.3.4.
4.7.3
The methods of protection should include
(a) Physical measures, for example, locked filing cabinets and restricted access to offices
(b) Organizational measures, for example, security clearances and limiting access on a “need-
to-know” basis; and
(c) Technological measures, for example, the use of passwords and encryption.
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4.7.4
Organizations shall make their employees aware of the importance of maintaining the
confidentiality of personal information.
4.7.5
Care shall be used in the disposal or destruction of personal information, to prevent unauthorized
parties from gaining access to the information (see Clause 4.5.3).
4.10.2
Organizations shall put procedures in place to receive and respond to complaints or inquiries about
their policies and practices relating to the handling of personal information. The complaint
procedures should be easily accessible and simple to use.
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PART I - Definitions
Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), security services is called “Building services” which
also include other types of services such as food preparation and serving, cleaning and any other
prescribed services for a building;
“Building services provider” or “provider” means a person who provides building services for
premises and includes Security Guards, the owner or manager of premises if the owner or manager
provides building services for the person that owns or manages the building.
“Continuous operation” means an operation or that part of an operation that normally continues
24 hours a day without stopping in each seven-day period until it is concluded, such as security
services.
“Employee” includes, a person including managers and executives who perform work for wages
and a person who supplies services to an employer for wages. This includes a person who receives
training from a person who is considered an employer.
“Employer” includes, an owner, manager, superintendent, or overseer (supervisor, lead hand,
trainer), who has control, responsibility or direction for the employment of a person.
“Premium pay” means an employee’s entitlement for working on a public holiday.
“Public holiday” means any of the following:
1. New Year’s Day
2. Family Day
3. Good Friday
4. Victoria Day
5. Canada Day
6. Labour Day
7. Thanksgiving Day
8. Christmas Day
9. Boxing Day
*Any day prescribed as a public holiday (In Ontario, this includes Family Day)
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“Trade union” means an organization that represents employees in collective bargaining under any
of the following:
1. The Labour Relations Act, 1995.
2. The Crown Employees Collective Bargaining Act, 1993.
3. Part X.1 of the Education Act.
4. Part IX of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
5. The Colleges Collective Bargaining Act, 2008.
6. Any prescribed Acts or provisions of Acts;
Agreements in writing
An agreement between an employer and an employee shall be deemed to be a reference to an
agreement in writing or to their agreeing in writing to do something. Nothing agreed upon is
required to be in writing except a collective agreement.
PART III - How This Act Applies
The employment standards set out in this Act apply to an employee and his or her employer if the
employee’s work is to be performed in Ontario or the employee’s work is to be performed outside
Ontario and is a continuation of the work performed in Ontario (this could be a Private Investigator
continuing an investigation outside the province, for example).
This Act does not apply to a secondary school student who performs work under a work experience
program authorized by the school board or an individual who performs work under a program
approved by a college of applied arts and technology or a university.
An employment standard under this Act cannot be contracted out or waived. If a right or benefit
is provided under an employment contract or in another Act that provides a greater benefit to an
employee than the employment standard, then that right or benefit applies.
A settlement made on an employee’s behalf by a trade union representing the employee is binding
on the employee.
Agents
An agreement or authorization that may lawfully be made or given by an employee under this Act
may be made or given by his or her agent and is binding on the employee.
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No termination or severance
This section applies if the building services provider for a building is replaced by a new provider
and an employee continues work for the new provider. The employment is considered continuous
for the purposes of this Act and for the purpose of calculating length of service or employment
with the new provider.
This rule does not apply if the day on which the new provider hires the employee is more than 13
weeks after the employee has left the business.
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Exception:
If the employer has received an approval from the Ministry they may establish an agreement with
the employee or a group of employees that allow the following:
An employee’s hours of work may exceed 8 hours a day if the employee has made an agreement
with the employer that he or she will work up to a specified number of hours in a day in not to
exceed the number specified in the agreement. Exception: hours in a work week.
An employee’s hours of work may exceed 48 hours in a week if the employee has made an
agreement with the employer that he or she will work up to a specified number of hours in excess
of the limit.
For example regularly scheduled shifts that are 10 hours in duration for four consecutive days may
be averaged each week or over several weeks subject to certain restrictions set out by the Ministry
and/or a Union (Collective Bargaining Agreement).
An employer shall give an employee a period of at least 11 consecutive hours free from performing
work in each day. This rule does not apply to an employee who is on call and called in during a
period in which the employee would not otherwise be expected to perform work.
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Exceptional circumstances
An employer may require an employee to work more than the maximum number of hours
permitted under section or to work during a period that is required to be free from performing work
under section only as follows, but only so far as is necessary to avoid serious interference with the
ordinary working of the employer’s establishment or operations:
1. To deal with an emergency.
2. If something unforeseen occurs, to ensure the continued delivery of essential public
services, regardless of who delivers those services.
3. If something unforeseen occurs, to ensure that continuous processes or seasonal operations
are not interrupted.
4. To carry out urgent repair work to the employer’s plant or equipment
Eating periods
An employer shall give an employee an eating period of at least 30 minutes at intervals that will
result in the employee working no more than five consecutive hours without an eating period. This
rule does not apply if the employer and the employee agree, whether or not in writing, that the
employee is to be given two eating periods that together total at least 30 minutes in each
consecutive five-hour period.
An employer is not required to pay an employee for an eating period in which work is not being
performed unless his or her employment contract requires such payment.
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Averaging
An employee’s hours of work may be averaged over two or more consecutive weeks for the
purpose of determining the employee’s entitlement, if any, to overtime pay if:
The employee has made an agreement with the employer that his or her hours of work may be
averaged over periods of a specified number of weeks, according to certain restrictions, including
the approval of the Ministry and any agreements made by the Union, if any.
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Pregnancy leave
A pregnant employee is entitled to a leave of absence without pay unless her due date falls fewer
than 13 weeks after she commenced employment. An employee may begin her pregnancy leave
no earlier than the day that is 17 weeks before her due date or the day on which she gives birth.
An employee’s pregnancy leave ends, if she is entitled to parental leave, 17 weeks after the
pregnancy leave began. If she is not entitled to parental leave, on the day that is the later of, 17
weeks after the pregnancy leave began, and six weeks after the birth, still-birth or miscarriage.
An employee may end her leave earlier than the day set out above by giving her employer written
notice at least four weeks before the day she wishes to end her leave.
Parental leave
An employee who has been employed for at least 13 weeks and who is the parent of a child is
entitled to a leave of absence without pay following the birth of the child or the coming of the child
into the employee’s custody, care and control for the first time.
An employee may begin parental leave no later than 52 weeks after the day the child is born or
comes into the employee’s custody, care and control for the first time.
An employee who has taken pregnancy leave must begin her parental leave when her pregnancy
leave ends unless the child has not yet come into her custody, care and control for the first time.
An employee wishing to take parental leave shall give the employer written notice at least two
weeks before the day the leave is to begin.
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Emergency leave
An employee whose employer regularly employs 50 or more employees is entitled to a leave of
absence without pay because of any of the following:
1. A personal illness, injury or medical emergency.
An employee who wishes to take leave under this section shall advise his or her employer that he
or she will be doing so. An employee is entitled to take a total of 10 days’ leave under this section
in each calendar year.
If an employee takes any part of a day as leave under this section, the employer may deem the
employee to have taken one day’s leave on that day for the purposes. An employer may require an
employee who takes leave under this section to provide evidence reasonable in the circumstances
that the employee is entitled to the leave.
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An employee is not entitled to begin a leave under this section unless he or she has been employed
by the employer for at least the prescribed period or, if no period is prescribed, for at least six
consecutive months.
Temporary lay-off
A temporary layoff is a lay-off of not more than 13 weeks in any period of 20 consecutive weeks
or is less than 35 weeks in any period of 52 consecutive weeks and the employee continues to
receive substantial payments from the employer, the employer continues to make payments for the
benefit of the employee under a legitimate retirement or pension plan or a legitimate group or
employee insurance plan, or the employee receives supplementary unemployment benefits.
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Notice of termination
• One week before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is less than one
year
• At least two weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is one
year or more and fewer than three years
• At least three weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is
three years or more and fewer than four years
• At least four weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is four
years or more and fewer than five years
• At least five weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is five
years or more and fewer than six years
• At least six weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is six
years or more and fewer than seven years
• At least seven weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is
seven years or more and fewer than eight years
• At least eight weeks before the termination, if the employee’s period of employment is
eight years or more
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This Part shall not be interpreted to prevent a person from being asked by a police officer to take,
consenting to take and taking a lie detector test administered on behalf of a police force in Ontario
or by a member of a police force in Ontario in the course of the investigation of an offence
PART XXI - Who enforces this Act and what they can do
Investigation and inspection powers
An employment standards officer may, without a warrant, enter and inspect any place in order to
investigate a possible contravention of this Act or to perform an inspection to ensure that this Act
is being complied with.
The power to enter and inspect a place without a warrant may be exercised only during the place’s
regular business hours or, if it does not have regular business hours, during daylight hours.
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The power to enter and inspect a place without a warrant shall not be exercised to enter and inspect
a part of the place that is used as a dwelling unless the occupier of the dwelling consents or a
warrant has been issued.
An employment standards officer is not entitled to use force to enter and inspect a place.
An employment standards officer shall produce, on request, evidence of his or her appointment.
An employment standards officer conducting an investigation or inspection may question any
person on matters the officer thinks may be relevant to the investigation or inspection.
Obstruction
No person shall hinder, obstruct or interfere with or attempt to hinder, obstruct or interfere with an
employment standards officer conducting an investigation or inspection.
No person shall refuse to answer questions on matters that an employment standards officer thinks
may be relevant to an investigation or inspection or provide an employment standards officer with
information on matters the officer thinks may be relevant to an investigation or inspection that the
person knows to be false or misleading.
No person shall prevent or attempt to prevent an employment standards officer from making
inquiries of any person.
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An employee who commences a civil proceeding for wrongful dismissal may not file a complaint
alleging an entitlement to termination pay or severance pay or have such a complaint investigated
if the proceeding and the complaint relate to the same termination or severance of employment.
Enforcement under Collective Agreement
If an employer is or has been bound by a collective agreement, this Act is enforceable against the
employer as if it were part of the collective agreement with respect to an alleged contravention of
this Act that occurs.
Complaint not permitted
An employee who is represented by a trade union that is or was a party to a collective agreement
may not file a complaint alleging a contravention of this Act that is enforceable under the collective
agreement.
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Definitions
Accredited employers’ organization means an organization of employers that is accredited under
this Act as the bargaining agent for a unit of employers.
Bargaining unit means a unit of employees appropriate for collective bargaining, whether it is an
employer unit or a plant unit or a subdivision of either of them.
Board means the Ontario Labour Relations Board
Certified council of trade unions means a council of trade unions that is certified under this Act as
the bargaining agent for a bargaining unit of employees of an employer.
Collective agreement means an agreement in writing between an employer or an employers’
organization, on the one hand, and a trade union that, or a council of trade unions that, represents
employees of the employer or employees of members of the employers’ organization, on the other
hand, containing provisions respecting terms or conditions of employment or the rights, privileges
or duties of the employer, the employers’ organization, the trade union or the employees, and
includes a provincial agreement and does not include a project agreement under section 163.1.
Council of trade unions includes an allied council, a trade council, a joint board and any other
association of trade unions.
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Injunction – a legal process or order of the courts requiring the person or entity named to do
something or refrain from doing something. This may include, for example an injunction limiting
the number of picketers allowed during a strike or the employer from hiring replacements.
Arbitration – a judicial process regarding a dispute that is generally heard before a tribunal with a
panel of up to three persons deciding the resolutions.
Mediation – a process to facilitate agreement or reconciliation between two parties.
This process is also usually overseen by a panel or an appointed independent mediator.
Grievance – a written complaint regarding a wrong, unjust or unfair act.
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Collective agreement – a contract between the employees and their representatives (Union of
employees) and the employer setting out the rules and practices in the workplace.
Security Guards
This section applies with respect to guards who monitor other employees or who protect the
property of an employer.
Trade unions with members other than Guards may have members who are both Guards and other
employees under the same bargaining unit unless the employer notifies the Board it objects. This
could be on the grounds of conflict of interest, for example.
If the employer objects, the trade union must satisfy the Board that no conflict of interest would
result from the trade union becoming the bargaining agent or from including persons other than
guards in the bargaining unit.
The Board shall consider the following factors in determining whether a conflict of interest would
result:
1. The extent of the guards’ duties monitoring other employees of their employer or protecting
their employer’s property.
2. Any other duties or responsibilities of the guards that might give rise to a conflict of
interest.
3. Such other factors as the Board considers relevant.
If the Board is satisfied that no conflict of interest would result, the Board may certify the trade
union to represent the bargaining unit.
Conciliation Boards
A conciliation board has power to summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses and compel
them to give oral or written evidence on oath, and to produce such documents and things as the
board considers requisite to the full investigation and consideration of the matters referred to it in
the same manner as a court of record in civil cases.
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Voluntary arbitration
Despite any other provision of this Act, the parties may at any time following the giving of notice
of desire to bargain, irrevocably agree in writing to refer all matters remaining in dispute between
them to an arbitrator or a board of arbitration for final and binding determination.
The agreement to arbitrate shall supersede all other dispute settlement provisions of this Act,
including those provisions relating to conciliation, mediation, strike and lock-out.
Where a party, employer, trade union or employee has failed to comply with any of the terms of
the decision of an arbitrator or arbitration board, any party, employer, trade union or employee
affected by the decision may file in the Superior Court of Justice a copy of the decision, exclusive
of the reasons therefore, in the prescribed form, whereupon the decision shall be entered in the
same way as a judgment or order of that court and is enforceable as such.
Provisions allowed
The employer and the union may include provisions in the collective agreement requiring, as a
condition of employment, membership in the trade union and requiring the payment of dues or
contributions to the trade union.
Permitting an employee who represents the trade union such a s union steward to attend to the
business of the trade union during working hours without deduction of wages or time.
The employer and the union may include provisions for permitting the trade union the use of the
employer’s premises for the purposes of the trade union.
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Discrimination prohibited
A collective agreement must not discriminate against any person if the discrimination is contrary
to the Human Rights Code or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
How collective agreements apply
A collective agreement between an employers’ organization and a trade union or council of trade
unions is, subject to and for the purposes of this Act, binding upon the employers’ organization
and each person who was a member of the employers’ organization at the time the agreement was
entered into and on whose behalf the employers’ organization bargained with the trade union or
council of trade unions as if it was made between each of such persons.
The collective agreement is also binding upon the trade union or council of trade unions and upon
the employees in the bargaining unit defined in the agreement, and, if any such person ceases to
be a member of the employers’ organization during the term of operation of the agreement, the
person shall, for the remainder of the term of operation of the agreement, be deemed to be a party
to a like agreement with the trade union or council of trade unions.
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Offences
Every person, trade union, council of trade unions or employers’ organization that contravenes any
provision of this Act or of any decision, determination, interim order, order, direction, declaration
or ruling made under this Act is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable, if an individual,
to a fine of not more than $2,000 or if a corporation, trade union, council of trade unions or
employers’ organization, to a fine of not more than $25,000.
Each day that a person, trade union, council of trade unions or employers’ organization
contravenes any provision of this Act or of any decision, determination, interim order, order,
direction, declaration or ruling made under this Act constitutes a separate offence.
If a corporation, trade union, council of trade unions or employers’ organization is guilty of an
offence under this Act, every officer, official or agent thereof who assented to the commission of
the offence shall be deemed to be a party to and guilty of the offence.
Definitions
In this Act, “alcohol” means a product of fermentation or distillation of grains, fruits or other
agricultural products, and includes synthetic ethyl alcohol.
“Beer” means any beverage containing alcohol in excess of the prescribed amount obtained by the
fermentation of an infusion or decoction of barley, malt and hops or of any similar products in
drinkable water;
No person shall keep for sale, offer for sale or sell liquor except under the authority of a licence or
permit to sell liquor or under the authority of a manufacturer’s licence.
No person shall canvass for, receive or solicit orders for the sale of liquor unless the person is the
holder of a licence or permit to sell liquor or unless the person is the holder of a licence to represent
a manufacturer.
No person shall deliver liquor for a fee except under the authority of a licence to deliver liquor.
The Registrar may issue a proposal to revoke or suspend a licence to sell liquor or refuse to renew
such a licence for any ground under subsection 6 (2), (4) or (4.1) that would disentitle the licensee
to a licence if the licensee were an applicant or if the licensee has contravened this Act, the
regulations or a condition of the licence.
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Conditions of permit
A police officer or a person designated under subsection 43 (1) may, by giving a notice of
revocation in accordance with subsection (15), revoke a special occasion permit issued for an event
while the event is under way if he or she reasonably believes that this Act or a prescribed provision
of the regulations is being contravened in connection with the event.
The notice of revocation may be given orally or in writing to the permit holder or to a person
designated under the regulations by the permit holder to attend the event in the permit holder’s
place.
A notice of revocation under subsection (14) takes effect immediately.
No person shall purchase liquor except from a government store or from a person authorized by
licence or permit to sell liquor.
No manufacturer or employee, agent or licensed representative of a manufacturer shall give any
liquor to any person, except as permitted by the regulations.
No person shall sell or supply liquor or permit liquor to be sold or supplied to any person who is
or appears to be intoxicated.
No person shall knowingly sell or supply liquor to a person that is under nineteen years of age.
No person shall sell or supply liquor to a person who appears to be under the age of nineteen years.
No licensee or employee or agent of a licensee shall knowingly permit a person under the age of
nineteen years to have or consume liquor in the licensee’s licensed premises.
No licensee or employee or agent of a licensee shall permit a person who appears to be under
nineteen years of age to have or consume liquor in the licensee’s licensed premises.
The above subsections do not prohibit a licensee or employee or agent of a licensee from
permitting a person eighteen years of age to be in possession of liquor during the course of the
person’s employment on the licensee’s licensed premises.
Possession or consumption
No person under nineteen years of age shall have, consume or attempt to purchase, purchase or
otherwise obtain liquor.
This subsection does not prohibit a person eighteen years of age from being in possession of liquor
during the course of the person’s employment on premises in which the sale or service of liquor is
authorized.
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Entering premises
No person under nineteen years of age shall enter or remain on premises in which the sale of liquor
is authorized if the person knows that a condition of the licence or permit for the premises prohibits
the entry of persons under the age of nineteen years.
This does not apply to a person eighteen years of age who is employed on premises in which the
sale or service of liquor is authorized while the person is on the premises during the course of his
or her employment.
Improper documentation
No person shall present as evidence of his or her age any documentation other than documentation
that was lawfully issued to him or her.
Supply by parent
This section does not apply to the supplying of liquor to a person under nineteen years of age in a
residence as defined or in a private place as defined in the regulations by a parent of the person or
a person having lawful custody of the person or to the consumption of liquor by a person who is
supplied liquor in this setting, if the liquor is consumed at the place where it is supplied.
In this section, “residence” means a place that is actually occupied and used as a dwelling, whether
or not in common with other persons, including all premises used in conjunction with the place to
which the general public is not invited or permitted access, and, if the place occupied and used as
a dwelling is a tent, includes the land immediately adjacent to and used in conjunction with the
tent.
Unlawful possession or consumption
No person shall have or consume liquor in any place other than a residence, a premises in respect
of which a licence or permit is issued or a private place as defined in the regulations.
This subsection does not apply to the possession of liquor that is in a closed container.
No person shall be in an intoxicated condition in a place to which the general public is invited or
permitted access or in any part of a residence that is used in common by persons occupying more
than one dwelling in the residence.
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Civil liability
The following rules apply if a person or an agent or employee of a person sells liquor to or for a
person whose condition is such that the consumption of liquor would apparently intoxicate the
person or increase the person’s intoxication so that he or she would be in danger of causing injury
to himself or herself or injury or damage to another person or the property of another person:
1. If the person to or for whom the liquor is sold commits suicide or meets death by accident
while so intoxicated, an action under Part V of the Family Law Act lies against the person
who or whose employee or agent sold the liquor.
2. If the person to or for whom the liquor is sold causes injury or damage to another person
or the property of another person while so intoxicated, the other person is entitled to recover
an amount as compensation for the injury or damage from the person who or whose
employee or agent sold the liquor.
Obstruction
No person shall obstruct a person carrying out an inspection under this Act or withhold, destroy,
conceal or refuse to provide any relevant information or thing required for the purpose of the
inspection.
Seizure
A police officer may seize any thing, including liquor, if:
(a) He or she reasonably believes that the thing will afford evidence of an offence under this
Act;
(b) He or she reasonably believes that the thing was used or is being used in connection with
the commission of an offence under this Act, and unless the thing is seized it is likely that
it would continue to be used or would be used again in the commission of an offence under
this Act; or
(c) He or she reasonably believes that the thing is proceeds from the commission of an offence
under this Act.
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Confidentiality
Every person engaged in the administration of this Act shall preserve confidentiality in respect of
all matters that come to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her duties and shall not
communicate any such matter to any other person except;
(a) As may be required in connection with the administration of this Act and the regulations
or any proceeding under this Act;
(b) To his or her counsel; or
(c) With the consent of the person to whom the matter relates.
Derivative
(2) A director or officer of a corporation who caused, authorized, permitted or participated
in an offence under this Act by the corporation is guilty of an offence.
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Penalties
Upon conviction for an offence under this Act, other than a contravention of subsection 30 (1),
(2), (3), (4) or (4.1);
(a) A corporation is liable to a fine of not more than $250,000; and
(b) An individual is liable to a fine of not more than $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term
of not more than one year or both.
Same, sale, etc., to a minor
Upon conviction for contravening subsection 30 (1), (2), (3), (4) or (4.1),
(a) A corporation is liable to a fine of not more than $500,000; and
(b) An individual is liable to a fine of not more than $200,000 or to imprisonment for a term
of not more than one year or both.
Exception
An individual who is convicted of an offence under subsection 31 (2) or (4) is not liable to
imprisonment.
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This Act applies most specifically to those Security Guards certified by municipalities as “Certified
Contract Officers” or “CCO” for the purposes of issuing Parking Infraction Notices for parking
offences on private property.
Purpose of Act
The purpose of this Act is to replace the summary conviction procedure for the prosecution of
provincial offences, including the provisions adopted by reference to the Criminal Code (Canada),
with a procedure that reflects the distinction between provincial offences and criminal offences.
Certificate of service
Where service is made by the provincial offences officer who issued the certificate of offence, the
officer shall certify on the certificate of offence that he or she personally served the offence notice
or summons on the person charged and the date of service.
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PART II
COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS FOR PARKING INFRACTIONS
“14. In this Part, “parking infraction” means any unlawful parking, standing or stopping of
a vehicle that constitutes an offence.
Municipal by-laws
(3) If the alleged infraction is under a by-law of a municipality, it is not necessary to
include a reference to the number of the by-law on the certificate or notice.
Service on owner
(4) The issuing provincial offences officer may serve the parking infraction notice on the
owner of the vehicle identified in the notice,
(a) By affixing it to the vehicle in a conspicuous place at the time of the alleged
infraction; or
(b) By delivering it personally to the person having care and control of the vehicle at
the time of the alleged infraction.
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Service on operator
(5) The issuing provincial offences officer may serve the parking infraction notice on the
operator of a vehicle by delivering it to the operator personally at the time of the alleged
infraction.
Certificate of service
(6) The issuing provincial offences officer shall certify on the certificate of parking
infraction that he or she served the parking infraction notice on the person charged and
the date and method of service.
General penalty
61. Except where otherwise expressly provided by law, every person who is convicted of an
offence is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000.
Notice of order
(5) Where the court makes a probation order, it shall cause a copy of the order and a copy
of section 75 to be given to the defendant.
Regulations for community service orders
(6) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations governing restitution,
compensation and community service orders, including their terms and conditions.
(7) The court shall not make a probation order when an individual has been convicted of
an absolute liability offence, unless the order is made in addition to a sentence of
imprisonment imposed under section 69 in default of payment of a fine.
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Absolute liability offence is an offence where the defendant cannot use the fact they did not
intend to commit an offence as an excuse to obtain a finding that they were not guilty.
PART V GENERAL PROVISIONS
Common purpose
(2) Where two or more persons form an intention in common to carry out an unlawful
purpose and to assist each other therein and any one of them, in carrying out the
common purpose, commits an offence, each of them who knew or ought to have known
that the commission of the offence would be a probable consequence of carrying out
the common purpose is a party to the offence.
Counselling
78. (1) Where a person counsels or procures another person to be a party to an offence and that
other person is afterwards a party to the offence, the person who counselled or procured
is a party to the offence, even if the offence was committed in a way different from that
which was counselled or procured.
(2) Every person who counsels or procures another person to be a party to an offence is a
party to every offence that the other commits in consequence of the counselling or
procuring that the person who counselled or procured knew or ought to have known
was likely to be committed in consequence of the counselling or procuring.
Computation of age
79. In the absence of other evidence, or by way of corroboration of other evidence, a justice
may infer the age of a person from his or her appearance.
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Contempt
91. (1) Except as otherwise provided by an Act, every person who commits contempt in the
face of a justice of the peace presiding over the Ontario Court of Justice in a proceeding
under this Act is on conviction liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to
imprisonment for a term of not more than thirty days, or to both.
Minimum age
94. No person shall be convicted of an offence committed while he or she was under age twelve
years.
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Offence
(2) Every person who contravenes subsection (1) and every director, officer or employee
of a corporation who authorizes, permits or acquiesces in a contravention of subsection
(1) by the corporation is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not
more than $10,000.
(3) Subsection (1) does not prohibit the following:
1. The disclosure of information by the young person concerned.
2. The disclosure of information by the young person’s parent or lawyer, for the
purpose of protecting the young person’s interests.
3. The disclosure of information by a police officer, for the purpose of investigating
an offence which the young person is suspected of having committed.
4. The disclosure of information to an insurer, to enable the insurer to investigate a
claim arising out of an offence committed or alleged to have been committed by
the young person.
5. The disclosure of information in the course of the administration of justice, but not
for the purpose of making the information known in the community.
6. The disclosure of information by a person or member of a class of persons
prescribed by the regulations, for a purpose prescribed by the regulations.
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Certiorari is a legal term meaning the higher court sends the lower court an order to
send the record of the trial concerned for review by the higher court. This section means
that unless there is a serious wrong created by the lower court’s decision, the lower
court’s decision will not be reviewed.
Habeas corpus
142. (1) On application, the Superior Court of Justice may by order grant any relief in respect
of a matter arising under this Act that the applicant would be entitled to in an
application for an order in the nature of habeas corpus.
Habeas Corpus is a legal action that compels an authority holding someone prisoner to bring
them before the courts in order to prove the legality of holding the person prisoner.
Habeas corpus has been enshrined in our Charter Rights under Section 10.
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Purposes of Act
1. The purposes of this Act are to provide protection for residential tenants from unlawful
rent increases and unlawful evictions, to establish a framework for the regulation of
residential rents, to balance the rights and responsibilities of residential landlords and
tenants and to provide for the adjudication of disputes and for other processes to informally
resolve disputes.
“Landlord” includes,
(a) The owner of a rental unit or any other person who permits occupancy of a rental unit,
other than a tenant who occupies a rental unit in a residential complex and who permits
another person to also occupy the unit or any part of the unit,
(b) The heirs, assigns, personal representatives and successors in title of a person referred
to in clause (a), and
(c) a person, other than a tenant occupying a rental unit in a residential complex, who
is entitled to possession of the residential complex and who attempts to enforce
any of the rights of a landlord under a tenancy agreement or this Act, including the
right to collect rent;
Tenancy agreement means a written, oral or implied agreement between a tenant and a landlord
for occupancy of a rental unit and includes a licence to occupy a rental unit;
Utilities; means heat, electricity and water; “vital service” means hot or cold water, fuel, electricity,
gas or, during the part of each year prescribed by the regulations, heat.
Interpretation, sublet
(2) For the purposes of this Act, a reference to subletting a rental unit refers to the situation in
which,
(a) The tenant vacates the rental unit;
(b) the tenant gives one or more other persons the right to occupy the rental unit for a term
ending on a specified date before the end of the tenant’s term or period; and
(c) The tenant has the right to resume occupancy of the rental unit after that specified date.
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Interpretation, abandoned
(3) For the purposes of this Act, a tenant has not abandoned a rental unit if the tenant is not in
arrears of rent.
5. This Act does not apply with respect to,
(a) living accommodation intended to be provided to the travelling or vacationing public
or occupied for a seasonal or temporary period in a hotel, motel or motor hotel, resort,
lodge, tourist camp, cottage or cabin establishment, inn, campground, trailer park,
tourist home, bed and breakfast vacation establishment or vacation home;
(b) Living accommodation whose occupancy is conditional upon the occupant continuing
to be employed on a farm, whether or not the accommodation is located on that farm;
(c) Living accommodation that is a member unit of a non-profit housing co-operative;
(e) living accommodation that is subject to the Public Hospitals Act, the Private Hospitals
Act, the Community Psychiatric Hospitals Act, the Mental Hospitals Act, the Homes
for the Aged and Rest Homes Act, the Nursing Homes Act, the Ministry of Correctional
Services Act, the Charitable Institutions Act or the Child and Family Services Act or is
listed in Schedule 1 to Regulation 272 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990
made under the Developmental Services Act;
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Failure to comply
(4) Until a landlord has complied with subsections (1) and (2), or with subsection (3), as
the case may be,
(a) the tenant’s obligation to pay rent is suspended; and
(b) The landlord shall not require the tenant to pay rent.
21. (1) A landlord shall not at any time during a tenant’s occupancy of a rental unit and before
the day on which an order evicting the tenant is executed, withhold the reasonable
supply of any vital service, care service or food that it is the landlord’s obligation to
supply under the tenancy agreement or deliberately interfere with the reasonable supply
of any vital service, care service or food.
22. A landlord shall not at any time during a tenant’s occupancy of a rental unit and before the
day on which an order evicting the tenant is executed substantially interfere with the
reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit or the residential complex in which it is located for
all usual purposes by a tenant or members of his or her household.
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Changing locks
24. A landlord shall not alter the locking system on a door giving entry to a rental unit or
residential complex or cause the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy
of the rental unit without giving the tenant replacement keys.
Privacy
25. A landlord may enter a rental unit only in accordance with section 26 or 27.
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29. (1) a tenant or former tenant of a rental unit may apply to the Board for any of the following
orders:
1. An order determining that the landlord has breached an obligation under subsection
20 (1) or section 161.
2. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has
withheld the reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food that it is
the landlord’s obligation to supply under the tenancy agreement or deliberately
interfered with the reasonable supply of any vital service, care service or food.
3. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has
substantially interfered with the reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit or
residential complex for all usual purposes by the tenant or a member of his or her
household.
4. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has
harassed, obstructed, coerced, threatened or interfered with the tenant during the
tenant’s occupancy of the rental unit.
5. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has
altered the locking system on a door giving entry to the rental unit or the residential
complex or caused the locking system to be altered during the tenant’s occupancy
of the rental unit without giving the tenant replacement keys.
6. An order determining that the landlord, superintendent or agent of the landlord has
illegally entered the rental unit.
36. A tenant shall not harass, obstruct, coerce, threaten or interfere with a landlord.
40. No landlord shall, without legal process, seize a tenant’s property for default in the payment
of rent or for the breach of any other obligation of the tenant.
42. (1) A landlord may dispose of property in a rental unit that a tenant has abandoned and
property of persons occupying the rental unit that is in the residential complex in which
the rental unit is located in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) if,
(a) The landlord obtains an order terminating the tenancy under section 79; or
(b) The landlord gives notice to the tenant of the rental unit and to the Board of the
landlord’s intention to dispose of the property.
(2) If the tenant has abandoned the rental unit, the landlord may dispose of any unsafe or
unhygienic items immediately.
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(u) Obstructs or interferes with an inspector exercising a power of entry under section
230 or 231 or with an investigator exercising a power of entry under section 231;
(v) Furnishes false or misleading information in any material filed in any proceeding
under this Act or provided to the Board, an employee or official of the Board, an
inspector, an investigator, the Minister or a designate of the Minister;
Penalties
238. (1) A person, other than a corporation, who is guilty of an offence under this Act is
liable on conviction to a fine of not more than $25,000.
(2) A corporation that is guilty of an offence under this Act is liable on conviction to a fine of
not more than $100,000.
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All Security Guards should be familiar with the excerpts from the T.P.A. The phrase, “Agent of
the Occupier” under the act includes Security Guards who have been contracted by the Owner or
Agent of Private Property. We are contracted to protect life, property and minimize liability
allowing the facility to operate normally. We are responsible to ensure compliance with the rules
and regulations on the property, including laws as well as maintaining order and providing a
reasonably safe environment.
You must be familiar with the specific arrest authorities as provided in the act, below:
Section 2,
(1) Every person who is not acting under a right or authority conferred by law and who,
(a) without the express permission of the occupier, the proof of which rests on the defendant,
(Called a “reverse onus” under the law, meaning it is up to the subject to prove
otherwise)
(i) enters on premises when entry is prohibited under this Act, or
(ii) engages in an activity when the activity is prohibited under this Act; or
(b) does not leave the premises immediately after he or she is directed to do so by the occupier
of the premises or a person authorized by the occupier, is guilty of an offence and on
conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2000.00.
The arrest authorities for trespass are included under Section 9 of the Trespass to
Property Act and allows for Security Guards to arrest, without warrant, persons
committing an offence on private property, they believe on reasonable grounds
that have committed an offence under section 2, using as much force as is
reasonable and justified under all of the circumstances and within company
policy, related to this act as long as it is not a trifling matter.
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Reasonable force under the Trespass to Property Act considers not only what force is necessary
to accomplish the arrest, but also considering all of the circumstances was arrest a reasonable
course of action in the first place?
The judge also asked these fundamental questions regarding the tests if a trespass arrest is
reasonable or not:
1. What had the appellants (arrested persons) done to cause the Security Guards to view
them as trespassers? Were these activities the subject of a complaint?
2. Were the appellants (arrested persons) acting in a disruptive manner either before
their arrest or at the time of their arrest?
3. Had the appellants (arrested persons) previously received a trespass notice? Had they
previously been prosecuted for trespassing?
4. Is it likely that the appellants (arrested persons) would have left the mall in a
reasonable period of time had Reverend Tucker been given the opportunity to
purchase the book that he wished to buy?
5. Once the appellants (arrested persons) were apprehended by the guards, did they
offer to wait for a police officer to attend?
6. Was it necessary to arrest the appellants (arrested persons) to prevent them from
continuing their prohibited conduct (of soliciting)?
7. Was the arrest of the appellants (arrested persons) necessary to preserve relevant
evidence?
If these criteria can be met and the matter could not have been reasonably dealt with by means
short of arrest, these dialogues from Judges’ decisions provide strong precedents for trespass
arrests that are justified under the circumstances.
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The Highway Traffic Act is another Provincial Statute enforced by Police and specially appointed
enforcement officers on public roadways.
Certain traffic offences and driver behaviours are discouraged on private property, particularly if
they endanger others, including the driver or occupants of the offending vehicle.
Although the H.T.A. (Highway Traffic Act) is not part of the Ministry mandated curriculum, there
are certain specific sections and applications of the regulations that are vital for the security
professional.
All Security Guards operating a motor vehicle need to be properly licensed and familiar with the
rules of the road that apply to them. A security vehicle does not currently have any emergency
vehicle privileges or status and must be operated in accordance with the laws pertaining to all
drivers.
All Security Guards working as Certified Contract Officers for the purpose of enforcing Municipal
By-Laws on private property need to be familiar with certain definitions provided by the H.T.A.
• “Park” or “parking”, when prohibited, means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied
or not, except when standing temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in
loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.
• “Stand” or “standing”, when prohibited, means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied
or not, except for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging
passengers.
• “Stop” or “stopping”, when prohibited, means the halting of a vehicle, even momentarily,
whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in
compliance with the directions of a police officer or of a traffic control sign or signal.
Most parking infractions on private property are considered trifling or of small importance, in
comparison to other offences and the consequences for an infraction or contravention include
issuing a certificate of offence with a set fine that may be paid outside of court. Keeping this in
mind, most Judges would frown on a Security Guard arresting a person for a parking infraction.
Extreme circumstances such as vehicles blocking a fire route in times of emergency may increase
the seriousness of a parking offence.
Unless you are certified to issue parking infraction notices by your municipality, there is little you
can do, beyond persuasion to get the public to cooperate with these rules, other than call for the
authorities for assistance.
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Those working on private property conducting traffic control duties or enforcing rules related to
“illegal taxis” or vehicles for hire should be aware of the best practices and consequences,
including who may enforce these as set out by the provisions.
The H.T.A. is enforceable by Police or specially appointed officers. This particular contravention
under Section 39.1 can result in serious circumstances originating from illegal taxis operating, in
the first place. There may be confrontations between the illegal drivers and licensed cabs on your
property. In addition, these vehicles are often not properly insured and the drivers may commit
other offences or engage in poor practices, resulting in injury or loss to patrons on your protected
property.
If this is occurring on your protected property, you may enforce the rules under the authorities of
the Trespass to Property Act, if allowed by your policies and appropriate. Most often the offender
would be issued a notice prohibiting entry and be asked not to return. The specific authorities are
covered in section 4.6.7
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The Smoke Free Ontario Act sets out provisions in relation to the sale, purchase and use, etc. of
tobacco products. Security Guards may be required to assist the property manager enforcing
certain rules that the owner of the property is responsible for. Please follow site policies,
procedures and reasonable/lawful directions provided at your site.
Proprietor obligations
(6) Every proprietor of an enclosed public place or a place or area mentioned in subsection (2)
shall,
(a) Ensure compliance with this section with respect to the enclosed public place, place or
area;
(b) Give notice to each person in the enclosed public place, place or area that smoking is
prohibited in the enclosed public place, place or area in accordance with the regulations,
if any;
(c) Post any prescribed signs prohibiting smoking throughout the enclosed public place,
place or area, including washrooms, in the prescribed manner;
(d) Ensure that no ashtrays or similar equipment remain in the enclosed public place, place
or area, other than a vehicle in which the manufacturer has installed an ashtray;
(e) Ensure that a person who refuses to comply with subsection (1) or (2) does not remain
in the enclosed public place, place or area; and
(f) Ensure compliance with any other prescribed obligations.
Definition
(12) In this section, “proprietor” means the owner, operator or person in charge.
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Obstruction
(16) No person shall hinder, obstruct or interfere with an inspector conducting an inspection,
refuse to answer questions on matters relevant to the inspection or provide the inspector
with information, on matters relevant to the inspection that the person knows to be false or
misleading.
The Smoke Free Ontario Act, sets out the standards for restrictions and prohibitions regarding the
sale, purchase and use of tobacco products, including age limits, prescribed premises and
consequences for contraventions.
It should be apparent from the sections, above that a Security Guard could find they are in the
position of proprietor. If you are working in an establishment such as a health care facility, nursing
or veterans home or entertainment facility that has an approved designated smoking space or if
you are working at a retail establishment that sells tobacco products, it is recommended you obtain
a copy of the regulations and become familiar with the specific regulatory obligations.
As the Smoke Free Ontario Act does not have an arrest provision for contraventions yet creates an
obligation for the proprietor to cause violators to vacate the property, it is apparent this must be
accomplished by means of the Trespass to Property Act or with the assistance of an authority who
has powers to enforce the Smoke Free Ontario Act.
Under the Occupier’s Liability Act, Security Guards are defined as an occupier as they are agents
of the Owner/Property Manager and have “responsibility for and control over the condition of
premises or the activities there carried on, or control over persons allowed to enter the premises.”
This responsibility is set out by our terms of contract and the job function we fulfill.
“Premises” under the act includes not only lands and structures but water, ships and vessels, trailers
and portable structures, trains, railway cars, vehicles and aircraft except when in operation
(moving).
The Occupier’s Liability Act applies in place of the rules of common law that determine the care
the occupier is required to show in respect of dangers to persons entering on the premises and/or
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property they bring with them. It is the occupier’s duty to take reasonable care that in all in all
circumstances that persons entering on the premises and the property brought on the premises by
those persons are reasonably safe while there. The duty of care provided under this act applies
whether the danger is caused by the condition of the premises or by an activity carried on at the
premises.
The most common by law offences Security Guards may have cause to enforce are parking
violations. These may include fire routes, accessible parking spaces, loading zones and other
specially designated areas on private property.
Most Guards enforcing these municipal laws will be provided special training and certified to
enforce the laws by issuing municipal parking infraction notices when appropriate. If you do not
have special training from the municipality where you work for enforcing parking laws and you
are expected by site procedures to do so, please follow the site policies and procedures as set out
and seek further advice from your Supervisor.
The Municipal Code, an Ontario Statute delegates the authority to Municipalities to govern matters
within their jurisdiction. Much of this Code concerns rules of good government and the collection
of taxes.
Other responsibilities covered includes highways and by-laws, transportation systems, structures
such as buildings, fences and signs, animal control, etc. One area where a Security Guard may
assist with enforcement is Health, Safety and Nuisance. This section includes regulations related
to noise and so on. Another section where your attention may be required is business hours of retail
business establishments.
A Security Guard should be familiar with the Municipal Code in their particular area of
jurisdiction, considering by-laws vary to some degree from municipality to municipality. As there
is no provision for an authority for a Security Guard to enforce these by-laws in most of the
regulations, the role of a Security Guard is to observe and recognize contraventions and then to
report these to the correct authority for action, often the client if there is no immediate threat of
harm or urgency.
One area of importance for Security Guards includes occupancy limits related to rooms or
premises for public gatherings, as set out by fire code, particularly in licensed establishments.
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The Canadian system of laws and regulations is essentially laid out at three levels; Federal,
Provincial and Municipal. Although this is a simplification it serves our purposes of allowing a
Security Guard to develop an understanding of some of those laws and regulations affecting the
day to day duties performed. This section serves to introduce the participant to the sources of legal
authorities and provincial and municipal laws and regulations. The Federal Laws and Court
systems and rules of evidence including the Ontario Evidence Act will be further detailed in
Section Five (5) of this manual to assist developing a more comprehensive understanding of the
system as a whole.
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5.1 Introduction
Security Guards need to be able to accurately identify and categorize offences and how to perform
a citizen’s arrest. This section introduces the Criminal Code within the context of liability, duty of
care and lawful authority.
This manual is a guideline and an aid for study, only. Many of the sections below are simplified
for this purpose. The official statutes and case law should be consulted for exact wording and
proper understanding.
The Criminal Code is a document containing most of the Criminal Offences in Canada and comes
under the jurisdiction of Parliament, the governing body that sets our laws. It descends from other
historical documents setting out laws, particularly the British North America Act, 1867.
As shown in Figure 5.2.1, our Courts are divided into four basic levels. Lower courts are bound
by the decisions of higher courts, consistent with the principles of Case Law or “precedents.”
Figure 5.2.1
Provincial/Territorial Superior Courts Federal Court Trial Division Tax Court of Canada
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Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Canada has nine Judges, called Justices, including the Chief Justice of
Canada. The Supreme Court makes decisions on appeals regarding questions of Law and also
provides decisions regarding the constitutionality of laws passed by Parliament.
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Court of Ontario
The court of Ontario has two divisions, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of
Justice.
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Family Law
Family law concerns matters of divorce, child custody, support and so on and are generally not
a subject of concern for most day to day functions of a Security Guard. That said, it is possible
that Security Guards become involved in a domestic matter that causes a disturbance on a
protected property. In this event, it is often best to involve the Police if there is a dispute
involving custody of children and other contentious matters as the Police will be able to obtain
more clear information regarding the legality of these issues than a private security
professional.
Municipal Court System
Security Guards may be engaged in the Municipal Court System, particularly related to parking
offences for which they must give evidence on behalf of the Prosecution when an accused
indicates they intend to challenge a Certified Contract Officer’s evidence.
The Provincial Offences Act and related Regulations apply to these proceedings. These trials
will be presided over by a Justice of the Peace. The Defendant may be absent and represented
by an Agent, sometimes a lawyer but more often a Paralegal practitioner.
For parking infractions, the Defendant is always the company or person who is named as the
registered owner of the vehicle.
The prosecutor is employed as an agent of the city.
Court Procedures
Pre-court preparation
• Gather all related paperwork and evidence (reports, statements, video, Memo book)
• Review your case and your notes and take your notebook to court. Make notes about your
attendance at trial during appropriate times (not in the courtroom but discreetly in the
waiting area or a private place, such as before and after court, in your car)
• Bring your subpoena and Security Guard License
• Wear business attire
• Take a photograph of yourself in full uniform
• Check you have nothing that may be construed as a weapon on your person, including
small pocket knives, “Kubaton” key chains, handcuffs or handcuff keys
• Do not chew gum or cough candies, etc. while in the courtroom
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Attend the waiting area, near your courtroom and be seated until the room’s doors are opened to
the public. Keep in mind that you are likely on video surveillance systems and being scrutinized
by court security and police while waiting.
Stay alert and vigilant for any persons who may create a scene by confronting you, although this
is highly unlikely. If this occurs, use polite loud and clear command language, so that police and
court security can hear you, using words such as, “Sir, your comments are inappropriate. I don’t
want to fight, move away from me now!” Ensure you stand in a defensive posture and disengage
as far as possible from this individual, going to a more secure area such as near the front where the
screening is taking place (police and court security). Report the matter to court security
immediately.
It is more likely you will be approached by the defence attorney for the accused (your subject) and
you will be asked questions about the case. Adopt a friendly and cheerful attitude, if anyone not
clearly related to the Crown’s office or police approaches you, ask who they are and/or if they
represent the accused. Do not discuss details of the case with them. Simply reply you will be happy
to discuss anything with them outside of the courtroom, except the case before the courts and tell
them you are prepared to testify in court then ask them what they thought of the “recent hockey
game” or some other non-controversial news event.
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If you are not approached, approach the Crown or other court official before Court is in session, if
you have not met for a briefing outside when you first arrived, show them your subpoena and make
sure they are aware you are present. They will likely look at the document, comment that “that is
fine, we will call you when needed” and direct you to have a seat.
Be aware, everything you say in court, even if whispered in confidence to another may be recorded
on the official court record. Ensure you remain professional at all times.
Presiding officials
For provincial offences such as trespasses, the Court official may be a Justice of the Peace. Listen
carefully to determine this, when they are introduced upon entering the room. The correct title to
use when addressing a J.P. is “Your Worship”, “Sir” or “Ma’am”. A Justice, in some rare cases
may be called a “Magistrate.”
A Judge is called “Your Honour”, “Sir” or “Ma’am”. A Judge usually handles Criminal Matters.
In a serious Criminal Trial, at Supreme Court or a jury trial for the accused or perhaps on appeal,
you may hear the term “Supreme Court Justice or Supreme Court Judge.” The correct title for
these officials is “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship” or “Sir or Ma’am.” (You will be more
respected using the correct titles).
In all cases, no matter who is addressing you or who you are addressing in court, you cannot go
far wrong with “Sir’ or “Ma’am.”
Court in session
As court comes closer to the scheduled start time, you will notice less discussions and general
activity in groups at the front of the court and the various officials will begin to take their place.
The presiding official, usually a Judge or Justice of the Peace (J.P.) depending on the nature of the
case will enter from a side door, wearing robes and a court official will call out, “now rise,” or “all
rise” announce the judge or J.P. and proclaim court in session.
After the presiding official is seated, you may sit back down. Every time the judge enters or exits
the court, for example to declare a recess, you must stand.
If you need to leave the court at any time before or during the court session, do so at a time when
you are not disrupting the court, such as between cases or when summoned outside by the police
or a court official, face the judge and bow at the door, before departing. Do not allow the doors to
slam and use caution to close them quietly.
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Testimony
There are three phases to the evidence giving/answering questions phase:
1. Examination in chief (The Crown Attorney)
2. Cross examination (The Defence Attorney – accused counsel)
3. Redirect or re-examination (The Crown Attorney)
When you need to use your notes (you must use these to be professional), produce your memo
book before starting to give evidence/testimony in your words, when prompted to tell the court
what happened and ask, “May I use my notes to refresh my memory your Honour/Worship/Sir or
Ma’am?”
They may ask when the notes were made and you should reply, “At the time of the case in question,
Sir (Ma’am).” You may need to surrender your notebook to the Judge or Defence Counsel for
them to examine your notes.
The Crown will usually open with a few short questions, setting the stage for you to testify by
asking your relationship to the case and why you were there at the day in question, your role, etc.
Once you are introduced and they have confirmed your relationship to the event, they will usually
ask a question or direct such as, “Tell the court what happened?”
When you begin talking, in your own words, start by saying the following;
“Your honour on January 1st, 2010 (use the date of the occurrence) I was working as a uniformed
Security Guard for Paragon Security, providing service to Retail Mall (name of your site) by
contract with the property management, Green Management (name your property management
company and/or property manager’s name).
My duties required patrolling the mall and ensuring security and safety on the property,
including maintaining order, keeping the peace and enforcing rules and regulations as an agent
of the occupier (use these specific words or as close to it as you can remember).
About 2:00 pm (or whatever time the occurrence happened) I received a call for assistance
from...Or, for example, “About 2:00 pm (or whatever time the occurrence happened) I received a
call for assistance from...Then tell your story
Please note you may get asked if you have copy of the contract in which case you tell them, no
that is held by the office of your company but we do have a contract to provide service to (your
site’s name).
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Once all of the questions have been asked and you have been excused from the stand, say “Thank
you” bow to the Judge and step away from the stand and take your seat in court until the conclusion
of the trial. If you are told you are excused and do not have to remain, simply state you would
prefer to hear the outcome of the trial so you may submit a report, as required by your employer.
5.3 Search and Evidence
2. This Act applies to all actions and other matters whatsoever respecting which the Legislature
has jurisdiction. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 2.
Witnesses, not incapacitated by crime, etc.
6. No person offered as a witness in an action shall be excluded from giving evidence by reason
of any alleged incapacity from crime or interest. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 6.
Admissibility notwithstanding interest or crime
7. Every person offered as a witness shall be admitted to give evidence although he or she has an
interest in the matter in question or in the event of the action and although he or she has been
previously convicted of a crime or offence. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 7.
Witness not excused from answering questions tending to criminate
9. (1) A witness shall not be excused from answering any question upon the ground that the
answer may tend to criminate the witness or may tend to establish his or her liability to a
civil proceeding at the instance of the Crown or of any person or to a prosecution under
any Act of the Legislature. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 9 (1).
Communications made during marriage
11. A person is not compellable to disclose any communication made to the person by his or her
spouse during the marriage. 2005, c. 5, s. 25 (5).
Expert evidence
12. Where it is intended by a party to examine as witnesses persons entitled, according to the law
or practice, to give opinion evidence, not more than three of such witnesses may be called upon
either side without the leave of the judge or other person presiding. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 12.
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Attendance of witnesses
19. A witness served in due time with a summons issued out of a court in Ontario, and paid proper
witness fees and conduct money, who makes default in obeying such summons, without any
lawful and reasonable impediment, in addition to any penalty he or she may incur as for a
contempt of court, is liable to an action on the part of the person by whom, or on whose behalf,
he or she has been summonsed for any damage that such person may sustain or be put to by
reason of such default. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 19.
Consequences of disobedience
8. In case any person so served does not appear according to the exigency of such writ or process,
the Court out of which the same issued, may, upon proof made of the service thereof, and of
such default to the satisfaction of such Court, transmit a certificate of such default, under the
seal of the same Court, to any of Her Majesty’s Superior Courts of Law or Equity in that part
of Canada in which the person so served may reside, being out of the jurisdiction of the Court
transmitting such certificate, and the Court to which such certificate is sent, shall thereupon
proceed against and punish such person so having made default, in like manner as they might
have done if such person had neglected or refused to appear to a writ of subpoena or other
similar process issued out of such last mentioned Court.
Examination of witnesses, proof of contradictory written statements
20. A witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements made by him or her in writing, or
reduced into writing, relative to the matter in question, without the writing being shown to the
witness, but, if it is intended to contradict the witness by the writing, his or her attention shall,
before such contradictory proof is given, be called to those parts of the writing that are to be
used for the purpose of so contradicting the witness, and the judge or other person presiding at
any time during the trial or proceeding may require the production of the writing for his or her
inspection, and may thereupon make such use of it for the purposes of the trial or proceeding
as he or she thinks fit. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 20.
Proof of previous conviction of a witness
22. (1) A witness may be asked whether he or she has been convicted of any crime, and upon being
so asked, if the witness either denies the fact or refuses to answer, the conviction may be
proved, and a certificate containing the substance and effect only, omitting the formal part,
of the charge and of the conviction, purporting to be signed by the officer having the
custody of the records of the court at which the offender was convicted, or by the deputy
of the officer, is, upon proof of the identity of the witness as such convict, sufficient
evidence of the conviction, without proof of the signature or of the official character of the
person appearing to have signed the certificate. R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 22 (1).
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Electronic records
34.1 (1) In this section, “data” means representations, in any form, of information or
concepts;
“electronic record” means data that is recorded or stored on any medium in or by a
computer system or other similar device, that can be read or perceived by a person
or a computer system or other similar device, and includes a display, print out or
other output of that data, other than a printout referred to in subsection (6);
“electronic records system” includes the computer system or other similar device
by or in which data is recorded or stored, and any procedures related to the
recording and storage of electronic records. 1999, c. 12, Schedule B, s. 7 (2).
Standards
(8) For the purpose of determining under any rule of law whether an electronic record
is admissible, evidence may be presented in respect of any standard, procedure,
usage or practice on how electronic records are to be recorded or stored, having
regard to the type of business or endeavour that used, recorded or stored the
electronic record and the nature and purpose of the electronic record. 1999, c. 12,
Schedule B, s. 7 (2).
35. (1) In this section, “business” includes every kind of business, profession, occupation, calling,
operation or activity, whether carried on for profit or otherwise;
“Record” includes any information that is recorded or stored by means of any device.
(“document”) R.S.O. 1990, c. E.23, s. 35 (1).
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Handwriting comparison
8. Comparison of a disputed writing with any writing proved to the satisfaction of the court to be
genuine shall be permitted to be made by witnesses, and such writings, and the evidence of
witnesses respecting those writings, may be submitted to the court and jury as proof of the
genuineness or otherwise of the writing in dispute. R.S., c. E-10, s. 8.
Adverse witnesses
9. (1) A party producing a witness shall not be allowed to impeach his credit by general evidence
of bad character, but if the witness, in the opinion of the court, proves adverse, the party
may contradict him by other evidence, or, by leave of the court, may prove that the witness
made at other times a statement inconsistent with his present testimony, but before the last
mentioned proof can be given the circumstances of the supposed statement, sufficient to
designate the particular occasion, shall be mentioned to the witness, and he shall be asked
whether or not he did make the statement.
Previous statements by witness not proved adverse
(2) Where the party producing a witness alleges that the witness made at other times a
statement in writing, reduced to writing, or recorded on audio tape or video tape or
otherwise, inconsistent with the witness’ present testimony, the court may, without proof
that the witness is adverse, grant leave to that party to cross-examine the witness as to the
statement and the court may consider the cross-examination in determining whether in the
opinion of the court the witness is adverse. R.S., 1985, c. C-5, s. 9; 1994, c. 44, s. 85.
Cross-examination as to previous statements
10. (1) On any trial a witness may be cross-examined as to previous statements that the witness
made in writing, or that have been reduced to writing, or recorded on audio tape or video
tape or otherwise, relative to the subject-matter of the case, without the writing being
shown to the witness or the witness being given the opportunity to listen to the audio tape
or view the video tape or otherwise take cognizance of the statements, but, if it is intended
to contradict the witness, the witness’ attention must, before the contradictory proof can be
given, be called to those parts of the statement that are to be used for the purpose of so
contradicting the witness, and the judge, at any time during the trial, may require the
production of the writing or tape or other medium for inspection, and thereupon make such
use of it for the purposes of the trial as the judge thinks fit.
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Documentary Evidence
Business records to be admitted in evidence
30. (1) Where oral evidence in respect of a matter would be admissible in a legal proceeding, a
record made in the usual and ordinary course of business that contains information in
respect of that matter is admissible in evidence under this section in the legal proceeding
on production of the record.
Inference where information not in business record
(2) Where a record made in the usual and ordinary course of business does not contain
information in respect of a matter the occurrence or existence of which might reasonably
be expected to be recorded in that record, the court may on production of the record admit
the record for the purpose of establishing that fact and may draw the inference that the
matter did not occur or exist.
Authentication of electronic documents
31.1 Any person seeking to admit an electronic document as evidence has the burden of
proving its authenticity by evidence capable of supporting a finding that the electronic
document is that which it is purported to be. 2000, c. 5, s. 56.
Application of best evidence rule — electronic documents
31.2 (1) The best evidence rule in respect of an electronic document is satisfied
(a) on proof of the integrity of the electronic documents system by or in which the
electronic document was recorded or stored; or
(b) if an evidentiary presumption established under section 31.4 applies.
Printouts
(2) Despite subsection (1), in the absence of evidence to the contrary, an electronic
document in the form of a printout satisfies the best evidence rule if the printout
has been manifestly or consistently acted on, relied on or used as a record of the
information recorded or stored in the printout. 2000, c. 5, s. 56.
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Presumption of integrity
31.3 For the purposes of subsection 31.2(1), in the absence of evidence to the contrary, the
integrity of an electronic documents system by or in which an electronic document is
recorded or stored is proven
(a) by evidence capable of supporting a finding that at all material times the computer
system or other similar device used by the electronic documents system was
operating properly or, if it was not, the fact of its not operating properly did not
affect the integrity of the electronic document and there are no other reasonable
grounds to doubt the integrity of the electronic documents system;
(b) if it is established that the electronic document was recorded or stored by a party
who is adverse in interest to the party seeking to introduce it; or
(c) if it is established that the electronic document was recorded or stored in the usual
and ordinary course of business by a person who is not a party and who did not
record or store it under the control of the party seeking to introduce it. 2000, c. 5,
s. 56.
Standards may be considered
31.5 For the purpose of determining under any rule of law whether an electronic document
is admissible, evidence may be presented in respect of any standard, procedure, usage
or practice concerning the manner in which electronic documents are to be recorded or
stored, having regard to the type of business, enterprise or endeavour that used,
recorded or stored the electronic document and the nature and purpose of the electronic
document.
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How applicable
40. In all proceedings over which Parliament has legislative authority, the laws of evidence in
force in the province in which those proceedings are taken, including the laws of proof of
service of any warrant, summons, subpoena or other document, subject to this Act and other
Acts of Parliament, apply to those proceedings. R.S., c. E-10, s. 37.
46. (1) If, on an application for that purpose, it is made to appear to any court or judge that any
court or tribunal outside Canada, before which any civil, commercial or criminal matter is
pending, is desirous of obtaining the testimony in relation to that matter of a party or
witness within the jurisdiction of the first mentioned court, of the court to which the judge
belongs or of the judge, the court or judge may, in its or their discretion, order the
examination on oath on interrogatories, or otherwise, before any person or persons named
in the order, of that party or witness accordingly, and by the same or any subsequent order
may command the attendance of that party or witness for the purpose of being examined,
and for the production of any writings or other documents mentioned in the order and of
any other writings or documents relating to the matter in question that are in the possession
or power of that party or witness.
Exclusion of evidence – exclusionary rule
The exclusionary holds that evidence collected that is not legally obtained according to the
founding principles of law is not admitted into evidence or “excluded” from the evidence at trial.
There are several examples of this principle in various statutes and cases, creating precedents for
decisions.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects people from unreasonable search and seizure under
section eight (8) as previously mentioned in this manual. There are other examples of this principle
under the Case Law section of this manual.
Physical evidence
Physical evidence is an object or part of an object offered as proof of a crime. Physical evidence
could include fingerprints, stolen items, weapons, shell casings, blood stains or DNA, etc.
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Forensic Evidence
Forensic science is an academic or scientific discipline that pertains to investigations and the legal
system. This includes a method of determining facts from various types of evidence uncovered by
the method.
There are various types of forensic evidence including hand writing analysis, blood stain pattern
interpretation, firearms and ammunition identification, fingerprint analysis, trace evidence such as
fibres, blood type matching, DNA analysis, tool mark identification, skid mark analysis, document
analysis, computer forensics, pathology (study of disease), entomology (study of insects), etc.
The basic premise is that the physical environment and all things, including humans interact with
one another so that evidence of an event is always present, no matter how minute or difficult to
identify. Once this interaction is identified and proven by scientific method, inferences of what
occurred can be objectively shown, with a level of “moral certainty” that the events as assessed by
an expert occurred.
Security Guards need to be mindful of the related issues as forensic evidence that is valuable can
easily be contaminated and rendered inaccurate or useless if one is not careful.
Authentication
Authentication is a process that proves physical evidence is genuine and not tampered or forged
and so on. The continuity of evidence or “chain of custody” is directly related to this concept which
is a method to show who handled physical evidence and how it was handled by each person who
has come into contact with it from the time it was left at a crime scene until it is produced for
inspection in a court of law.
Burden of proof
The burden of proof or “onus probandi,” from the Latin is the obligation of the prosecution
(complainant) or defence (respondent) presenting evidence to reasonably demonstrate to a court
that evidence presented is probably true.
In most cases, the burden lies with the person or entity that makes the complaint or brings charges
against another. In some specific circumstances there is a “reverse onus” or the burden is on the
person who is accused or charged to prove the fact alleged is not so. A good example of this reverse
onus in law would be the Trespass to Property Act of Ontario.
Essentially this means that in most cases the burden is on the accuser or prosecutor to persuade the
trier of fact beyond a reasonable doubt that the case is true, whereas there is no obligation for the
accused to prove innocence.
The evidentiary burden or burden of leading evidence holds that certain evidence submitted by
one side or the other in court is accepted at face value, creating a burden on the other side to prove
the related assumption is not true.
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Standard of proof
Standard of proof is the burden of proof to convince a court that a given argument is true. The
standard of proof is applied according to a scale or hierarchy according to the rules of law under a
given condition or circumstance.
Beyond a reasonable doubt – This is the concept that the Crown must prove that a set of facts and
circumstances is presented that leaves no doubt in the mind of an ordinary, prudent and cautious
person (reasonable, average person) that an accused is guilty of the offence.
Preponderance of evidence or balance of probabilities – this concept is applied in civil cases and
suggests a set of facts or circumstances is more likely to be true than not true.
Clear and convincing evidence –this concept often used in the United States of America holds that
the party who has the burden of proof must convince the court that a set of facts or circumstances
has a higher likelihood of being true than not true.
Reasonable and probable grounds – Reasonable grounds is a set of facts and circumstances that
would lead an ordinary, prudent and cautious person (average, reasonable person) to have a strong
belief in a matter, beyond mere suspicion. In other words the average and reasonable person would
believe the circumstances with faith.
Reasonable doubt can be described as doubt based on reason and common sense that leaves the
decider of fact fully satisfied or entirely convinced of a matter. In England, the case of R V Majid,
2009 [EWCA Crime 2563] indicated the appeal court preferred the term “sure the defendant is
guilty” rather than “satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt” in the lower court Judge’s instructions
to the jury.
Reasonable suspicion is a concept closely tied to “articulable cause” or a constellation of
objectively discernible facts that would give a person reasonable cause to believe a person is
clearly implicated in a crime.
Air of reality – a test that asks if a defence case has a chance to succeed if all of the facts claimed
by the defendant are assumed to be true
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Direct Evidence
As opposed to circumstantial evidence, direct evidence supports an assertion of truth such as when
a witness testifies they see a person commit a crime with their own eyes, versus someone such as
an expert testifying they are morally certain a person committed a crime based on forensic evidence
like DNA.
Witnesses – including an expert witness
For the purposes of the Canadian Legal System, a witness is a person who personally sees or
perceives a crime or violation and gives testimony in court or swears an affidavit or other legal
statement. This person has firsthand knowledge of the crime.
Expert witnesses are generally recognized by the court after it is demonstrated they have a level
of expertise in relation to a matter before the courts. This could be educated persons in fields of
study such as science, forensic science, law or use of force, etc.
Continuity of evidence
There is a concept in law known as chain of custody which means that measures are taken to show
that an object, artefact or other piece of physical evidence related to a case, such as a weapon or
counterfeit bank note, etc. have been handled correctly and not been tampered with at every step
of the process from discovery in public to the time it is presented in court.
Special procedures such as handling, storage and marking of the evidence, as well as proper
documentation are required in order for the evidence to be accepted at trial. The way a Security
Guard handles physical evidence or secures a crime scene can have serious repercussions as a
result.
You must take the utmost care to preserve evidence of crimes at all times.
Your first priority is protection of life. If it is safe to enter the scene and others require aid, provide
aid and/or if there is a life threatening condition evacuate them from the scene then follow the
following protocols:
Evidence can often be “tainted” by others entering the area or other factors such as weather,
particularly if it is outdoors. If Security Guards are first on the scene, you must take special
precautions to preserve as much evidence as possible until the authorities arrive and assume
command.
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This means securing the area and not allowing unauthorized person such as curious bystanders or
those related to the site but not directly involved to indiscriminately enter an area. The use of
caution tape may be required as well as setting up a static post and exercising your authority under
trespass regulations.
Ensure you document the way a piece of evidence is handled, by whom and who enters and leaves
a crime scene, the times, purpose and specific routes used. Try and limit the path used to one or
two, only and communicate this route to the Police when they arrive.
Establish the boundaries of the crime scene. Determine the outer and inner perimeters and record
this information. Clearly mark and document these areas and gather witnesses, if any. Record their
contact information and ask them to remain and wait for the Police.
Record all conditions and any visible evidence, in detail. Record the numbers of people, vehicles,
details and all times. Draw pictures and diagrams in your memo book for later reference and take
photographs if a camera is available. Ensure you photograph close up, wide angle and from all
various angles and directions to get an accurate record. Record any statements and ask witnesses
who make statements to sign your memo book at the time they do so.
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R v Lerke Court of Queen’s Bench (Appeal), Alberta 1986 01 27, Docket 8403-8045A
An Alberta case from their Court of Queen’s Bench (court of appeal) is used as a guideline for
reasonable decisions by Ontario Courts because the related questions of law have not yet been
decided at the Supreme Court level.
The relevant facts in this decision included the exclusion of evidence following a citizen’s trespass
arrest due to a violation of Charter rights against unreasonable search and seizure. In the judge’s
view, although the arrest was made by a citizen, the function of arrest is a function of government
so the Charter applies.
This conclusion was based on consideration of the powers provided by Criminal and Trespass
(Petty Trespass Act, Alberta) statutes as well as the common law origins. The judge cites an
historical study that states, “The foundation of the whole system of criminal procedure was the
prerogative of keeping the peace, which is as old as the monarchy itself, and which was, as it still
is, embodied in the expression of ‘The King’s Peace’, the legal name of the normal state of
society.”
He said searches must be reasonable and not a fishing expedition. The factors considered for
justification include urgency to the reason for search such as protection of one’s self and to prevent
access to implements of escape whereas the search to secure evidence is not as urgent and becomes
questionable.
There was lack of a nexus or connection between the reasons for arrest (arrest for trespassing by
entering where prohibited) and reasons for search (looking for identification) as the arresting
citizen did not need to confirm the subject’s identity to support the grounds for arrest.
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These rulings reassert the common law rights of all citizens to search for reasons of urgency
such as to ensure safety and prevent escape as long as the arrest and search are both legal
and reasonable.
In other words you have to be able to say why and justify to the court why you searched a
person in order for evidence to be admitted. If you cannot then any evidence uncovered could
be excluded leaving you vulnerable to counter charges or a law suit.
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The official statutes and case law should be consulted for exact wording and proper understanding.
The Criminal Code is a document containing most of the Criminal Offences in Canada and comes
under the jurisdiction of Parliament, the governing body that sets our laws. It descends from other
historical documents setting out laws, particularly the British North America Act, 1867.
Indictable Offence
An indictable offence is a more serious or grave offence under the law. An indictment is a formal
accusation which initiates a criminal case and provides the accused an opportunity to be tried by a
jury in addition to a judge. Indictable offences provide for longer sentences, over two years
duration to be served in penitentiaries in the event of convictions versus a jail facility.
Penitentiaries are operated by the federal government in Canada.
Summary Conviction Offences
In Canada, as elsewhere, summary conviction offences are less serious offences that are punishable
by shorter prison sentences, under two years and sometimes fines or a combination of the two. The
maximum punishment for most of the criminal code summary conviction offences is six months
or a maximum fine of $5000.00 or both unless specified as longer.
Section 786 of the Criminal Code has a statute prohibiting prosecution for summary conviction
offences more than six months after the offence was committed unless the prosecutor and
defendant agree otherwise.
Dual/Hybrid Offence
Dual procedure or Hybrid offences could be tried as more serious (indictable) or less serious
(summary conviction offence) and the prosecutor has the option to elect based on the
circumstances of the case.
The main differences include the sentencing and the persons presiding over the trial and hearing
evidence with a view to selecting the verdict (Judge, Magistrate, Justice, or Judge and Jury).
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Mens Rea
“A guilty mind” – this is the concept of forming an intent to commit an illegal act. These offences
could include a white collar crime or fraud offence whereby the ability to find committing is made
more difficult by the requirement to prove the intent. These types of offences are normally reserved
for the police to arrest. In some cases a Loss Prevention person may arrest for fraud but for
uniformed security this is an area to avoid.
Actus Reus
“The guilty act”: this is the concept that there is an act in a crime. An act could be a voluntary or
involuntary movement, commission (did something), omission (failed to do something) or
possession.
Legislation specifically criminalizes and omission through statute; or a duty that would normally
be expected was omitted and caused injury, an actus reus has occurred.
There are two common reasonable grounds offences that Security Guards may encounter:
1. Fraud
A fraud is an intentional deception for personal gain or that causes injury to another. Fraud
can include forgery, etc. It is the deception and the mens rea aspect of this crime that makes
it exceptionally difficult for security professionals without specialized training and job
functions such as Loss Prevention Personnel to find a person committing this offence and
even then it is only under very specific circumstances.
In the event you are employed as a Loss Prevention Professional in a retail store where
your primary function is to detect theft, arrest shoplifters and recover property, you may
find that you initiate an arrest for fraud. The specific circumstances for this offence will be
when a person enters the store and switches the price tag on an item for a price tag from a
lower priced item. The intent in this case is certainly easier to prove in a court of law.
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Drug offences
It is very difficult, if not impossible for persons without formal training in drug identification to
know that a suspicious substance is an illicit substance so that it would meet the test of reasonable
grounds. Even then, Security Guards do not have the authority to arrest for reasonable grounds so
we do not arrest for drug offences.
We can, however discourage this suspicious activity under the authority of the Trespass to Property
Act.
Reasonable Grounds
Reasonable Grounds, also called Reasonable and Probable Grounds (RPG) is defined as a set of
facts or circumstances that would lead an ordinary, prudent and cautious person to have a strong
belief, beyond mere suspicion. In effect, the “Average Canadian” would believe or do the same
thing under the same circumstances.
Arrest
An arrest may be described as legally taking a person into custody and depriving them of their
liberty. This concept includes apprehending and restraining a person. Police have the authority to
conduct an investigative detention whereas a private citizen, including a Security Guard does not.
In other words, if a Security Guard detains a person and the person being detained believes they
do not have a choice to leave due to the words or actions of the Security Guard suggesting that
they have the authority to keep the subject there it would be deemed an arrest under the law.
In order for a citizen’s arrest to be legal, the Security Guard must have legal authority to arrest the
person set out clearly in the law. This may include a criminal code offence or a trespass offence in
Ontario.
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The Security Guard must also follow the five steps of arrest in order for the arrest to be considered
legal, as noted below.
1. Identify yourself (as a person with authority to arrest by using words such as
“Security” whether in uniform or not)
2. a) Tell the person they are under arrest b) Tell them why they are under arrest
3. Take physical control of the person (by not allowing them to leave)
4. Read the arrested person their rights to counsel
5. Turn the arrested person over to a peace officer (Criminal Code) or Police Officer
(Trespass to Property Act) forthwith
Please note it is also a best practice to ensure the person understands the rights as read. A caution
may also be read to an adult. A young person’s rights to counsel are different and separate. The
young person has the right to have a reasonable adult of their choosing present during an arrest.
The caution is not separate from the rights for a young person but included. The young person’s
rights ask the question, “Do you understand?” several times within the rights.
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The following section is intended to provide a quick overview of the layout of the Criminal Code
and some of the offences Security Professionals may experience. This is not an all-encompassing
description and by no means replaces the Criminal Code or professionally published
interpretations.
This simply serves as a quick reference guide, particularly for those that have not studied the
Criminal Code previously. This will familiarize you to properly undertake your duties related to
enforcement of rules, gaining compliance by persuasion and as a last resort using reasonable force
when authorized.
Various common offences that Security Guards may come across are in bold, italic letters for your
awareness.
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• Mischief, Planting Explosives, Protected Persons & Property (Diplomats and Consul
staffs), Unauthorized Video Recording (of a movie in a theatre), Arson, False Alarm of
Fire, Killing/maiming/injuring Animals, Cruelty to Animals, Baiting Animals (Arranged
Fights),
Part XII – Offences Related to Currency
Counterfeit, etc.
Part XII.1 – Illicit Drugs
Please note these offences are reasonable grounds offences dealt with by the police. These
concerns are normally addressed under the Trespass to Property Act by Security Guards. .
Part XII.2 – Proceeds of Crime
Part XIII-Attempts-Conspiracies-Accessories
Part XIV, XV - Jurisdiction & Admin, DNA Evidence, Sex Offenders Definitions and
Registration
Part XVI – Compelling Appearance (Includes arrest without warrant)
Security Professionals may need to be familiar with the legal language and descriptions/meanings
of some of these terms to clearly communicate with police officials when required.
• Appearance Notice
• Promise to Appear
• Recognizance
• Fail to Appear
• Summons (Accused)
• Subpoena (Witness)
• (Section 494, Section 495 are contained in Part XVI)
• Information
• Warrant Section 504 – Information – Anyone – Indictable
• Section 515 - Show Cause
• Detaining of Persons and Procuring Attendance in Court
• Warrants & Powers of Entry
Court Proceedings, Jurisdictions & Offences against the courts
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As of March 11th, 2013 the Federal Government made an order for Bill C26, the Citizen’s Arrest
and Self Defence Act coming into force. Under the new regulations eight sections (including sub-
sections) of the Criminal Code were simplified under two new sections. The previous sections that
applied and that were removed by law included:
In addition amendments were made to Section 494, Arrest without warrant by any person, the
details of which are included, below in the relevant section.
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(a) They believe on reasonable grounds that force is being used against them or
another person or that a threat of force is being made against them or another
person;
(b) The act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of
defending or protecting themselves or the other person from that use or
threat of force; and
Factors
(b) The extent to which the use of force was imminent and whether there were
other means available to respond to the potential use of force;
(d) Whether any party to the incident used or threatened to use a weapon;
(e) The size, age, gender and physical capabilities of the parties to the incident;
(f) The nature, duration and history of any relationship between the parties to
the incident, including any prior use or threat of force and the nature of
that force or threat;
(g) The nature and proportionality of the person’s response to the use or threat
of force; and
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(h) Whether the act committed was in response to a use or threat of force that
the person knew was lawful.
No defence
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the force is used or threatened by another
person for the purpose of doing something that they are required or authorized
by law to do in the administration or enforcement of the law, unless the person
who commits the act that constitutes the offence believes on reasonable
grounds that the other person is acting unlawfully.
(a) They either believe on reasonable grounds that they are in peaceable
possession of property or are acting under the authority of, or lawfully
assisting, a person whom they believe on reasonable grounds is in peaceable
possession of property;
(i) Is about to enter, is entering or has entered the property without being
entitled by law to do so,
(ii) Is about to take the property, is doing so or has just done so, or
(c) The act that constitutes the offence is committed for the purpose of
(i) Preventing the other person from entering the property, or removing that
person from the property, or
(ii) Preventing the other person from taking, damaging or destroying the
property or from making it inoperative, or retaking the property from that
person; and
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No defence
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person who believes on reasonable
grounds that they are, or who is believed on reasonable grounds to be, in
peaceable possession of the property does not have a claim of right to it and
the other person is entitled to its possession by law.
No defence
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the other person is doing something that
they are required or authorized by law to do in the administration or
enforcement of the law, unless the person who commits the act that constitutes
the offence believes on reasonable grounds that the other person is acting
unlawfully.
Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada is often called the Citizen’s Powers of Arrest. This is
allowed for very serious offences, only except as noted below.
Section 494(2) specifically allows Security Guards, who by contract are acting as an agent of the
owner of the property to take certain legal actions including making arrests for any criminal
offences they find a person committing (see with their own eyes) as long as it is on or in relation
to the property they are protecting.
It is important to note that there are a few areas of the law that require the exercise of caution such
as “white collar crime” offences or fraud, drug offences and very minor or trivial offences. Fraud
and drug offences are usually considered “reasonable grounds” offences or those that only Police
would have grounds to arrest for.
This section also allows a Security Guard to arrest somebody who is being chased by a person who
can arrest them. The Guard must act reasonably according to all of the circumstances. The person
who has initial grounds to make the arrest continues the arrest.
In all cases, the arrested person must be turned over to a Peace Officer, forthwith.
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(3) Anyone other than a peace officer who arrests a person without warrant
shallforthwith deliver the person to a peace officer.
(4) For greater certainty, a person who is authorized to make an arrest under this
section is a person who is authorized by law to do so for the purposes of section
25.
R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 494; 2012, c. 9, s. 3.
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Notes:
Under Section 34 - Defence of yourself and/or someone under your protection when a wrong doer
uses or threatens force this section provides the latitude of reasonable grounds that the person
will use or has used force unlawfully – the level of force permitted under the law will be a question
of law for a judge to decide based on the totality of circumstances.
Under Section 35 - Defence of property for which you have been given authority by the
owner/agent of the owner (property manager) to protect provides the authority and the latitude of
reasonable grounds to prevent a person taking property, entering property, damage, destroy or
make inoperative property. This authority includes the authorization to use force to stop or prevent
the wrong doer from doing the act. The level of force permitted under the law will be a question
of law for a judge to decide based on the totality of circumstances.
Paragon recommends that what is now done under the new law in relation to a citizen’s powers of
arrest, defence of person or defence of property is no different than what was done under previous
practices of private security practitioners.
You must be able to articulate your actions under the standard of reasonable grounds
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Arrest Considerations
Minimize embarrassment: remove the subject from public view and escort him or her to the
Security Office.
Call for Police and wait, if a situation cannot be controlled safely.
Disengaging is always an option that should be considered, depending on circumstances and nature
of the offence.
Crowds and the environment can pose additional hazards. Be aware of surroundings such as glass
surfaces, windows and display counters.
Why is an arrest necessary? To prevent an offence or the continuance of an offence, detain a subject
who is a danger to others or is causing serious damage to property or disrupting the ability of the
organization to function.
What is the lowest level of consequence/sanction (penalty) available that is likely to prove
effective and justified under the circumstances?
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Possible Circumstances When You May Consider; Empty Hand Control Vs Handcuffs
The Situation
Situation Impact Factors affect everyone involved in the encounter, including Security Guards and
Subjects. (Please also review the National Use of Force Framework on following pages)
▪ Weather conditions: rain, wind, snow, heat, etc
▪ Moment of the day: daylight or darkness
▪ Location: residential, rural, urban, indoors, outdoors
▪ Physical position: rooftop, roadside, stairwell, cell area
▪ Other factors such as cover and concealment
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These factors are considered in relation to the impact for the Security Guard.
• Size, Gender, Capability, Age and Maturity
• Perceived Subject Abilities (A Kung Fu Stance)
• Time and Distance
• Attack Cues
• Fitness, Health/Injury, Fatigue
• Physical Strength, Training/Experience
• Personal Knowledge, Confidence/Fear/Anxiety
• Tools of the Job Available
• Mental State
Danger Cues
One or more danger cues may be present, justifying decisions made regarding self-defence or
handcuffing.
• Gang Colors
• Tattoos
• Dress/Deportment (Martial arts or Military Culture)
• Specific Choice of Words (Prison Lingo, Threats, etc)
• Target Glancing (Looking at your handcuffs, repetitiously)
• Proximity, positioning and movement
• Fighting Stance (Trained Subject)
• Head Angle (Chin drop may indicate intent to fight, Chin up to run)
• Verbal/Physical Non-Compliance
• Threat Scanning (Checking around)/Head moving/scanning for witnesses or escape routes
• Agreement Gesture (Nodding at an Associate) - Looking to a second party decision maker
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Your Sixth Sense (Trust your gut feeling) – A gut feeling or instinct based on intuition, training
and experience in combination with information perceived consciously and sub-consciously
through your other senses
Be wary of weapons disguised as knives, pagers, cell telephones, thrown liquids or “water guns.”
All Security Guards engaged in use of force encounters should brief their direct Supervisor, as
soon as possible following an encounter (well prior to shift end and allowing time for suitable
follow up depending on the nature and severity of the occurrence).
Each Security Guard involved in an encounter is responsible to complete his or her own report.
A Security Guard may fill out a formal use of force report any time they deem it is appropriate. A
formal use of force report must be completed when a supervisor directs a Security Guard to do so.
A Ministry Use of Force Report (Form 1) is required according to the regulations, when:
• The Security Guard uses handcuffs, a baton, a firearm or any other weapon
• The Security Guard uses any other kind of force
• The Security Guard is accompanied by a Guard Dog that attacks a person
For the purposes of this requirement, “any other kind of force” occurs when a Security
Guard uses force that results in an injury requiring medical attention to any party. It is
recommended that if there is any complaint or indication of injury whether medical
attention is sought, provided or declined, a use of force from be completed for due
diligence.
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The Report
Formal reports should include the Use of Force Report, any related S.O.R(s), a photocopy of memo
book entries and relevant witness statements. Reports should be submitted prior to the end of the
Security Guard’s shift and escalated through each applicable level of Supervision.
When completing a use of force report, the Guard must consider, and include where appropriate,
the following details of the incident
Initiation of call / Reason for response to scene
How did you come upon the scene? Happened on it during patrol, dispatched, complaint, etc
Were there any weapons or violence reported to you, threatened or used?
Arrival on Scene
Marked versus unmarked vehicle, in uniform or plain clothes, number of guards responding or
present, availability of back up, Police on scene, responding or called, Information given to you
before or after arrival on scene; dispatch, complainant, witnesses
Approach
Initial assessment or impression; what is going on? Subject’s disposition and actions, other factors
observed and heard, first contact with subject, your interactions with subject and other persons at
the scene
Subject’s Actions
Guard’s Actions
Initial action, calming techniques and level of force, duration of resistance, type of control methods
used, handcuffing procedure, double locking, search “LACT” (Look, Ask, Clear, Touch), weapons
or other items found or not found, five steps of arrest followed – RTC & caution read and time
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Transport Procedure
Subject’s demeanour and actions, where the subject was taken, length of transport, statements,
behaviour, spontaneous utterances
Injuries
Guards, Subject, Third Party - Nature and degree, medical treatment offered and received or
declined, EMS attending and Hospitals involved
Use of Force Report – Form 1
Each Security Guard involved in a use of force matter must submit a report. The Form 1 should
be consistent with and supported by notes, Occurrence Reports, video evidence if available and
any statements provided.
PART 1: This lists instructions for use of the form and the official business name of the Licensed
Business you work for must be filled in by the Guard submitting the report.
PART 2: This lists the Security Guard’s personal information. Under “E-Mail Address, you may
use a work or personal e-mail address.
PART 3: This concerns contacting the local police service. Most Use of Force Reports will involve
arrests so the local police service will be contacted and advised. Other circumstances may involve
self-defence situations where an arrest was not made. The local police should also be contacted
and advised regarding the assault against you if this is the case.. This information should be
completed.
PART 4: Under “Type of Force Used”
This part provides incident details. The work site name and address should be included. For
example: Mall Walkers Shopping Centre, 123 Any Street, Toronto ON. Under “Type of force
used” if there is more than one person involved, this should list the name of the subject of this
report or “Male Number 1, Male Number 2”, etc. If the generic descriptions are used, there should
be a physical description of Male Number 1 in the occurrence report.
The explanation should be a brief and simple description of the actual force or techniques used by
the Guard, not the reason for using force. Examples include, “applied three knee strikes to the
subject’s left leg, used a straight arm bar take down and handcuffed the subject” or “punched and
kicked the subject numerous times while being attacked by him and numerous other people.”
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Subject
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Do not lean against cars or allow any part of your person to enter inside a vehicle window
while dealing with subjects in a car. It is best to approach from 45 degrees behind the subject,
allowing them to turn their head and face you. Give consideration for both driver side and
passenger side approaches. Do not try and hold on to moving vehicles under any
circumstances. Never “pursue” fleeing vehicles.
Body bladed at 45 degrees, hands up at least waist height and free, palms facing in, weight
lowered, centered and balanced lightly on the balls of the feet, shoulder width apart with a
spring in the knees.
“Defensive Stance”
Similar to the Interview Stance with hands chest high, palms of hands facing the subject,
elbows down to protect the rib-cage. Turn palms out with front hand extended and back hand
in front of your solar plexus or under chin, step back, widen stance and issue a verbal
command.
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Approach
Before entering a situation or subject’s reactionary gap: stop, analyze, assess, plan and then
act. Use angles to your advantage. Once you decide to close enter quickly, decisively and
gain control.
When approaching or disengaging from grounded subjects be aware of a danger zone
referred to as, “The Keyhole.” This phrase represents an area that can be envisioned as a
circle that falls within the area covered by a prone subject circling their arms away from the
body perpendicularly, in “snow angel” fashion. Use extreme caution while bridging this gap
as you are vulnerable to a strike or grab while there. This also includes an awareness of the
subject’s legs that may be used to kick or trip you.
Develop a second nature to continuously re-assess, prioritize and disengage if necessary
throughout an encounter.
Situation Awareness Colour Codes are used as an aid to visualize and assess your state of
mind, focus and awareness (Situational Awareness) during visualization exercises or while
at work. See Figure 5.7.b, next page.
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Figure 5.7.b
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Complacency or lack of appropriate focus and attention is the state of mind that occurs when a
person becomes too comfortable or relaxed in their surroundings opposed to the appropriate
alertness required. Another common cause of complacency is; a faulty tactic is used and nothing
bad happens so the person using the tactic thinks it is working.
You can avoid both of these complacency pitfalls by using tactical thinking and always looking at
your assignment and work area through different perspectives. You should use “what/if” and
“if/then” thinking on the job to assist you in preparing for various foreseeable emergencies and
minimizing surprises.
When working, it is important you face the subject or agitated person at all times whether this is
a possible intruder, visitor, a contractor or a customer. This will assist you perceiving important
visual cues.
Pay close attention to the subject you are dealing with, particularly if they are in crisis as indicated
by acting out behaviours and so on.
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The National Use of Force Framework is a situational model serving as an aid to law enforcement
officers and Security Guards for understanding use of force response selection and articulation of
encounters in reports or in court testimony and for training to ensure personal and public safety.
It is each Security Guard’s responsibility to have an exceptional understanding of all three of the
concentric circles represented in the model, being the Situation (Inner Circle), Subject Behaviour
Categories (Middle circle) and Security Guard Use of Force Options (Outer Circle).
The Assessment Process:
The process of assessing a situation is threefold involving:
1. The Situation,
2. Subject Behaviours, and
3. Officer's Perception & Tactical Considerations
Careful consideration of all possible factors within each of the above categories assists the Guard
in understanding, and responding to situations, and in explaining to others how a particular
situation was perceived, assessed, and responded to.
The examples provided throughout this document are presented for the purpose of illustration, and
are by no means exhaustive.
1. The Situation
▪ Environment
▪ Number of subjects
▪ Perceived subject abilities
▪ Knowledge of subject
▪ Time & distance
▪ Potential attack signs
2. Subject Behaviours
▪ Cooperative
▪ Resistant (passive)
▪ Resistant (active)
▪ Assaultive
▪ Serious bodily harm or death
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3. Personal factors
▪ Strength/overall fitness
▪ Personal experience
▪ Skill/ability/training
▪ Fears
▪ Gender
▪ Fatigue
▪ Injuries
▪ Critical incident stress symptoms
▪ Cultural background
▪ Sight/vision
4. Tactical Considerations
▪ Disengage (consequences)
▪ Deportment/appearance
▪ Uniform & equipment
▪ Number of Guards/Police Officers
▪ Availability of backup
▪ Geographic considerations
▪ Practicality – containment, distance, communications
▪ Policies & guidelines
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Explanation
An appropriate command for Security Guards, when required may be appropriately expressed,
“Security Stop!”
The Subject, by their actions chooses the level of force that is appropriate for the Security
Guard to use to conduct a Lawful Purpose.
This apparently simple task of matching the subject behaviour with the corresponding Security
Guard use of force option on the model is complicated by the degrees of seriousness that exist
within each subject behaviour, the situation and personal factors. Each segment of the model
interacts with the others, allowing for numerous possible actions.
For example, the Model clearly indicates that an appropriate corresponding Security Guard
response to assaulting subject behaviour is to use empty hand techniques. Even if the situation and
Security Guard/Subject factors indicate this is appropriate, to what degree is the assault?
It may or may not be appropriate for the Security Guard to select and apply a hard physical control
to a subject who is slamming a fist into his open hand and saying, “If you touch me, I’ll mess you
up.” Depending on all other factors such as who is at risk, how serious is the subject’s actions,
what if any back up is available and what other options may exist including disengagement. This
situation poses the question if another technique selection may prove effective.
Comparing the example above to a situation where a subject is actively, aggressively assaulting a
Security Guard by closing space and swinging their arms violently and yelling and the Security
Guard has a reasonable apprehension of being struck, there is little question that a defensive strike
is an appropriate technique selection.
This dilemma is prevalent in all aspects of use of force response selection and it is unfair to judge
or second-guess Security Guards who make decisions in fractions of seconds that may have lasting
consequences. This being said, it is imperative that reports include the reasons another response
was not used (precluded). Did the Security Guard have a moral obligation to act to protect the
public or make an arrest and did the Security Guard reasonably believe they would be violently
struck if they touched the subject?
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Figure 5.7.c
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In Custody Protocols
R.T.C.
As a matter of practice Security Guards read the Rights to Counsel or R.T.C. and caution printed
in the memo book to arrested subjects as soon as it is practicable. The police will subsequently
also R.T.C. the subject if they are charged and/or taken into custody. It is mandated the police do
this, so do not be surprised that this is done, even if you have already read the rights.
In the event of a major crime or arrest particularly, ensure the subject is read the caution but do
not interview them. Wait for the police to conduct this.
Telephone Calls
Telephone calls are another contingency that cannot be managed optimally by Security Guards.
This is not to say that we deny a subject their charter right to make a phone call however this
opportunity will be afforded them by the police. We cannot un-handcuff a subject in custody, leave
them unattended or violate their right to confer with a lawyer privately by phone.
Another concern is the possibility the subject may initiate disposal of evidence or escape of wanted
persons if they are allowed to communicate with others prior to police arrival. Ensure cell phones
and pagers are removed from the subject’s possession for concealed weapons concerns and do not
turn these off or erase numbers, messages or answer in-coming calls.
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Detention in Car
This is only done in extenuating circumstances. Transport is conducted on private property only.
Maintaining safe custody of a subject in a car is problematic. Security patrol cars are not equipped
to safely detain or transport subjects, as there is no security cage separating the back seat from the
front. Seat belts present the possibility of subjects breaking handcuffs using this improvised tool.
In some circumstances such as extremely bad weather we may have no choice but to enter the car
with a subject in custody for health and safety reasons.
If this becomes absolutely necessary Security Guards will ensure that arrested subjects are properly
handcuffed behind their back and checked thoroughly for weapons. Back up must be called and it
is preferable a supervisor attend, if available. The Security Guard will sit in the car in the driver’s
seat and the subject in custody will be placed in the front passenger’s seat with the seat belt engaged
properly.
Call in your start and end mileage from your odometer at the beginning and end of the transport
and document all details meticulously in your notes.
Ensure handcuffs are checked frequently, particularly if the subject is complaining of discomfort
or “squirming” as a potential for escape and assault is evident. Thoroughly document all relevant
information in your notes.
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In these circumstances you must call and allow for suitable back up Security Guards to attend.
You must be sure of positive identity of the subject and the police will want to ensure that the
offence is relatively minor in nature.
The local/closest police station is called and a Staff Sergeant must give authorization. The police
will check the subject’s name for wanted records and advise you can release him/her or direct you
to hold them for police. This Staff Sergeant’s name and badge number will be recorded in your
memo book and a full use of force report will be filed.
The subject will be escorted from property when released. Be sure to calmly and politely advise
the subject of your intent to release them and that this is being facilitated for their benefit. Ensure
by using your interview techniques that the subject will cooperate and is unlikely to resist and
assault you. If in doubt for any reason, do not complete a release and advise police immediately.
If an assault occurs, defend yourself as necessary, disengage or re-arrest and detain the subject.
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Civil Cases
Civil cases deal with law related to contracts or Torts which are wrongful acts that result in injury
or damages to another person or another person’s property. Civil cases are initiated in two ways,
as an action or as an application.
Claims that are valued at $25,000.00 or less are usually heard in small claims court which has a
set of rules and procedures unique to this court system.
This section provides information important to performing your job within lawful authority and
explains some elements of Tort Law in security situations. Generally speaking there are several
categories of torts, including intentional torts such as battery (assault injuring a person),
negligence, gross negligence, etc.
The tort of injuries includes physical injuries, “infliction”, privacy, defamation or injury to one’s
reputation
A Tort is a wilful or negligent wrong done by one person to another and Tort law addresses these
wrongs providing remedies, including penalties and awards to balance the scales of justice.
Some examples of wrongs covered by Tort law that concerns Security Professionals include;
• The concept of “Agency” or one person acting for another
• Duty of Care, a legal term meaning that anyone performing an act or duty that could cause
hurt must exercise a reasonable standard of care
• Vicarious liability which is closely related to the concept of Agency and means that a
superior can be held responsible for the actions of a subordinate
• Negligence, a term meaning a failure to use reasonable care - the opposite of diligence and
beyond someone doing the best they can but referring to the competence of an individual
given the action. Negligence may not depend upon the intent of a person but the resulting
injury sustained and their ability to perform the action, given all of the circumstances
• Wilful misconduct – intentional or conscious disregard for the rights or safety of others
where an individual intends doing what they did.
The doctrine of contribution under Tort law holds that where only one person was found liable, if
others who were not named were also negligent, the injured party is entitled to a proportionate
contribution from the others.
“Within the scope of employment” describes actions taken on behalf of the employer opposed to
taken on behalf of the employee personally. The concept of reasonability is at question in scope of
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employment. This is particularly relevant to the job description and or post order or work
instructions the Security Guard is provided.
Most Canadian tort law is based on decisions made during previous cases or precedents. This law
of torts is based on the British system with the exception of a few torts such as nuisance
(interference with enjoyment of one’s property), defamation of character and some medical
responsibilities.
Intentional torts include the wrongs of assault, false arrest, false imprisonment, mental distress,
anguish or trespassing.
Not all torts have to be intentional and these would be called non-intentional torts and includes
a class of wrongs including accidentally injuring someone or damaging their property through
negligence as opposed to malicious or wilful conduct. Injury may also include interfering with
another’s rights or interests such as injuring them by causing public embarrassment or humiliation.
Harms that can be imposed on another include the physical person or body, property or legal rights.
Negligence is defined as a failure to use reasonable care or due diligence whereas gross negligence
is defined as negligence that is so flagrant as to be reckless or act with total disregard of the
consequences.
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Section 495(2) of the Criminal Code is cited in that a police officer shall not make an arrest
without warrant for summary conviction (less serious offences) unless it is necessary to:
1. Establish the identity of the person arrested
2. To secure or preserve evidence of or relating to the offence
3. To prevent the continuance or renewal of the offence or the commission of another offence
4. To secure the attendance in court of the person arrested.
• Could the matter have been effectively dealt with by means other than arrest?
• What level of force was used?
• What duty did you have to interfere with the subject?
• How important was the action for the general good of the public?
• How severe was the interference with the subject’s liberty?
The reasons for Police Officers to search a person and Security Guards to search a person are
different according to the urgency of an issue:
1. To identify the subject committing an offence
2. To secure evidence of the crime or relating to the crime (would this evidence otherwise
disappear?)
3. To prevent a continuance, repetition or renewal of an offence
4. To ensure the offender attends court
You must be diligent to ensure any arrest you undertake meets the minimum standard as set out
by at least one of these tests to minimize the chances of being charged or sued. Of the above noted
points, identifying a subject in relation to a trespass offence and preventing a continuance,
repetition or renewal of an offence are the most relevant to Security Guards.
If you were working as loss prevention personnel or if other circumstances created some urgency
you may need to secure evidence but in most cases that is not necessary. The police will check for
evidence. The last reason, to ensure an offender attends court is also a priority for the authorities,
not Security Guards.
Conclusions
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It is your duty to articulate (be able to state) and justify (prove reasonable) any arrest or use of
force you undertake. Actions you take within the scope of your employment are going to be
reviewed closely and must be reasonable according to the concept of duty of care. Your employer
will provide training, guidance, policies and procedures serving as a framework within which you
should operate. Ultimately the responsibility for your actions resides with you. You can face
charges in criminal and civil court if those decisions are not beyond reproach.
Enforce rules and regulations on the property within the policies provided while taking a fair and
equal approach to all persons and situations.
Our goal is to calm situations and ensure our presence and actions allow the property to operate as
intended. We are responsible to ensure compliance with the client’s program for providing a
reasonably safe environment for everyone. In other words we are responsible for safety and
security as well as the physical plant of the facilities we protect.
Our first and best opportunity to ensure we meet this goal is by being highly visible on a site and
providing deterrence to criminal or disruptive behaviours and activities. We also observe sub-
standard conditions and report these to the appropriate authority for correction.
If it is practical and effective call the police to deal with violations under the law.
When persons present a danger, disruption or fail to comply with the site policies the best option
is to gain compliance using persuasion. If absolutely necessary and as a last resort we may use
reasonable force as allowed by law and policies.
Use criminal authorities if justified. Use trespass authorities appropriately as a last resort to prevent
disruption of the facility and unreasonable and/or repetitive behaviours of offenders. If it will be
effective, use measures short of arrest to deal with trespass issues. Understand the intent of the
Trespass to Property Act is to gain compliance with rules on private property or get offenders to
leave and not return.
Do:
• Be fair and impartial
• Thoroughly document all occurrences
• Obtain witness statements when able
• Gather all evidence supporting your actions and present these to your supervisor, ASAP
Don’t:
• Allow ego to motivate a bad decision
• Forget to consider all options available to you
Arrest without weighing all circumstances and selecting the best time and place to do so.
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This section covered much of the information related to the Canadian Legal System, including
criminal courts, handling of evidence and use of force theory and tort law. This section will assist
you accurately identifying & categorizing offences. The accompanying lessons show how to
perform a citizen’s arrest. Some of the more important legal concepts presented include those of
liability, duty of care & lawful authority.
While section five (5) focuses on the legal aspects of completing your job within legal authorities,
the next section, Effective Communications will allow you to apply sound methods in order to
persuade people to avoid breaking laws or regulations.
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6.1 Introduction
Security Guards encounter a wide range of situations and are required to act professionally under
all circumstances. This section reviews the interpersonal skills and communications skills
necessary to adapt to various situations and environments. Basic, interpersonal, tactical
communications and conflict management will be discussed in this module.
Communication skills are one’s abilities in the areas of language, understanding, expressing
oneself appropriately and use of practical language such as correct tense, gender, grammar,
meaning, expression, context and so on according to the situation.
Communication is a process of transferring information from one entity to another, whereby
information is imparted by a sender to a receiver via a medium. All forms of communication
require a sender, a message, and a receiver.
There are many different mediums via which communication process can take place such as;
written communication (memo, letter, directives, standing orders, company policies, etc.), in
person, phone, email, radio, video recording.
Communication is a key skill and an essential tool for today’s Security Guard in their work
environment. A good communicator will always examine the facts in front of them and adopt their
style of communication to fit the situation/audience at hand. A Security Guard must maintain a
courteous and professional style of communication under any and all circumstances.
Rules for basic communication process:
• Communication is a process not an event.
• Communication flows in two different directions Sender to Receiver-Receiver to Sender.
• A message must be sent via a medium.
• That message must be received.
• That message must be understood.
• There must be confirmation of understanding via feedback.
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Interpersonal skills may be defined as one’s mental and communication skills, combined and used
to interact with and deal with others. The goal is to achieve a desired outcome, also using the social
graces required to persuade others without offending or intimidating/coercing them.
A Security Guard is expected to employ interpersonal communication skills on a daily basis
through the course of their duties. A skilled communicator will build good relations with clients,
tenants, residents and members of the public to establish good understanding. Building a business
relationship through strong communication will establish a platform for future communication
allowing a Security Guard to accomplish tasks easily and on a positive note.
Interpersonal communication relies on verbal and non-verbal methods. Verbal communication can
be spoken; in person by telephone or radio. Written; letter, memo, policies, procedures, standing
orders, etc. Non-verbal communication encompasses facial expressions, body movements and
sound (tone, volume, cadence or rhythm, pace or speed and modulation of voice – called
“paraverbal” communication).
Verbal-spoken communication
Listen – a good communicator is always a good listener. Listening will do several things; allow
you to find out what they are thinking-their side of the story. Listening helps them feel that
you care and are there to help them. Listening allows you the time to formulate and organise
your thoughts into an appropriate reply.
Language – be lucid or easily understood. Keep in mind that 500 of the most commonly used
words in the English language have up to 14,000 different meanings depending on how they
are used, where in the sentence they are used, what tone/inflection is put on them, etc. Consider
the fact that for many individuals English is a second language and they may not have a good
command of it. This can further be complicated by background differences (religion, cultural,
upbringing). Use simple language.
Courtesy – Be professional, polite and respectful. No matter the circumstances always start on a
positive note by greeting the individual you are communicating with and introducing yourself.
This sets a positive tone at the beginning of the communication process making it easier. Be
formal use titles such as Sir/Ma’am. Keep the conversation professional and at a business
level; in other words “just doing my job” not personal. It is never right for a Security Guard to
use profanity, demeaning/belittling remarks or sarcasm.
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Non-Verbal communication:
You want your body to communicate the same message that your words are conveying. Body
language is easy to see not just for the person you are communicating with but anyone who happens
to be looking at you even if they are not close enough to hear what you are saying.
Maintain a calm, pleasant, friendly and professional demeanour.
Your facial expression should be neutral and/or friendly in order to convey a calm and relaxed
manner. Have a relaxed body posture, positioned in a manner that is non-threatening or
confrontational. No sudden gestures or movements. Modulate the tone, pitch and volume of your
voice to convey that calm and friendly demeanour.
Telephone
When receiving calls at a client’s place of business:
• Identify yourself and the company. Speak clearly.
• Be courteous - get to the point - make notes.
• Politely ask the callers business. Pay close attention to their needs
• Ask the person before you place them on hold.
• Check back with a person on hold.
• Always make the caller feel you are pleased to handle his/her call and it is not an intrusion.
• Never smoke, chew gum or eat while on the telephone
Radio Communication
When operating radios
• Listen before you transmit.
• Pause for one second before you transmit.
• Speak directly into the microphone.
• Use assigned call signs at all times.
• Use the standard radio ten code system
• Assume at all times that you are being monitored.
• Short communication only.
When communicating by radio, it is important to keep communications clear and brief. Standard
systems were developed to assist us with both of these goals including the universal 10-codes and
phonetic alphabet. 10-codes communicate commonly used security procedures securely and the
phonetic alphabet may be used when transmitting a person’s name or a license plate number, etc.
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Phonetic Alphabet
A - Alfa N - November
B - Bravo O - Oscar
C - Charlie P - Papa
D - Delta Q - Quebec
E - Echo R - Romeo
F - Foxtrot S - Sierra
G - Golf T - Tango
H - Hotel U - Uniform
I - India V - Victor
J - Juliet W - Whiskey
K - Kilo X - X-ray
L - Lima Y - Yankee
M - Mike Z - Zulu
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The importance of communication in the security role cannot be stressed enough. Communication
must be tactical (calculated plan of action, designed to result in an expedient outcome) and tactful
(diplomatic) in order to accomplish desirable objectives. Remember effective communication is
a process not an event that occurs by accident. Diplomacy, negotiation and persuasion are key
components to Tactical Communication.
Diplomacy Be Tactful. Have a keen sense of what to say and to do so as to avoid offending
anyone. Think about what you are going to say before you say it. Be sensitive to situations and/or
your audience. Consider their emotional state (are they angry, frustrated, unhappy, grieving, sad,
in shock, etc.), never trivialize or dismiss people’s feelings. Consider if known their background,
culture and/or any disabilities.
Negotiate Have all the facts, be clear on what is involved. What is it that they want? Are you
able to do what they want? If not what can you offer them in the way of options? Present them
with the options and be clear on the consequence of each action. If possible and appropriate let
them choose an option.
Persuade There is a clear line between persuasion and coercion. Persuasion is the ability to
influence another’s thoughts in a positive and constructive fashion without deception, etc.
Coercion suggests the use of intimidation or force and is generally considered unethical, immoral
and wrong. Do not lie, mislead, threaten or attempt to bully people. Explain and justify your
request. It always helps to explain what you are doing and why in order to get them to cooperate
willingly.
Non-Verbal Communication:
Be mindful and aware of your body language and distance from the person you are communicating
with. Remember body language is easy to see and therefore read.
Distance Consider the diagram in figure 6.4.1. The best distance to be while attempting to
communicate with an individual is at the “Social Space” range. That is 4-6 feet away from them.
In other words not within arm’s reach. When you are closer than 4 feet you enter their “Personal”
or “Intimate” space.
This would cause most individuals a great deal of discomfort and anxiety. It would make them
feel unsafe and threatened. The only people who should be within “Personal” and “Intimate” space
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are those who they trust (good friends, family, significant other, or children). Being too close
would be very detrimental to your ability to successfully communicate with this individual.
Posture & Positioning Your posture should be unthreatening and not confrontational. It should
convey a relaxed and calm demeanour. Your body language should clearly convey the message
that you are “just talking” to this individual.
This can be achieved by relaxing your body and having your arms out in front of you close to your
body elbows up against your torso hands open, fingers slightly spread, palms facing inward
towards you. Use your hands to gesture and punctuate points this is commonly referred to as
“Talking with your hands”.
Your body should be slightly bladed (approximately 45 degree angle) towards the individual you
are talking with, your strong foot back (if right handed, right foot back, if left then the left foot)
and your weak foot forward shoulder width apart. Positioning yourself in this manner is done for
personal safety as it allows your hands to be up for protection against any possible attack.
Avoid body postures that could be considered threatening, offensive, aggressive or
confrontational. These can be balled fists placed on each hip or standing with your hands behind
your back in a parade rest, at ease or Military Stance. Finger-pointing while talking to a person is
aggressive. Keeping your hands in your pockets conveys the “I don’t care” attitude. Having
crossed arms conveys a “closed” body language.
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Figure 6.4.a
4- 12 Ft Social Space
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Am I calm or am I letting myself get caught up in the moment allowing my emotions to get
involved? Is the pitch and volume of my voice increasing or decreasing? Am I bouncing on the
tips of my toes with nervous tension? Am I allowing my emotions to dictate my actions and
responses? If you find yourself getting caught up in the moment step back and stop talking. Let
them talk while you listen, take deep breaths and calm down. If you can’t keep yourself calm
consider just walking away from the situation if able to do so.
Is there danger in the environment? Do they have friends, relatives, family members with them?
Where is help going to come from? Do you have a clear route if you need to retreat? Is there
anything in the area they can use as a weapon? Is there anything you can use as an effective barrier
between them and you for increased safety from physical attack?
Are they calming down? Is their anxiety increasing or decreasing? Is the volume and pitch of
their voice going up or down? Are they making sudden physical gestures, movements which can
indicate signs of tension and nervousness building? What is their body language and personal
demeanour telling you? Is it aggressive, confrontational or preparing to attack? Know the
Aggression Continuum. Verbal aggression precedes verbal hostility and verbal threats, physical
threats and attack (see Figure 6.5.a).
Figure 6.5.1
Physical Violence
Physical Threats
Verbal Threats
Verbal Hostility
Verbal Agitation
One common mistake to avoid while dealing with angry or volatile individuals is cornering.
Cornering is placing that individual into a situation where they have only two choices left to them,
submit or attack.. They can Submit (submit to your command/demand) or Attack (resist your
command/demand). Cornering can be accomplished through four different methods:
Contact Unless you have made a decision to arrest the individual you are dealing with and are
going to use physical force to do so do not touch them. When you touch this person you are asking
them to either submit to your touch or fight it.
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Angular Avoid getting too close. Keep your distance continue to try to persuade them and solicit
their cooperation. Refer to the diagram on distancing, Figure 6.4.a.If you get too close to the
subject you are requiring them to submit to your presence within their personal/intimate space or
resist.
Psychological “Sit down NOW!” Issuing direct orders/commands to an individual gives them
only two choices they can either follow that command or not.
Exit Avoid backing someone into a corner physically where their only way out is through you.
Once again this presents the individual you are dealing with only two choices. Stay in the corner
or try to escape going through you.
Many members of the public do not understand or recognise a Security Guard’s authority. When
placed in a position where they have to choose to either submit to the Security Guard or resist in
other words attack, the person often chooses to fight or resist. Avoid cornering whenever possible.
Useful phrases
These three phrases are effectively used as a pattern interrupt; the subject suddenly realizes their
own behaviour and mentally checks their rationalization and/or realizes the embarrassment
potential when third parties are present. It’s hard to be mad at somebody who wants to help you –
be genuine
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5. Request compliance
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1. Listen and don’t interrupt if it is productive venting. Let the subject calm down naturally
2. Acknowledge feelings – when the subject pauses, use a “statement of regret” that shows
you empathize with their position
3. Find agreement – find common ground and articulate this. Get the subject nodding in
agreement
4. Identify the problem – clearly identify and reiterate the issue of concern
2. Set Context: (Practical appeal) A practical appeal is often less persuasive and is used to set
context for the contact, only. “Sir if you do not follow our direction in this regard, you
will no longer be welcome. The rules are very clear in this matter. We will need to ask you
to leave.”
3. Present Options: The rational appeal is the least persuasive during the emotional thinking
phase (upset or in crisis). Rational appeal is more successful once calmed and thinking
rationally. “Sir, remove the hood or leave the mall by the exit on my right or to the left. If
you don’t take off the hood now or immediately leave, the police will attend and you will
be arrested for trespassing. There’s no need to involve the police for such a small thing is
there? The choice is yours.”
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4. Confirm - “Sir/Madam is there anything I can say or do to get you to comply I’d like to
think that there is.”
5. Act - Act based on what you have stipulated as consequences. When faced with resistance
vary the types of appeals you are using.
Examples
“Sir/Ma’am I understand you need to be here when the store opens; however the store is not
open yet and the public is not authorised to be here at this time, could you please leave this area?
I will be happy to direct you to the store when it opens”
“Sir/ (Ma’am) please leave the area because you are not authorized to be here. It is my job to
ensure compliance with the policies of the building and our instructions in this regard are very
clear” (Clearly, firmly and politely state the rule you are enforcing – if you can’t articulate this
well, check that your level of intervention/action is valid)
“Sir/Ma’am, you can leave by the doors on your left or your right. Please select your exit. If you
do not, we will be contacting the Police. They will arrest you for trespassing and you will be
taken through the mall in handcuffs.”
Confirm – “Sir/Ma’am is there anything I can say or do to get you to….I’d like to think that
there is.” An added benefit of this confirmation is that it can lead to onlooker support as you have
clearly exhausted all other reasonable options.
Act – appropriate actions based on the totality of the circumstances. Put into action what you have
already stated to the subject.
This five step style with roots in the Verbal Judo system is referred to as control talk and is often
used in tandem with calling back up when dealing with difficult people. The subtle show of control
when trained back up staff arrive, position correctly and demonstrate ability and experience often
leads to difficult people complying with direction and avoiding violence.
If the subject fails to comply at this stage, we need to consider who is at risk, how serious is the
crime or infraction/violation and if there is no imminent threat to people, consider disengaging,
monitoring and maintaining surveillance until police arrive and directing them to the offender.
Although this is the last step in the process, if a situation warrants calling the police, you should
consider doing so at the beginning of the contact and this action should be documented first in
reports.
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1. Emotional Plea: Positive Consequences – You like coming to the mall don’t you?
2. Rational Plea: Negative consequences - No one needs to get barred from the site do they?
3. Personal Plea: We can work this out some other way can’t we?
Emotional Plea: Positive consequences – “You like coming to the mall don’t you?” If you
cooperate with my request you will be free to return later.”
Rational Plea: Negative consequences – “If you don’t cooperate, the police will be contacted.
There’s no need to involve the police is there?”
Personal Plea: “We can work this out some other way can’t we?”
At any given time 50% of the population will be thinking rationally and 50% emotionally. Using
both pleas covers 100% of the population. Ethically, we offer a personal plea to try and obtain
compliance.
The advantage of this system is that it is easier to remember the steps when under the stress of a
dynamic, hostile, aggressive and potentially volatile encounter as there are three simple steps that
can be easily associated by practitioners. This system uses concepts consistent with the six step
methodology and the goal is to calm and defuse a situation while gaining compliance from a
difficult subject.
Using these techniques effectively will help calm a situation and achieve better results with
obtaining compliance. Learn to derive some satisfaction by looking at each confrontation as a
challenge or “game” to achieve compliance with rules when dealing with difficult people by
speaking effectively and winning without fighting. Once again, the greatest skill is winning the
battle without fighting. Practice these methods until perfect.
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Communication is an essential tool and a valuable skill for a Security Guard. Employing good
communication techniques will allow the Security Guard to build good relationships with their
peers, clients and members of the public they interact with. It will make interacting with
individuals a good experience and help the Security Guard provide good customer service. It will
enable a Security Guard to deal with conflict and difficult individuals successfully and avoid
problems.
To communicate effectively there must be a message. The message must be sent, received and
there must be confirmation that it was received and understood for effective communication to
occur.
When communicating with others ensure you are courteous, polite, professional and pleasant.
Remember the “Golden Rule” of how to treat people “Treat others as they want to be treated.”
When dealing with conflict and difficult/angry individuals try to calm them down and persuade
them to cooperate willingly. Keep your composure. Remain calm. Do not allow your emotions
to get the better of you. NO EGO. It is not personal. I am just doing my job. You can’t control
what they do or say but you have total control of your own actions and if/when scrutinized and
asked “What happened?” you want to be able to say;
“Yes it was upsetting” ... we are human
“I exercised exceptional discipline and restraint, despite the provocation”... we are professional
“I did the right thing” ... we followed our training, policies and procedures, we did our job
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7.1 Introduction
Security Guards interact with the public on a daily basis. It is important they approach individuals
with respect and avoid any biases that may impact how they interrelate with others.
In this section we will assess and address personal biases and how they affect our behaviour
including how differences impact situational dynamics.
Prejudice and Discrimination are two key components for one’s personal biases.
Prejudice is a conscious or unconscious pre-judgment of others based on their real or assumed
membership in a particular group (e.g., racial or cultural group). Most prejudices are against, rather
than for other groups or individuals.
Discrimination is the behavioral expression of prejudice: it is the act of differential treatment of
an individual or group (intentionally or unintentionally) that usually creates a disadvantage for that
individual or group.
Do you have biases? Biases can take the form of conscious or unconscious prejudice and
discrimination. When treating someone differently based on their background, sex, color, race,
sexual preference, religious background, ethnic background, mental or physical disability you are
engaging in discriminatory behavior.
There are many forms of discrimination:
• Age discrimination is discrimination on the grounds of age.
• Sexism, discrimination based on gender is defined as adverse action against another person
that would not have occurred had the person been of another gender.
• Caste discrimination. A caste is a combined social system of occupation, endogamy
(marriage within a specific social group), culture, social class, and political power such as
the old European feudal system of royalty, nobles and peasants.
• Employment discrimination refers to disabling certain people to apply and receive jobs
based on their race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability.
• Sexual orientation discrimination. Discrimination against individuals based on sexual
preference.
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Most people are not aware of their own personal biases. There are various ways to become aware
of one's own biases and prejudices. One way is to ask questions such as:
• Are there any groups whose members, in principle, I would not invite into my home, or
include in my circle of friends?
• What groups do I perceive as most different from myself? Why do I perceive them as
different? How might this affect my evaluation of their qualifications if they were
candidates in a selection process?
• Are there any groups that I prefer to associate or work with based solely on such
characteristics as race, religion or culture? (Sometimes subtle prejudice can underlie
preferences based on group membership alone; for example, preferring to work with Asian
women because of the belief that they are less assertive or confrontational than Caucasian
women.)
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Other insights into personal prejudices may be gained by analyzing personal reactions to culturally
relevant issues such as interracial marriage, Canada's immigration policies, Aboriginal rights
issues, employment equity, etc. Questioning government policy or "conventional wisdom" is not
a sure sign of prejudice. However, if your conclusions lead you to think that you have attitudes
that may influence your behavior toward certain groups/types of individuals, you should ask
yourself about measures you can take to become more objective about members of certain groups.
Various ways to reduce prejudice are available. For example, you can use your emotional reactions
(positive and negative) to alert you to the possibility that personal biases may be at play and that
alternate interpretations may be possible. You can also acknowledge and seek information to
disprove the stereotypes and prejudices you have about others. Voluntary attendance at a workshop
or seminar on diversity, or working on a shared objective with people of other races or cultures
can also provide opportunities to perceive and control biases you may hold about other groups.
7.3 How Differences Impact Situational Dynamics
As stated at the beginning of this section Security Guards interact with individuals on a daily basis.
This interaction will be impacted by the differences between the individuals. These differences
may be cultural, religious, language, gender, sexual preference, ethnic background, age, ethnicity,
or physical/mental disability.
Cultural differences can have a significant impact on interaction between individuals. Culture is
something that all of us learn from birth. It is not something that certain people or groups have
and others do not. Culture can be described as being comprised of learned values and behaviors
shared by a group.
• Values are ideas, attitudes, assumptions and beliefs to which strong feelings are attached.
• Behaviors are outward expressions of values.
Although these shared values and behaviors can be observed among people from the same cultural
group, individual diversity exists even among those who share the same cultural background. In
addition, cultures also change over time and through contact with other cultures.
Both at work and outside of work, people's thoughts, feelings, actions, reactions, and values are
influenced by their personal characteristics and by their culture.
For example, certain cultures place a high value on aspiring to change things, demonstrating linear
thinking, and meeting conflict head on; other cultures place a higher value on prudently accepting
things as they are, demonstrating holistic thinking, and avoiding conflict. As a result, people with
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One common method for negating and dealing with age differences is keeping your interaction
professional and business like at all times. Address most people formally, using “Sir” or “Ma’am”
regardless of their age. This would keep the communication professional, in other words you are
just doing your job and not passing inappropriate judgments.
Persons with mental and physical disabilities
There are many forms of mental and physical disabilities that a person may have. Listed below
are some common disabilities that a Security Guard may encounter.
General guidelines for dealing with individuals with disabilities is; present a sensitive and helpful
approach, show compassion and empathy. Offer help if they look like they need it but be respectful
of their dignity and if they refuse do not insist.
Different types of disabilities can create different challenges for a Security Guard when interacting
with people.
Individuals with a speech disability may be inappropriately referred to as “dumb" individuals.
Interacting with speech challenged people would require some thought and initiative. Individuals
who are unable to speak may communicate using sign language. Some of them use reading and
writing. One way to overcome communication barriers with deaf individuals is to offer them a
pen and paper and to write down what you want to say to them instead.
Blind individuals would often use a white cane to help them find obstacles in their path or they
may use a “seeing eye dog” or guide dog. Regardless of the type of facility you are protecting, a
Security Guard must never request an individual with a vision disability leave their “seeing eye
dog outside.” A “seeing eye dog” is not considered a pet. Asking a vision impaired person to leave
their dog outside violates their charter rights.
Some individuals who have mental disorders may present a risk to the safety of the Security Guard
or public, if the person is violent. Most people with mental illness function well within society and
do not have any contact with law enforcement or security. Those who have unpredictable and/or
violent behaviors may respond well to low levels of intervention if handled correctly. If a Security
Guard is dealing with a person behaving erratically it may be appropriate to get help and notify
the authorities.
Autism is a developmental disorder that usually manifests in childhood causing the child to relate
differently to their surroundings and stimuli. This disorder often makes it hard to communicate
with and relate to others. With autism the different areas of the brain work differently. Behaviors
for individuals with autism are very widely varied.
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Due to the wide variance in behaviors it is very difficult to predict how autistic persons will
respond to a situation, interaction or circumstances. One autistic individual can have a response
that will be drastically different from another under the same circumstances. It is important you
are aware of the existence of this disorder when interacting with the public so if you contact a
subject with a suspected autistic condition you can adjust your style and approach.
Many adults with autism have a “guardian” or assistant who may be a social worker or mental
health specialist. If interacting with an individual who has autism look for a “guardian” or a
“caretaker” in the area before attempting to engage and interfere with them. If they do not have a
“guardian” with them and you do interact with them maintain the same social distance you would
with any other individual. Do not yell or speak loudly. Adopt a friendly, pleasant manner and
maintain a non-aggressive approach. Speak slowly and calmly, and show patience.
Every individual has personal biases, likes and dislikes. We are all a product of our own family,
community, social-economic background and these impact our belief systems. A Security Guard
on duty and in uniform should always make decisions based on their duties, responsibilities,
policies, procedures and/or the Law. Personal likes and dislikes should not factor into the decision
making process of a professional Security Guard. Security Guards are expected to approach people
and situations fairly and be impartial regardless of the background, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, disability, etc of the subject.
During the course of their duties a Security Guard will interact with many individuals and
differences will be encountered. These differences can impact a situation. Awareness of these
differences and the challenges they pose is the key to overcoming personal bias. The ideal Security
Guard treats everyone with courtesy and respect. A Security Guard must maintain a helpful
attitude and conduct their self with the highest degree of professionalism.
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8.1 Introduction
Security Guards need to understand and practice Health and Safety procedures in the work place
as well as be prepared for Emergency Response. This section will cover the Occupational Health
and Safety Act, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Emergency Response
Preparation and Common Hazards.
Security Guards also need to be comfortable when responding to emergency situations and familiar
with various procedures. Response needs to be coordinated with organizational requirements and
personnel. This section will help you understand the need for emergency response procedures and
assist in developing and understanding plans that are vital to the security role.
There are certain obligations for both the employee and the employer under the Occupational
Health & Safety Act. Employees must work safely. This is accomplished by wearing any necessary
protective equipment, following safe work practices and work instructions. Security Guards will
find their work instructions set out in the Post Orders.
Security Guards need to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings, identifying hazards to ensure
the site is free of hazards for their own safety as well as the general public or other occupants.
If a Security Guard is on duty and injured, there is an obligation to report the injury immediately
and cooperate with the employer to investigate the accident or incident and complete the forms
required under the law. These will include an employee’s report of injury, an employer’s report of
injury and a functional abilities form that must be completed by your doctor.
You must work with your employer and cooperate with work place safety audits and task analyses
to ensure the workplace remains safe for everyone. You also have the right to refuse unsafe work.
That does not mean that you may quit the job and leave site if there is an unsafe condition unless
critical and immediately life threatening, but you should notify your employer and remain on the
site until the matter can be corrected.
In Ontario, employers with more than 25 employees must have a joint health and safety committee
with representation by employees as well as management. It is also an obligation of the employer
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to provide the employees with a safe work environment and to establish a positive environment
that values safety and initiate various safety programs.
Most employers in Ontario also have a safe and early return to work program, allowing employees
to return to their jobs in a graduated fashion, providing light or reduced duties for those not ready
to engage in their full role. This allows employees to secure their full income sooner.
Although most Security Guards will be working in a white collar type environment, there is still a
potential for injury due to many factors, not least of which is that thousands of people are injured
in office environments every year. This concept will be elaborated on further under section 8.4.11.
What is WHMIS?
WHMIS is a Canadian System which is a part of a federal law package called Bill C-70. It was
implemented by the Ontario Legislature on June 30, 1987 and helps protect workers through
education and prevention. WHMIS provides this protection by giving you the “right to know”
about risks you may face from exposure to workplace hazardous materials.
WHMIS was amended in 2015 to include GHS- the Globally Harmonized System.
WHMIS was set up to protect workers who work with or near hazardous materials.
WHMIS is a legislated system that provides information regarding the dangers and safe handling
of materials used in the workplace. The system was initiated and developed through joint
consultation between representatives from industry, labour, and government. The legislation
requires suppliers of hazardous materials (referred to as controlled products) to provide specific
information on their products through material safety data sheets and labels. Employers who use
products are required by provincial regulations to inform their workers of the risks related to the
materials and to implement safe work practices.
The WHMIS system is an important component of the duties of an employer with respect to all
chemical and biological substances.
WHMIS was set up to protect workers who work with or near hazardous materials.
WHMIS requires employers to:
1. Label containers of hazardous materials;
2. Provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with information about the hazardous material;
3. Provide workers with training about how to work safely with the hazardous materials.
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WHMIS Is Law
WHMIS is a legislated system that provides information regarding the dangers and
safe handling of materials used in the workplace. The system was initiated and
developed through joint consultation between representatives from industry,
labour, and government. The legislation requires suppliers of hazardous materials
(referred to as controlled products) to provide specific information on their products
through material safety data sheets and labels. Employers who use products are
required by provincial regulations to inform their workers of the risks related to the
materials and to implement safe work practices.
The WHMIS system is an important component of the duties of an employer with respect to all
chemical and biological substances.
Provincial Legislation
The workplace falls under provincial jurisdiction and is governed by the Occupational Health and
Safety Act (OHSA).
This Act outlines the role of the employer, the supervisor and the employee in the workplace. It
places duties on these groups to ensure that the worksite is made a safe and healthy place to work.
The Act gives the worker the right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know about hazards on the
job and the right to representation on a Joint Health and Safety Committee.
To implement WHMIS in Ontario, the legislature amended the OHSA by means of Bill 79, passed
on June 29, 1987.
A WHMIS regulation was adopted under the amended OHSA; this regulation sets out the employer
duties under WHMIS. Bill 79 also amended the act to cover hazardous physical agents such as
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noise, vibration and radiation; so that the supplier and employer provide appropriate information
respecting the device which emits hazardous physical agents.
An additional feature of the bill includes the requirement for workplace inventories; the employer
is required to develop and maintain an inventory of hazardous materials and hazardous physical
agents in the workplace.
As a Security Guard you should not have to work directly with hazardous materials. However, you
have the right to know about the ones that are used at your site, as you may be exposed to them
while you are on patrol or dealing with issues on the site. Anyone who works with hazardous
materials or could be affected by a leak or a spill of chemical or biological products will require
training.
However not all workers are required to have the same level of training. For example, training for
warehouse staff may only need to include the safe handling of products and what to do if a spill
occurs. Industrial workers will need extensive training on the safe use of all hazardous products in
the workplace.
Office workers and retail cashiers, for example, do not require such an intensive training program.
Security Guards should be well aware of the different products at their job sites. A trained worker
should be contacted immediately should a guard have any concerns about products marked with
any of these labels. When a hazardous material meets the classification criteria of any of the
WHMIS classes it is called a controlled product.
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Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show the user of a hazardous
product what type of hazard is present. With a quick glance, you can see, for
example, that the product is flammable, or if it might be a health hazard.
Most pictograms have a distinctive red border; "a square set on one of its points".
Inside this border is a symbol that represents the potential hazard (e.g., fire, health
hazard, corrosive, etc.). Together, the symbol and the border are referred to as a
pictogram. Pictograms are assigned to specific hazard classes or categories.
The graphic in this table shows hazard pictograms. The bold type is the name given
to the pictogram; the words in the brackets describe the hazard.
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Supplier Labels
There is no set format for a supplier label. Labels must be in English and French. They may be
bilingual (as one label), or be presented as two labels (one each in English and French).
The pictogram, signal word, and hazard statement are to be grouped together, clearly and
prominently displayed on the container and easy to read (e.g., you can see it easily without using
any item except corrective glasses). It must be in contrast with other information on the product or
container.
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Duty of Care
Duty of care is a legal term denoting that anyone performing an act that could hurt others, adhere
to a reasonable standard of care. This includes the requirement to protect the public with
watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence. The standard is to use the same level of care that a
reasonable person in the circumstances would.
If a person's actions do not meet this standard of care, then the acts are considered negligent, and
any damages resulting may be claimed in a lawsuit for negligence. It is the role of a Security Guard
to protect people, property and information. They are responsible to a variety of people:
The employer
As a Security Guard, you have a responsibility to your employer for the security and protection of
property. This involves:
• The responsibility to make every effort to ensure premises and property are protected in an
appropriate and effective fashion against a variety of natural and man-made threats
• Preventing, detecting and reacting appropriately to the commission of criminal and quasi-
criminal actions on or against the property of the client
• The obligation to perform these duties in a way that enables the client to have confidence
that they will not lose business or have to pay a substantial civil claim because of the
conduct of security services.
The public
Security is normally assigned the duty of protecting the public from loss or injury. This includes a
responsibility to interact with law enforcement officials and the Justice system, where necessary,
such as apprehending and detaining someone who has committed a criminal offence. Security may
be able to supplement the efforts of police, performing preliminary investigations or securing
crime scenes until the police can arrive.
Security personnel may also be a valuable source of information to the police. In emergencies,
people may look to figures of authority for leadership and guidance. A Security Guard is likely to
be seen as an authority figure. Security Guards also possess information that would assist
emergency personnel in times of crisis.
Use your knowledge in an appropriate manner. For example, by directing firefighters to the
easiest/best way to get to the scene of the fire or to the scene of the industrial accident that has
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occurred on a work site more quickly than they could have found it otherwise. Security may also
be able to warn emergency crews about danger zones within the site.
Where criminal charges have been laid as the result of information a Security Guard gave to the
Police, and the proper procedures were followed in making the arrest, the Security Guard will be
expected to testify that the evidence was legally acquired, produce and/or identify the exhibits,
identify the accused, and present testimony to the court in a professional manner.
A Security Guard should recognize that he or she is a professional and is involved in a position
that involves tremendous responsibility. Often security is responsible for protecting hundreds of
thousands or even millions of dollars of property and equipment. Consequently, the guard must
act in a serious and responsible manner during the performance of his or her duties.
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and has been trained on fire procedures). It is during those times that the Security Guard meets the
legal definition of being an owner (Example – supervisory staff).
Despite advances in technology, there is no substitute for a human presence. All of the automated
systems for detecting, reporting, and suppressing fires are intended to act as aids and back-ups, not
replacements, for emergency personnel. The most important actions that a Security Guard can and
must take in order to preserve life, prevent injuries, and limit property damage during a fire
emergency are:
1. Ensure that the Fire Department has been notified of the emergency and that fire
crews will be coming to the site.
2. Ensure that the building and equipment have been prepared for the arrival of the
Fire Department so that there is no time wasted once they arrive on-site.
Shift Preparation
There are a number of critical items that each Security Guard should verify upon commencing
duty to ensure that the guard is aware of the status of building fire control systems and that vital
equipment is present and operable.
The following points should be checked by a Security Guard at the start of each work shift and
these checks should be recorded in the Guard’s memo book, as well as on the Daily Occurrence
Report.
1. The overall system status as displayed at the Main Fire Panel.
2. The presence of the site Fire Safety Plan document.
3. The presence of the site Firefighter’s Keys.
4. The presence of the list of Persons Requiring Assistance
5. The setting of the Elevator Automatic Recall Device.
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Fire is usually classified into four groups. This system of categorization provides information
regarding the types of equipment most suitable for fighting the fire and hazards:
Figure 8.4.2(1)
The size and type of materials burning will determine the potential intensity, toxicity, duration and
spread of the fire. The potential fuel consists not only of stored materials such as office supplies,
files, raw materials for manufacturing and cleaning supplies, but also includes the fixtures such
as drapes, wall coverings, ceiling tiles, wooden doors, furniture, and similar materials.
A formula, often used by fire fighters to estimate an increase in the size of a fire states that, a fire
will double in size for each minute that passes.
Example: A single waste basket catches fire at 1000 hrs
• At 1001 hrs the fire is 2 waste baskets in size
• At 1002 hrs the fire is 4 waste baskets in size
• At 1003 hrs the fire is 8 waste baskets in size
• This pattern of growth continues and by 1007 hrs the fire is 128 waste baskets in
size
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Shock Hazards can occur when the insulation on electrical wiring is damaged by heat, causing
the current carrying wires within to become exposed. Additionally, areas where sprinkler systems
have been activated can present shock hazards when the release of water takes place at or near
electrical rooms.
Fire Control Systems
Fire Control Systems consist of several components that operate in conjunction with each other
and provide an automated means of
1. Detecting fire by the use of sensors
2. Reporting fire by emitting audible and visual electronic signals
3. Suppressing fire by releasing extinguishing agents
There are two basic variations of fire control systems. One is referred to as a Single Stage system.
The other is referred to as a Two Stage system.
In a single stage system a fire alarm will cause an audible Evacuation signal to be broadcast
throughout the site. This will typically be in the form of a mechanical bell, or an electronic siren
or tone. An Evacuation signal means that people in the area the signal is sounding in should leave
the area.
In a two stage system a fire alarm will cause an Evacuation signal to be broadcast to an area where
the sensors have detected a fire condition. The remainder of the site will receive an Alert signal.
An Alert signal that is not acknowledged within five minutes will be automatically upgraded to an
Evacuation signal by the system, An Alert signal means that people where the signal is sounding
should remain where they are , but be ready to leave if the signal changes to an Evacuation signal.
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A Sub-Panel is typically found at a building entrance. This type of panel will provide a duplication
of the display appearing at the main panel and will usually have fewer user controls available.
Depending on the site, the sub-panel or main fire panel might be referred to as an Annunciator
Panel.
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simultaneously, known as an “All Call.” In the most modern systems there may be an option for
using pre-recorded voice messages that inform the building occupants of different emergency
conditions.
One important point to consider is that upon the activation of the PA microphone, there will be a
one minute delay before the microphone can be used to make an announcement. This one minute
inhibit feature is in place to ensure compliance with the laws of the province, which mandate that
the bells must ring for one full minute before any interruption of bells occurs.
Firefighters Telephones, typically located near stairwells in red coloured cabinets, are linked to a
master handset located at the main fire panel. These telephones do not provide a direct line to the
Fire Department, but rather, are in place to be used by firefighters or other persons to talk to the
panel operator during a fire emergency. During a fire emergency there will be a firefighter
stationed at the fire panel.
Alarm Monitoring Stations are contracted services that are located off-site and receive electronic
signals from the client site. Signals from the fire panel are transmitted via telephone lines to a
computerized monitoring system that identifies the site the alarm is originating from and the type
of alarm being received such as a fire alarm or a trouble alarm. These services are not intended to
replace on-site staff and it is your obligation to call 911 in the event of a fire emergency. The true
value of alarm monitoring services is realized at sites that are unattended by a live person or when
on-site personnel are unable to call for assistance.
Initiating Devices
Initiating devices are the electro-mechanical devices that send signals to the fire panel and cause
it to report a fire alarm. Some initiating devices can operate automatically while others are
manually activated by a person.
Smoke Detectors commonly use one of two technologies to detect smoke -- ionization or
photoelectric. Smoke detectors will be found deployed in common areas and routes of egress, but
are not suitable for use in areas that are dusty or unheated.
Heat Detectors are devices that react to changes in temperature. Heat detectors commonly use one
of two technologies to detect heat – fusible link and rate of rise. Heat detectors are found deployed
in areas that are dusty or unheated.
Water Flow Detectors are devices that react to the movement of water in sprinkler pipes. This is
achieved by installing a water paddle into the sprinkler pipe and connecting it to an electronic
circuit.
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Manual Pull Stations are devices that respond to deliberate activation by a human being. When the
switch is pulled down from the normal position, an electronic signal is sent to the fire panel,
causing a fire alarm to be reported.
A manual pull station that has been activated will cause a fire alarm to register at the fire panel. In
a building with a two stage system the alarm registered will be a second stage (evacuation) alert
in the area the pull station is located in and a first stage (alert) in other areas of the site. In some
buildings, activating the pull station will expose a keyway that can be used to advance the overall
alarm to second stage (evacuation) for all areas of the site. Verifying that you have a key for this
task on the security key ring is an essential part of the shift start routine for all Security Guards.
Some manual pull stations are fitted with a small glass rod that is broken when the pull station has
been activated. Although the device can be reset without doing so, a replacement rod should be
installed. Pull stations that do not feature the glass rod generally require that a small screwdriver
or similar tool be used in order to properly reset the pull station.
Sprinkler Systems
A sprinkler system is a network of pipes and pumps which distribute water throughout a site. The
two most common types of sprinkler systems are a wet system and a dry system. Wet Systems
have water present at all times in the pipes. These systems are generally found in areas of buildings
that are heated. Dry Systems are used in unheated areas where pipes might freeze in cold weather.
Water is held back in dry systems with air pressure. When a fire alarm occurs the system allows
water to flow into the pipes.
Stand Pipes are the vertical pipes that serve water to the Fire Hose Cabinets. This portion of a
system does not release water automatically, but can be used manually to release water to suppress
a fire.
Siamese Connections are water intake connectors and are located on the exterior of buildings.
These connections are for use by fire department personnel exclusively. The use of these
connections allows water from an external source to be pumped into the network of sprinkler pipes
within the building.
Sprinkler Heads are the opening through which water is discharged in order to suppress the fire.
Sprinkler heads have a fuse which will melt when the surrounding temperature exceeds a specific
point. The fuse of a sprinkler head is not user serviceable and the sprinkler head requires
replacement once it has been used. A sprinkler head is not “gang connected” to other sprinkler
heads which means that only the sprinkler head that is activated will discharge water.
The Fire Pump is a mechanical device that moves water at increased pressure throughout the
system and will compensate for the effects of gravity to allow water to flow at an increased rate,
in any direction. The Jockey Pump is a smaller pump that is used to compensate for deficiencies
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in the required pressure within a system. The purpose of the Jockey Pump is to save wear and tear
on the main Fire Pump.
Alternate Suppression Systems
In addition to sprinkler systems, there are suppression systems that release agents other than water
for the purpose of suppressing fires. The agent released may be a fire retardant chemical powder
or a gas. There are a number of variations of these types of systems and new technology is being
developed and deployed constantly.
These alternate types of systems are most often found in computer or equipment rooms where the
use of water would cause significant permanent damage to the equipment deployed in those rooms.
The agents released by these systems may be a health risk or create an environment hazard and it
is essential that guards become familiar with the technical details of any such systems in use at
their site. Once a fire has been detected by the system the alarm is activated.
There is a built-in delay before release of the suppression agent, which will allow the room
occupants to evacuate before the agent is released. There is generally an Abort control that can be
used by room occupants to cancel the activation of the system. When the exit delay countdown
has expired, the suppression agent is released. One example of this type of system is FM-200
Manually Operated Equipment
In addition to automated suppression systems there will be equipment that is operated manually in
order to suppress an active fire.
Fire Hose Cabinets are found situated near exits and other critical areas. These cabinets contain a
valve that is connected to the stand pipe and a large diameter hose that is stored in a folded or
rolled-up configuration. Additionally, there is generally a portable fire extinguisher stored in the
cabinet. This equipment is in place so that it can be used to clear an escape route when there is no
other option available.
A critical detail when using a hose from one of these cabinets is that the hose must be fully
extended from its stored configuration before the stand pipe valve has been opened
Fire Extinguishers may be filled with a liquid, powder, foam, or gas type of fire suppressing
material.
There is also a gauge that indicates whether or not the extinguisher is functional. The trigger
mechanism will have a safety device which consists of a locking pin that must be removed (pulled)
before the trigger lever can be activated. Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they
effectively fight. Multiple class extinguishers are very common such as ABC extinguishers. Fire
extinguishers should be regularly inspected by Security Guards while on patrol to ensure they are
still available for use and are fully charged.
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Kitchen Systems are typically located over the cooking area in a restaurant type of environment.
These systems are typically activated by a switch or a pull-type lever. The fire suppressing agents
released by these systems will be similar to those found in a portable extinguisher.
Elevators in a fire emergency
When there is a fire alarm the elevators will return to the ground floor. If the fire alarm is
originating from the ground floor they may return to the second floor level. Once the elevators
have come to rest at one of these levels, the car doors will remain in the open position and normal
user activated controls become inoperative to prevent persons from taking the elevator back to
another level of the site.
In a typical configuration there will be a keyway located at the exterior of the elevators that controls
the automated recall function. In order for the automatic recall function to be available during a
fire alarm, the setting at that keyway should be “Auto”. If for any reason the elevators fail to recall
automatically during a fire alarm this same keyway can be used to manually recall the elevators
by turning the keyway to the “On” position. Elevators must be reset after an all clear.
Firefighter’s Elevators are configured differently from standard passenger elevators. These are the
elevators which will be used by firefighting crews during a fire emergency. The firefighter’s
elevator can be identified by a sign depicting a firefighter’s hat.
Most elevator cars have the capability of being operated in fire service mode, however firefighting
crews will always prefer to use the dedicated cars. There will be a keyway on the car interior with
a separate key that is used to enable fire service mode.
When a car is being operated in fire service mode the door open button must be held down until
the doors are fully open whereas a normal service elevator requires holding the button to close the
door. If the fire service open button is released before fully open, the doors will automatically
close. For this reason a car in fire service mode must have a person acting as the car operator
because if the doors close on an unoccupied car, there will be no way to regain control of the car
from the outside in a timely manner. Security Guards must not take a fire service elevator to an
area in alarm to investigate because when the doors open there may be a fire directly in front of
you.
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Fire Watch
When a system or a portion of a system becomes inoperative, a fire watch patrol must be conducted
in the areas of the site that are not protected by the system due to the technical fault. A Fire Watch
patrol consists of a human presence, at least once per hour, checking for signs of fire in the affected
areas. There must be a log entry recorded that shows the patrol has been conducted.
In all cases, both property management and the Fire Department must be notified of the disruption
in service.
Fire Fighting
An environment where an active fire is occurring presents both immediate and long-term hazards
to health. In addition to extensive training, firefighters are outfitted with protective equipment.
There is also a North America-wide policy at Fire Departments which stipulates that no single
person shall engage in firefighting or investigating a possible fire scene. The minimum crew size
is set at two persons.
Clearly, Security Guards do not meet the training requirements noted above, nor are they suitably
equipped. The only times a Security Guard should personally engage in fighting a fire are:
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There are, however, a base set of procedures that can be applied to any site. The base procedures
comprise a minimum number of steps that ensure all the legal responsibilities are discharged and
that the technical needs of the fire department are met. The procedures listed are general and should
not be viewed as being equivalent to procedures that have been custom designed to meet a site
specific situation. Security Guards have an obligation to become familiar with the site Fire Safety
Plan and the Security Standing Orders for the site they are assigned to.
These procedures are designed to fulfill the legal requirements and the technical needs of the
responding Fire Department staff. The basic procedures are listed below:
1. Go to the fire panel; write down the alarm location and the current time. Do not attend
the area of the alarm.
2. Call 911. Identify yourself, state the street address and report the fire alarm.
3. Ensure that elevators have grounded. If not ground them manually using the site keys.
4. Gather the Fire Safety Plan, Firefighter’s Keys the Persons Requiring Assistance List
and provide these to fire crews upon request.
5. Ensure that doors are open for arriving fire crews. Meet them at the doors.
6. Broadcast the first PA Announcement while waiting for the Fire Department to arrive,
7. Report to the Fire Captain and provide assistance as directed by him.
8. Reset the fire panel only when authorized by the Fire Department.
Magnetic Locks “Mag-locks” are electric locks that provide door security by means of an
electromagnet that holds the door closed. The law requires that electronically locked doors be
released (unlocked) upon activation of a fire alarm. This requirement is in place to ensure that all
persons at a site are able to exit the building during a fire emergency.
During the initial response to a fire alarm, one of the tasks a Security Guard should complete is to
check a nearby door that is fitted with a mag-lock, to ensure that mag-locks have released. If it is
found that mag-locks failed to release, they must be released manually. The master control for
releasing or securing building mag-locks can often be found at or near the location of the main fire
panel.
Whether the mag-locks are released automatically by the system or manually by means of the
master control switch, the final result will be that all doors protected by these locks will become
unlocked. A critical post-alarm task for Security Guards is to ensure that mag-locks are re-set once
the fire department has declared the fire emergency to be over. It is essential that the fire panel is
reset and all outstanding fire alarm signals have cleared before attempting a mag-lock reset.
Existing fire alarm signals at the fire panel will prevent the mag-locks from resetting.
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Prevention is achieved by conducting thorough patrols of the site. Ensuring that fire exits are not
blocked, fire safety equipment is in place and operable, and that fire hazards are removed or
repaired. Problems observed during the Security Guard’s patrol are to be documented in daily and
special occurrence reports, as per the normal practice at that site.
Detection of fire in the early stages can be achieved by remaining alert for excessive heat, strange
odours, and signs of smoke while on patrol. The Security Guard will frequently travel through
areas of a site that are not accessible to general users of the facility or are not visited by other
operations personnel for extended periods of time, such as after-hours and weekends.
Mechanical, electrical, and storage areas generally present a higher risk, because of running
equipment and various combustible materials kept in stock in those areas.
Items to check for while conducting patrols:
Fire Hazards Equipment Miscellaneous
Accumulated paper or rubbish Worn or missing fire hoses Blocked fire exits
Piled oily rags Pressure on sprinkler systems Vehicles parked in fire lanes
Smoking in prohibited areas Inoperative alarms Fire doors propped open
Defective or temporary wiring Missing or defective extinguishers Office equipment left on after ho
Lack of ventilation Improper extinguisher type for fire haz
Unsealed or open containers of
volatile liquids
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have control over others. They may even hang around watching an evacuation. They like knowing
that they are responsible for inconveniencing so many people.
Another possibility is that the person has information about a dangerous device and does not want
others to get hurt or property to be damaged. For the purposes of this section, an explosive device
is; “Anything that is used, intended to use, or the guard believes is being used as part of a threat or
actual attempt to cause an explosion”.
Receiving a Threat
The most important consideration when receiving a threatening message is to remain calm. The
second most important consideration is to record as many details of the threat as is possible. This
information is to be recorded during, or immediately after, the receipt of a threat.
Never ignore a threat. Always treat a bomb threat seriously. Even if you believe it to be a hoax,
lives may be at stake, and you may be held responsible for your actions if you do not take the
matter seriously.
The Threatening Call Form is used to record details of the threat. It provides spaces for recording
specific types of details regarding the threat and also provides reminders of the types of questions
that should be asked by the person receiving the threat. Although this form is generally designed
to handle bomb threats, the form may be used to document other types of threats received via
telephone as well.
Get a second person involved. It is always more desirable to have another person listen in on the
call. The person initially receiving the call might be able to covertly signal another person to
silently listen in.
Listen carefully. The person receiving the threatening phone call will likely be the only person to
speak to the caller. Listen to the caller’s words, but also to their tone of voice, background noise,
and so on. Not only will these things help police determine if the caller is serious about the threat
but will assist them in tracking the person making the call. Background noise may provide a
particular clue to the location and identity of the caller.
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Take notes. Write down the caller’s exact words. You do not want to make a mistake about a key
element of the threat. Remember to record the telephone number appearing on the screen, if
available.
Ask questions and keep the caller talking. Follow the bomb threat checklist and make sure that
you understand when the bomb will explode, where it is located, what kind of bomb it is, why it
was placed, and so on.
Get the caller to repeat the key details to make sure that you have the information recorded
accurately. Try not to interrupt the caller and cut off any information. A caller will usually call to
cause panic or make a statement to avoid injuries or deaths.
If told that the building is occupied or may not be evacuated in time, the bomber may be willing
to provide more specific information about the bomb’s location, components, or detonation
process.
You may notice in the bomb threat checklist that it includes questions about the caller’s name,
address, and telephone number. The caller may react automatically to these questions when asked,
without thinking about what you will do with the information.
Never hang up first, let the caller hang up.
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2. Items that are routinely seen on site but are found in locations that are unusual, given the
nature of the object. This may include things such as a backpack or briefcase placed behind
a pillar.
3. Items that are not normally seen on the property.
Delivered Parcels that appear to have been opened and resealed, have wires protruding from them,
are stained with greasy or oily substances, or are emitting strange odours fall within the realm of
suspicious packages.
Other signs may include incorrect postage and general addressing (not directed to a specific
person). In the event you or another person receive or find a suspicious package, gently put it
down in a safe area and prevent others from touching it. Do not cover it with anything or immerse
the package in water. Notify the proper authority according to your procedures and/or the bomb
threat protocol in this manual.
This definition does not make reference to types of explosive devices and nor will this section
describe the various explosive devices that are possible. It is sufficient to state that explosive
devices can range from extremely elaborate high-tech devices to crudely designed incendiary
devices like Molotov cocktails.
Hollywood’s portrayal of tightly wrapped sticks of dynamite rigged to a simple timing device has
been replaced with concoctions made from common household products including fertilizer.
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Although bomb threats are relatively rare, on occasion a Security Guard may have to deal with a
bomb threat or provide assistance to someone on a site that receives a bomb threat. Although
threats are occasionally received through the mail, bomb threats most commonly arrive by
telephone.
Although bomb threats are generally associated with explosive devices, biological or chemical
substances also fall within the spectrum of potential threats that may be presented. The threat of
bombs or other harmful materials being placed inside of a building is most often brought to the
attention of Security by means of a threatening phone call. In some cases the threat becomes
evident when a suspicious package is found on-site.
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Figure 8.4.a
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The second most common hiding place is the small of the back, but it tends to be uncomfortable.
In most cases, hidden guns are un-holstered and can work to your advantage from an observation
standpoint, and a disadvantage to the person(s) carrying the gun because it tends to shift and
usually requires adjustment
As a suspect moves, watch for a “security feel. Because the gun is loose, the suspect is in fear the
weapon will slip and will periodically touch it to make sure it is still in place.
“Protective body movement” is particularly noticeable when an armed subject is running or
moving abruptly; he holds his arm against the concealed weapon, either stiffly or with a very
restrained swing. Even if the suspect is just walking, you may see that he takes a full stride with
his opposite-side foot but the gun-side stride will be shorter, almost like a limp in some cases
because he’s trying to keep the weapon in place and minimize its slipping or its risk of falling out.
The arm may also come in against the weapon as a protective movement when people start getting
close to the suspect. When approached, armed offenders may turn their weapon side away when
you come up to them. Movement helps you to pinpoint hidden weapons.
Look for telltale bulges. A gun, piece of wood, a steel pipe, a large knife for example are not
flexible and doesn’t conform well to the shape of the human body, so it may reveal itself in the
form of a bump. While the entire weapon may not be outlined, tight clothing may reveal bumps
that relate to a hammer, grip or muzzle.
As you study a subject’s clothing, ask yourself: Does it fit the season? In cold weather, is a coat
unzipped or unbuttoned? Is the subject wearing only one glove, leaving his shooting hand bare? Is
he wearing a belt that’s not through his pants loops, thereby capable of cinching tighter against a
hidden gun? Is a coat weighted down lower on one side? When he walks or runs, does his coat or
jacket bounce off his leg as if something heavy is in the pocket?
Based on the article: “How to Spot Armed Suspects”
By Police-One Senior Contributor Chuck Remsberg
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We can't predict when and where violence will occur, but we can prepare ourselves mentally and
physically to respond effectively.
Based on an article by Joone Kim
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Being trapped in an elevator can be traumatic and disturbing for the trapped persons, especially if
the entrapment goes on for an extended time. Since we are not trained as elevator service
personnel, our role in elevator entrapments is to:
The name and address of all persons that were trapped are required for your Special Occurrence
Report; include all relevant times. Elevator entrapments normally come to our attention via a
central monitoring station or answering service, elevator telephones, a 24 hour security desk or we
hear people trapped in an elevator yelling for help. Reports from tenants or residents may also alert
you.
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Escalators
Escalator stoppages are a fairly common occurrence as the emergency stop buttons are accessible
by all users.
In the event of a stoppage inspect the escalator, checking the steps and the handrails to ensure that
these components are not damaged and that there are no visible signs of an unsafe condition. Check
for foreign objects that may be lodged between the steps and the stationary plates at the top and
bottom of the escalator. Remove foreign objects if you are able to and if you are unable to remove
foreign objects, the escalator should be designated as being ‘Out of Service’ and the matter referred
to service personnel.
If there are no unsafe conditions or damage evident, attempt to restart the escalator using the key
provided – ensure that there are no passengers on the escalator when this procedure is carried out.
If possible, obtain the assistance of another person (Guard, Building Operator, Cleaner, etc.) to
stand at the opposite end of the escalator to ensure that no persons board it during the restart
process.
Once the escalator has been restarted, board the escalator and ride it to the opposite end, listen for
any unusual sounds such as grinding or scraping noises that might indicate a mechanical problem.
Observe the unit in operation and ensure that there are no signs of an unsafe condition such as
slippage, excessive vibrations or uneven motion (starting and stopping, lurching motions, etc.)
before the escalator is made accessible to users.
Provided that there are no unsafe conditions noted, the escalator may be returned to regular service.
In the event that there is damage or unsafe conditions noted, place the affected escalator out of
service using the guidelines noted below. Ensure an entry is made on your Report to indicate that
there had been a stoppage, this can be valuable to staff on the following shifts as repeat stoppages
might be indication of a larger maintenance related problem.
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Check if your location allows the direction of travel reversed on escalators to compensate for
another unit being put into the ‘Out of Service’ mode. In the event of an escalator malfunction shut
the escalator off using the nearest escalator emergency stop button. If the escalator steps and
handrails are undamaged and safe to use in the stopped mode the escalator may be used as a set of
stairs. If the escalator steps or handrail are damaged or do not appear safe to use, then block access
to the escalator at the top and bottom with a safety cone or caution tape
The Good Samaritan Act aims to protect first aid rescuers from litigation. The law is based on
what a “Reasonable Person” would do. Things to remember:
Get Consent from your patient
Always ask a patient “Can I help you,” even if they appear unresponsive. Patients that are
conscious, of the age of majority and of sound mind have the right to refuse your help.
Implied Consent
• If your patient did respond when you called to them move closer, if it is safe to do so, pinch
them on the shoulder and call to them again. If they do not respond you have implied
consent
The patient is under age of majority
• If the patient is a child, identify yourself to them; ask them if they need help and if their
parents are with them. If they are alone, render assistance as needed
Gross Negligence
• In an emergency only do things that you are qualified to do. Do not try a medical procedure
seen on television or administer drugs you are not trained to give
• You may assist a conscious patient to take their own medication, i.e., you can get it for
them, help them steady their hands etc., but you cannot administer it to them if they lose
consciousness
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Abandonment
You are not legally obliged to perform first aid, but if you do stop to render assistance you cannot
stop treatment unless:
• You are relieved by higher medical authority, i.e. paramedics
• The scene is not safe to remain: back away and await assistance
• You are too physically exhausted to continue
In anticipation of medical emergencies and/or personal injury accidents Security Guards should
be familiar with locations of all first aid kits, oxygen units, defibrillators and any on site resources
(and their hours of work) that could provide assistance. This includes other persons trained in first
aid, a company nurse, a company doctor, or tenants that are doctors. Keep in mind that these
resources could be needed during a multiple casualty situation.
Upon being dispatched, summoned to, or coming across a Medical Emergency the Security Guard
will render First Aid as appropriate (if qualified), call 911, or designate someone to and meet
and/or designate someone to meet Emergency Services.
Assist Emergency Services on their arrival and attempt to obtain the names and addresses of any
witnesses as soon as you can, many witnesses will fade into the background as soon as the victim
is transported offsite; security, police and other investigating agencies such as the Ministry of
Labour need this information.
Consider the possibility that this could be a crime scene (Did the victim collapse for medical
reasons or was it an assault and robbery, such as a purse snatching? Were they cut or stabbed? Did
they slip and fall or were they pushed?), quickly establish how the victim got into this condition,
are the police needed in addition to an Ambulance; if further investigation is required secure the
scene for the police.
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The role of a Security Guard in an emergency is always to protect life, protect property, protect
confidential information, and minimize liability. Contain emergency areas, keep innocent people
back. Expedite response of authorities. Document the event.
We may provide first aid and fight minor fires when it is safe and appropriate to do so. Enforce
rules and regulations and identify hazards and prevent emergencies proactively. The Security
Guard’s role in a site fire safety program is one of prevention, detection, preserving life safety and
limiting property damage.
The Security Guard contributes to preserving life safety by taking an active role in the site fire
safety program.
Assisting building occupants in conducting orderly evacuations when necessary is one example of
appropriate reaction. The Security Guard is a source of access and information to emergency
services and authorities.
The Guard on duty will have possession of the keys to the site and will have detailed knowledge
of the facility and the locations of critical equipment. The Security Guard will also be able to
provide information regarding the locations of any hazardous materials and environments onsite.
The ability of the Security Guard to provide information to authorities will save valuable time
during emergency situations.
Security Guards are not tasked with single handed reacting to emergencies and must decide quickly
what appropriate actions are and what further resources are required, then expedite (make faster)
the response. There are very specific circumstances during which it becomes reasonable or
necessary for a Security Guard to engage in actions related to emergencies.
8.4.10 Common Hazards
From time to time, various incidents will arise to which you are expected to respond and resolve.
You are given the responsibility to detect potential threats before they happen, and react
professionally as they happen. Not every incident can be foreseen however an observant Security
Guard can minimize damage and resolve problems before they grow into larger ones.
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The first and most important responsibility of Security Guards is to protect people against various
threats and hazards. Accident prevention should be practiced by Security Guards to help provide
a safe working environment for employees. The Security Guard must act quickly to:
• Identify the threat or hazard.
• Take steps to eliminate or reduce the hazard.
• Follow up with a written report of action.
Enforce the safety rules, including no horseplay, intoxication or drinking by client employees and
check safety equipment. Know the location of stretchers and first aid kits.
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Security Guards may be personally exposed to the following common hazards of the job, in
addition to those noted previously in this section. Musculoskeletal injuries can result from
awkward postures, contact stress (leaning on something or holding a phone between your ear and
shoulder) or repetitive stress from engaging in the same motions repetitiously. Fatigue can result
from long shifts, weekends and night work.
Stress can cause burn out through exposure to demanding duties, confrontations, agitated persons
or traumatic occurrences.
Coping mechanisms to help you minimize injury and discomfort include work instructions,
policies and training. Use your situation awareness skills and remain vigilant at all times. It is your
responsibility to maintain a safe and pleasant work environment for you, your co-workers and the
people under our protection.
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9.1 Introduction
Security Guards need to respond to changes in their environment which includes actions such as
traffic movement, ensuring the safety of persons between and within locations, monitoring and
managing the departure of persons and vehicles and observing and monitoring people. You will
need to know the correct way of dealing with these situations. In addition, Security Guards need
to be able to identify signs and symptoms of drug use and the impact of drugs on behaviours in
relation to safety.
The purpose of patrols is to monitor a facility or area of a facility in order to observe potential
problem situations. Security Guards on patrol should accomplish the following:
Deterrence: By being visible the Security Guard will deter potential intruders or thieves from
their intentions.
Identify Threats: By patrolling the facility, an alert Security Guard can identify threats and
hazards to the facility, not only security threats and intruders, but also safety and fire hazards.
Prevent or Reduce Loss: Once hazards are identified the Security Guard on patrol can take steps
to prevent loss or reduce damage from water leaks, weather damage, etc. While on patrol a
Security Guard can expect to be approached by various persons with routine questions or
requests. These must be handled in a professional manner. If they can be handled quickly
without interference to the patrol duty they should be handled at once. If they require the
interruption of the patrol the Security Guard must decide if their priority is greater than the
patrol. In some cases such as unlocking doors, the task may be incorporated into the patrol.
Frequency
The frequency and timing of patrols is critical to their effectiveness. There are two ways to reduce
the predictability in patrols:
1. Vary the start times of each patrol.
2. Vary the route of patrol so no one can predict where you will be next.
When a set number of patrols are specified per shift it is important that the Security Guard complete
all the required patrols. Do not patrol the full area of a facility in one sweep, break the patrols
down instead. The interior of buildings as well as the perimeter must be covered. The patrol must
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bring the Security Guard within visual and hearing range of every area of the facility. In this way
no potential threat or hazard will go undetected.
Patrols should be arranged to cover areas of activity when they will be most needed. For example,
change rooms should be checked between shift changes to detect theft attempts. Work areas during
supervisors break times should be patrolled.
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Report all missing fire hoses or discharged fire extinguishers. Please remember that the actual
weighing and pressure testing of fire extinguishers is normally done under contract by a fire service
company. When a portable fire extinguisher has been discharged notify the appropriate
maintenance contact. Replace it with an equivalent spare, if available. When a fire hose has been
unravelled and subsequently turned on; turn off the water and notify maintenance.
Types of patrols
Mobile Patrols
All mobile patrols are either conducted on foot or utilizing some form of vehicle, usually cars,
trucks or SUVs. Bicycle patrols are another mode of transport for Guards conducting mobile
patrols and are quickly gaining popularity due to the desirable “green” or environmentally friendly
profile presented for the client site when avoiding the use of fossil fuels.
Vehicles
The advantages of using a vehicle may include shelter from inclement weather and you can carry
more equipment than on foot. A vehicle allows you to cover the wider property and quicker
response to far reaching areas.
Disadvantages of vehicles include the limited interaction with the public and the fact you cannot
access some places that can be reached on foot such as stairwells.
Foot patrol
Foot patrol allows greater interaction with people for public relations. You can also get up close
to the buildings on the site and conduct physical checks. Foot patrol creates physical activity to
keep Security Guards active, fit and alert.
The disadvantages of foot patrol include a limited ability to patrol wider areas, less equipment can
be carried and response is slower.
Office Tower Patrols
At most office towers we have two basic security duties, access control at the lobby desk and tower
patrols. Tower patrols are normally conducted by taking the elevator to the top floor and patrolling
the top floor in its entirety and then walking down the stairs to the next floor, and so on. Collect
small pieces of litter and place them in a nearby garbage bin.
Security should monitor the corridors, stairwells and washrooms on each floor for leaks, floods,
high or low air temperature, smoke, fire and the smell of natural gas.
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Make sure to report on any dangerous or unsafe conditions, such as discarded furniture or
deliveries resulting in blocked fire exits, burnt out, damaged or missing exit lights, burnt out lights
that create a safety hazard, or tripping hazards such as a ripped carpet.
Electrical/Utility Rooms
Manually check that the accessible electrical rooms, communication rooms and riser rooms on
each floor are secure. Contractors sometimes leave these rooms insecure. They should all be
checked during the first patrol conducted after normal business hours.
Stairwells
On the first patrol, check to ensure that stairwell doors are either locked or unlocked as required
by your post orders. Report when a stairwell door that is supposed to be locked is found unlocked
and initiate corrective actions when required.
Look for people smoking, waiting or loitering in the stairwells. Determine if they belong in the
building and if they have a legitimate reason to be in the stairwell. Evict those who don’t belong
if necessary. Some people will break into interior units, first hiding in the stairwell.
On one patrol per night, test the stairwell doors to ensure that they are closing properly and that
they are latching. To test any stairwell door, open it to 45o and let it close. If it does not fully close,
or if it does not latch, complete a report. Do not test stairwell doors that are in restricted tenant
spaces or that have magnetic locks with no card readers. Occasionally, you may find an object
taped or placed between the halves of a magnetic lock. This should be reported to your supervisor,
as this type of activity usually occurs before a break in.
Crossover floors
Crossover floors are vulnerable to intrusions where they are not secured with magnetic locks or
electric strikes. If the crossover floors in your building are not secured after hours, check them
more frequently than during ‘normal’ floors.
Vacant Suite/Space Doors
Check the entrance doors to all vacant offices to ensure that they are secure. If you do not have
keys, interior checks are only required if the door is not locked. Interior checks are also required
if the door has any ‘new’ signs of forced entry. Where you have keys, the interiors of vacant office
spaces should be checked either twice per day (usually on the first and last after hours patrols of
the day) or at a frequency specified by the client. Vacant suite doors are sometimes left open by
general contractors for sub-contractors and tradespersons. Concerns include leaks and floods,
homeless persons living in the suite and criminals hiding there while waiting to commit a ‘break
out’.
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Washrooms
All washrooms should be checked on each floor patrol. When entering the washroom that is not
of your gender, loudly announce “Security” before entering. Allow any occupants to leave before
you go in. When checking washrooms, look for leaks and floods, persons vandalizing or misusing
the washroom, persons loitering in the washroom.
Criminals may be hiding in washrooms to commit after hours ‘break outs’. This is especially a
concern on the first patrol conducted after the elevators, stairwells and/or building go on access
control/secure mode. Ensure that you check all stalls in all washrooms on this patrol.
Persons loitering near the washrooms may be opportunistic thieves waiting to commit a reach over
or reach under purse or jacket theft. This is particularly a concern where the washrooms are located
close to or in a stairwell.
Untoward sexual activity tends to occur most frequently in the Men’s Washroom. Request
identification from both participants and evict them. Any participants that do not work in the
building should be barred in accordance with building policy.
Trespassers
Be alert for persons who appear not to belong on the floors. During the business day when there
are lots of visitors in the building, it will be difficult to determine who is and is not authorized. If
you are suspicious of a particular person who, due to grooming, dress or signs of intoxication, does
not appear to be a normal user, politely question them and offer to escort them to the tenant that
they claim to be visiting. Watch for their reaction. Be prepared to escort them off the property
and/or to request assistance.
After the access control system has switched over to secure mode, watch for persons wandering
around the floors with no visible pass card. If you are suspicious, ask to see theirs. If they do not
have it with them, ask if you can accompany them back to their office to get it. Many computer
thieves are extremely confident, and will say things like “I left my card in my office”, “I am just
leaving and I cannot be late for my train”.
Be alert for unauthorized solicitors. They are usually either selling merchandise or memberships
or raising funds for charities. All solicitors must be approved by management. They should have
a letter of authorization from management or you should have been advised in advance that they
are authorized. Our normal response is to politely evict them. If unauthorized sales people refuse
to leave bar them from the property. If necessary call the police.
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Criminal Activity
During regular business hours and after hours look for signs of criminal activity including people
breaking into suites. During the business day pay attention to people carrying more than one laptop,
purses or wallets or handling them in a manner that indicates that they are not familiar with them.
Remain alert for signs of laptop and wallet or purse theft during opening and closing times. These
times present opportunities to criminals because many offices are unlocked and open, the reception
area is not staffed and fewer witnesses are present. Thefts are also common during lunch hour and
while office parties are taking place.
Move Outs
On weekends and at night, be alert for unauthorized move outs. If you have not been previously
notified and encounter a move out during business hours contact your supervisor or the
management office for clarification.
After hours if you encounter a possible unauthorized move out be aware this is considered a civil
matter, and the police will not intervene. While you cannot stop the tenant from moving out, you
can take steps to slow them down, such as locking off the elevators on a floor that the tenant’s staff
do not have access to, or not unlocking shipping/receiving or voiding their employees access cards
if so directed by your client or post orders. You cannot legally use physical force for this matter.
Roof Access
Where a roof door can be accessed from a common area corridor or stairwell, this should be
checked on each patrol. Roof doors are normally kept locked. If you find the roof door insecure,
check the Roof Sign-In Log and/or conduct a roof patrol to determine if contractors, such as
window washers are working on the roof, before you lock the roof door. If you must patrol the
roof use caution as many slip and fall accidents occur on the roof.
After Hours Patrol Functions
After hours, your primary concerns are to ensure that all doors to the suites are secure and that if
a burglary has occurred that you quickly discover it. After a burglary has been discovered, it should
be promptly reported to the police, property management and the tenant contact.
When conducting floor patrols you should look for doors found ajar, unlocked or propped open.
These issues are routinely encountered on the first patrol after closing. Normal response during
this time frame is to quickly check the door and walls for signs of forced entry and, if there are
none, to cautiously enter the suite. If staff is working late, politely ask to see at least one occupant’s
pass card or other ID and record their name in your memo book.
Floor-by-Floor Patrols are generally conducted by taking the elevator to the top floor, patrolling
that floor and then walking down the stairs to the next floor. To avoid establishing a consistent
pattern, alternate start/finish times and start/finish locations.
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Mall Patrols
Mall patrol is one of the primary tools we use to protect shopping centres. For your mall patrols to
be effective, please remember the following:
The main purpose of mall patrols is to provide a very high profile, security presence in the mall
common areas. Use your presence to reassure shoppers, merchants and other normal users while
patrolling. Older shoppers in particular find the visible presence of Security Guards comforting.
Deter trouble makers by letting them see that the mall has an active security team that vigorously
patrols the mall. This method works as a low level order maintenance duty (maintaining order
through presence as a subtle show of control).
Reporting on and/or taking action in response to violations of the mall rules is one function of
patrolling. While most of this function relates to shoppers and abnormal users of the property
(those not contributing to the enjoyment of the property) some relates to enforcing rules related to
merchants, their employees and mall or merchant contractors.
Make eye contact, smile and use an appropriate social greeting when you observe persons who
routinely shop here (regulars), store employees, merchants and mall staff.
Remember that while on patrol you will be observed by shoppers, tenants and mall staff. Often the
mall will be judged by how you deal with people or situations. Your actions and demeanour must
reflect the mall’s requirement for excellent public relations. Always be courteous and polite.
Remember that in many situations you are a goodwill ambassador for the shopping centre. Do not
patrol in pairs unless there is an ongoing situation that warrants it. A team can cover more of the
site when patrolling individually and joining up only when warranted for support.
Be alert for anything that maintenance should be advised of, this includes Heating, Ventilation,
Air conditioning breakdowns (HVAC), leaks or floods (ensure you take steps to eliminate/mitigate
any slip or fall hazard) or noxious odours. Take children under 10 years of age who are alone and
appear lost into your care and follow your lost person procedures as set out by the site.
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At most properties Security Guards do not patrol mechanical rooms when building operations
personnel are onsite. Patrol the mechanical rooms according to your procedures after hours.
Mechanical Room patrols are a form of preventative maintenance. The main purpose of our patrols
is to observe and report on hazardous or harmful conditions or situations before they become major
problems. From building management’s perspective, it is much better to have security encounter
a leak on Saturday night than to have a building operator arrive on Monday morning to find three
feet of water in the Mechanical room.
When patrolling mechanical areas take your time and observe your surroundings. Familiarize
yourself with the normal sights, sounds and smells of mechanical rooms. This will make it easier
to identify abnormalities. If you are required to take readings, make note of locations of all required
gauges and the reading level thresholds.
When you encounter any problems follow your procedures. Follow the notification procedure
listed in post orders. If you are not sure that a situation or condition warrants an after-hours call to
management, contact Dispatch, Patrol or your Supervisor for clarification. Ensure that mechanical
room doors are closed and locked.
Look for equipment not running when normally it should be, or running at an unusual time. This
could be serious, such as air conditioning not working or a fire pump running when there is no
fire.
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Be a visible deterrent; see and be seen. A highly visible security presence may deter crime.
Remember that your patrols include the parking spaces, elevator lobbies and stairwells. During
every second or third patrol check to ensure that all parking area rooms, including storage are
secure.
Check the lighting to see if it is on when not needed or vice versa.
The preferred patrol technique is the anti-intrusion patrol that is of brief duration. The Security
Guard attends the different areas of parking briefly, looking only for suspicious persons and
activities. During anti-intrusion patrols the guard is not checking fire extinguishers or making notes
about litter and other minor items. If there are no suspicious persons or activities, quickly move
on to the next area however if you encounter or observe anything of note you should follow up as
required by your post orders.
Be alert for seniors, children or pets left in vehicles on very hot or very cold days. If they are
displaying any signs of distress notify site management and call 911.
Investigate any person loitering or not moving purposefully towards a destination such as a
stairwell or elevator. Visually scan the area near these people and keep in mind they may be acting
as a lookout. Some thieves like to accumulate loot in stairwells until they are ready to carry it out
in a large bag or other container.
Approach anyone sitting in a vehicle from the rear diagonal if investigation is required and record
the vehicle description, license plate and a description of occupants. Politely ask “May I help you?”
Look for glass on the pavement as this may indicate that someone has broken into a car. If you
know that this broken glass is fresh notify your supervisor or dispatch. Check for the smell of
leaking gasoline or diesel fuel and attempt to locate the vehicle that it is coming from.
Fixed Posts
Fixed post is another common deployment for Security Guards. Fixed posts may include a static
posting in a food court, the main door of a bar, gatehouse, exit area, lobby, control centre or any
other areas of concern necessitating a strong security presence for a set period of time
Ensure you understand the purpose of your posting and tailor your activities according to the duties
required at your site and post.
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Control Centre
Guards posted at control centres will typically hold a team coordination role and be a central
conduit of information. These staffs are acting as coaches and resources to the rest of the team
deployed on patrols or fixed posts. They may serve as a proprietary dispatcher and telephone
switchboard for the site.
Duties may include keeping a radio log or shift summary noting all of the calls that the team
responds to. This role usually entails a monitoring function for CCTV systems, intrusion and fire
alarm controls and depending on the facility building critical functions such as elevators and
mechanical systems.
Control room staffs often serve as the resource that issues radios and keys or access cards and logs
any property found and turned in to security.
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9.3 Surveillance
Security Guards involved in monitoring C.C.T.V. must develop the habit of checking all cameras
and angles at frequent intervals to ensure the system is used to its full potential. Unless an incident
or threat is seen by the Security Guard it might go undetected.
When not occupied with other desk duties, Security Guards should monitor the C.C.T.V. cameras
for suspicious activity and conduct video patrols by viewing one camera for a few seconds and
then scrolling to the next, viewing it briefly. When viewing C.C.T.V. cameras, be alert for and
take action in relation to any conditions of note.
When you observe any noteworthy occurrence or anything suspicious initiate an investigation by
proceeding to the location of the untoward activity or dispatching patrol, if available.
Alarm systems
Alarm systems are used for three basic purposes in a loss prevention program. Intrusion Alarms to
signal the entry into a facility or a specific area of the facility. Fire Alarms warn of various stages
of the development of fire or the activation of sprinkler systems. Special purpose alarms for critical
functions, temperature or the presence of fumes are also common.
Your response to alarms will be varied and depend on the type of system. The common methods
of monitoring alarm systems are a Central Station which monitors alarms from an offsite location,
proprietary system which is monitored centrally at the facility and local alarm systems which have
lights and/or audible signals such as a siren in the immediate vicinity of the alarmed point, only.
Alarm systems have various types of sensors which trigger the alarm including contact switches
for doors and windows, pressure devices such as mats on the floor, taut wire detectors or wire
tension in fences, photoelectric devices using a beam of light for large perimeter walls, motion
detection using passive infrared, microwave or ultrasonic for open spaces, sonic or noise detection
or various forms of vibration detectors, etc.
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Note that the alarm only indicates the possibility of an intrusion. The facts must be verified in
order to determine the appropriate response. Respond without delay. Different types of alarms
indicate different types of threats. By knowing the type of alarm and the location you are more
likely to identify the threat or cause. There are no false alarms as each one has a cause, even if it
is faulty sensors, control units or an environmental condition change.
Always work from the perimeter to the inner spaces of a zone in alarm. After verifying the visible
perimeter appears secure, attend at the control unit to check and verify the history of alarms and
the points that have been activated, if you are able to.
Check the specific area of the alarm to determine the apparent cause. If the alarm or area seems
normal you must investigate the remaining area and avoid tunnel vision as other conditions may
be found that require attention.
All alarm systems must be either reset after an alarm or have the zone that remains in alarm due
to a system fault by-passed to provide protection. Best practices indicate we should only bypass
interior points of protection, not the perimeter and the alarmed premises client should be notified.
If there is an immediate danger of an intruder you should call the police for assistance and await
their arrival. Keep the apparent point of intrusion under surveillance and direct the police to the
area when they arrive.
Thoroughly report all relevant information regarding your alarm investigation including all
emergency services attending, names and badge numbers.
Reporting Alarms
All alarms are incidents that must be reported as such. Even in the case of a “false alarm” a written
report is necessary on an Incident Report form. Your report should list the time the alarm was
activated, your dispatch time, arrival at the alarmed premises or zone and departure time. Note all
findings on arrival, actions taken, the cause of the alarm and the final status or disposition
concluding with your departure time.
Alarm Response Procedures
Responding to Intrusion or duress alarms (panic buttons) has a higher level of risk than many day-
to-day security activities. For this reason guards responding to intrusion alarms should always
consider their safety their highest priority. We strongly recommend that for your own personal
safety you closely adhere to the following when responding to alarms.
Before responding to any alarm scene, ensure that you have a working cell phone and/or radio.
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Always make sure that a responsible person is aware that you are responding to an alarm and the
location. At sites with multiple Security Guards this will typically be a co-worker, such as the
control centre guard who dispatched you.
At sites with single guard coverage, notify your dispatch when you detect an alarm or before
starting investigation. If the alarm seems particularly suspicious, consider advising your point of
contact to follow up with you shortly after you expect to be on scene.
Shortly after you arrive at the alarm scene, advise your point of contact of your status and what
your initial findings are. Remember that our primary functions at alarm scenes are to verify that
the premises are “all in order” and to determine the cause of the alarm.
When we find signs of forced entry or other untoward activity at an alarm, move to a safe location
to maintain surveillance of the apparent entry point and request police or security back up. Remain
very visible in the most obvious escape route, without blocking it. If you block the only escape
route you may be inviting violent retaliation from escaping burglars. Meet the police and direct
them to any damaged point of entry or suspicious vehicle near a ground entry point and other
concerns.
When investigating an upper floor alarm use the elevator and stop one floor above the alarm and
walk cautiously down the stairs to the floor of the alarm, if possible. For the top floor walk-up one
floor from the floor below.
Pay attention to your intuition at all alarm scenes. If a situation appears or feels dangerous it
probably is. Approach with caution and be alert.
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You can well imagine that when these systems are coupled with a physical Security Guard
presence, monitoring and a systematic response, the potential intruder may be discouraged from
pursuing their goal.
Basic Design
Intrusion Detection (or Burglar) Alarm systems are operated using electricity. There are two basic
circuits that may be utilized:
1. Closed circuit – electricity continuously flows through the wiring until an event interrupts
it. The lack of electrical flow causes the alarm
2. Open circuit – electricity does not flow through the circuit until an event, then the presence
of electrical current causes an alarm
Most modern systems operate in the closed circuit format otherwise cutting the wires (or otherwise
disrupting the circuit) to a device would defeat it.
Alarm systems are connected two main ways. The various detectors communicate with the Central
Processing Unit or Control Unit.
1. Wireless – Narrow band radio frequency
2. Wired – low voltage
Three basic classes
Alarm systems include layers of protection, starting at the outer most range or perimeter, then
providing protection within a room, facility or structure and may be applied to individual objects
within the facility such as a valuable painting, hanging on a wall. These classes may be called:
1. Perimeter or point of entry
2. Space or general area
3. Object
Where the alert sounds
Alarm systems sound an alert and are monitored in three basic ways. Keep in mind that these levels
can be combined for a more effective response to an alarm. When an alarm device is activated it
can sound at various levels or in three basic areas.
1. Local
Local alarms include buzzers, bells, horns, sirens and/or lights at the point in alarm. These
are designed to startle and disperse the potential intruder as well as alert those nearby.
2. Proprietary
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Proprietary systems cause a warning and are monitored at a central point, usually within
the same property, facility or organization and result in a series of responses according to
the work instructions or procedures set out by the persons in charge. This is the type of
system that could be monitored by an onsite control room, staffed by a Dispatcher or
Control who contacts their own Guard staffs to respond and investigate.
3. Central monitoring
Central monitoring stations are generally off site facilities whose function and purpose is
to monitor alarms, usually by contract and providing service to more than one client, for a
fee and when an alarm is monitored this results in a series of responses according to the
work instructions or procedures set out by the persons in charge and the clients. This may
include contacting police or security professionals to respond and investigate
Two - way voice communication is another modern way of monitoring an area from a distance,
then providing direction and investigating before people are dispatched.
Types of Detectors
Photo beams or photo electric detectors
Modified light level or interruption of the beam activates these detectors. Usually infrared filters
are used to make the beams invisible to the naked eye. These may be referred to as stacking beams
and may be found outside, however are more commonly used inside warehouses and other large
structures. Many overhead loading dock doors could be covered with a few devices and points to
be connected utilizing this method.
When the light beam is disrupted an alarm is caused. This usually involves a sending unit and
receiving unit, one at each end.
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Pressure Mats
Pressure mats are an all but redundant technology that are placed under flooring or carpet and
sense the weight of a potential intruder. You may run into these but modern space detectors have
taken their place.
Fences
Fences are often alarmed by using wire tension detectors. A wire is stretched between chain links,
for example and the detector it is connected to registers a change in tension when a person climbs
the fence sending an alarm signal.
Seismic Detectors
Seismic detectors are special in-ground vibration detectors that pick up the vibrations of people
walking. These are more often applied in high security applications or used as portable devices by
investigators and military.
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Both types use two contacts, one with the switching mechanism, the other an inert magnet. When
the contacts are close together the magnet holds the switch in place. They are mounted to a door
or window and the adjacent frame so that when the door or window is opened the contacts separate,
sending a signal.
Space Detectors
PIR – Passive Infrared
PIRs sense the heat of persons or objects in an area. Most are designed to recognize movement of
heat patterns triggering an alarm when there is a potential intruder. Some more advanced units are
designed to recognize the heat pattern specific to people so they will not initiate alarms if a pet or
wildlife is present and reduce false positives,
Microwave
Microwave space detectors emanate a super high frequency electromagnetic energy that fills the
area it is tuned for and receives a signal coming back using an antenna. These versatile detectors
can be used indoors or out and sense changes in the energy sent out when it strikes an object that
is not normally present in the space.
Ultrasound detectors
Ultrasound detectors use the Doppler Effect similar to radar systems for weather detection or
detecting speeding cars. The frequency is higher than the human ear can hear.
Duo tech
Duo tech systems may use a combination of technologies such as ultrasound and microwave,
coupled with PIR to reduce false positives from ambient heat sources within the protected site.
Capacitance
Capacitance is an antiquated technology. This type of detector sends an electrical signal through
an object and when touched, the person touching it absorbs some of the energy, causing a change
and triggering the alarm. Used for safes, etc., you may come across it.
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Audio sensors
Audio sensors use microphones and amplifiers to pick up sound and trigger an alarm. These
systems are tuned and the technology is based on an audible event such as a window or door frame
breaking, tools scratching and intruders moving about inside the premises.
Lost Property
If an occurrence of lost property is reported by the owner, the Security Guard will take a Report
from the Party, including the Person’s name, address and telephone number and a full description
of the Lost Property. If Credit Cards have been lost the Party should be advised to contact the
Issuer of the Card without delay and have it cancelled.
Details of the loss should be recorded in the lost and found log in the security office.
Found Property
Property that is found by or brought to Security Guards should be immediately (except during
emergencies) taken to a secure found property area, usually at the security office. Do not continue
to patrol while carrying around found property, especially small items with high value such as
watches, jewellery, etc.
It is preferable to have another person present to act as a witness when examining and listing the
found items or, at least, that the procedure be carried out in an area monitored by a CCTV camera.
It is also important to be mindful of the privacy aspects involved in looking through another
person’s property. Maintain the confidentiality of information obtained while conducting the
investigation and handle the items only as much as is necessary to get the job done.
All Found Property must be recorded in a lost and found log and tagged or bagged accordingly.
The tag/bag numbers should be consecutive and the number placed on the Property must
correspond with the entry in the log. The lost property section of the log should be checked to see
if a found article has been previously reported as lost. If so, the owner should be contacted and
arrangements made for its return.
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Found Property is stored according to your site’s policies and it is recommended an item be stored
for a period of at least 30 days and is then turned over to Property Management for disposal. Items
of value and cash should be stored in a separate secure area such as the Administration Office, as
soon as possible, for safe keeping.
When purses and wallets are turned in the contents should be examined in the presence of the
Finder or another Witness. Details of the contents and amount of cash found must be recorded
exactly in the Security Guard’s memo book and in the lost and found log. Items of clothing also
need to be tagged and entered in the lost and found log. Soiled items of clothing will not be retained
but disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Reconciliation
Some items that are received by Security as found property may contain information that can be
used to assist in the process of notifying the owner. As part of a good customer service program,
Security staff should take an active role in attempting to identify and contact the owner of found
property. This is best done as soon as is possible once an item is received by Security.
As in all cases, it is preferable to have another person present to act as a witness when examining
property to identify the owner. Some examples of information that can lead to identifying a
property owner are as follows.
Wallets may contain detailed identification that includes names, addresses, or telephone numbers
which can be used in attempts to contact the owner. A debit or credit card will generally have a
customer service hotline telephone number on the back of the card. Security can contact the hotline
and identify themselves and the site, as well as stating the card number. The bank can then
deactivate the card for security reasons and should also be able to contact the cardholder to inform
them that their card has been found and where it can be retrieved.
A cell phone or blackberry may contain phone listings that can be useful. Look for contacts titled
“work, home, mom etc.” In the case of a retail environment, there may be a merchant that
represents the phone service provider. If this is so, the merchant should be able to access the
customer profile via the telephone company’s service hotline and notify them.
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It is recommended that tamper resistant, single use bags with imprinted serial numbers are used
for the storage of items of high value. These items should be sealed in the evidence bag to protect
the contents. Once the item is placed inside such a bag and the bag is sealed, the bag cannot be
reused because opening it will destroy the bag. In such an event, a new bag (with its own unique
serial number) must be used if the item needs to be returned to storage. These bags are commonly
referred to as Evidence Bags and should be transparent so that visual identification of the contents
is possible without having to break the seal on the bag.
Have the claimant sign for found property and record any items such as the bag used in the ”chain
of custody section” as well as any other related log that is in use. Also list the contents being
returned in your memo book and have the claimant sign the memo book at the end of that list.
Claiming Property
Persons claiming Found Property must supply proper identification and be able to describe the
Property prior to it being shown to them. The Guard shall record the details of the identification in
his/her memo book. A phone number should also be recorded. The Claimant must also sign the
Lost and Found Binder as having received the Property. Property will not be released if it cannot
be described or if no identification is provided.
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Even if there is no established procedure for package control at the facility a Security Guard must
question persons removing company owned material. A polite question may confirm that the
removal is authorized and can be recorded on the guard report for later follow up to confirm the
authorization.
On occasion, a person related to the site such as a resident, client employee or tenant may request
that security take receipt of cash or cheques for the purpose of providing payment for a delivery
expected to arrive while they are absent.
Security Guards should not receive or store cash on behalf of anyone unless this is specified as a
duty in your work instructions. Security may accept cheques or money orders for the purpose of
providing payment for deliveries if they ensure that any cheques or money orders are stored in a
secure manner, such as drawers or cabinets that are equipped with locks.
In the event that the Security Guard must refuse receipt of valuables, politely refuse and explain
to the person that you are not permitted to accept such items. Inform the person that clarification
of this policy can be obtained by contacting the Property Management Office during business
hours.
Package control usually involves the use of a material pass for authorization. The pass identifies
the item to be removed and is signed by a supervisor or manager of the client company. When
checking package and material passes make sure the item described is exactly the item being
removed.
Ensure the person named on the pass is the person taking the item and the person who signed the
authorization is approved to do so. Check the signature appears genuine. If in doubt, check further
with the person who authorized the pass or the appropriate client representative.
Package control may require that Security Guards randomly inspect or check all packages that
leave a site. When checking packages request the person open the package for inspection. Never
use force or touch any person to conduct a search. Never reach into purses, backpacks packages
or lunch boxes. Ask the person to remove any items you wish to inspect. If questionable items are
found ask if it was authorized. If authorization has not been given ask the person to wait and
contact the client representative to come to the post and decide what action is to be taken.
As with any incident complete a full report.
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Access control procedures are designed to allow the flow of authorized persons, vehicles and
property in or out of a facility. Access control ensures that only those people with a legitimate
reason gain entrance to a facility. A total access control program is also concerned with the control
of movement within a facility. Only those persons with authorization should be able to gain
entrance to a specified area within a facility, particularly if there are high security areas such as
“airside” at an airport, computer control rooms, high value areas or bonded warehouses, etc.
Visitors
Whenever greeting visitors at a facility greet all visitors immediately and make eye contact. If you
are engaged in another priority duty, take a moment to explain to the visitor you will attend to their
needs as soon as possible. Be polite and courteous and ask the visitor if you can help them. Find
out the name of the person they are meeting and if they are expected. Ask the visitor to wait a
moment while you call the person they came to see. If that person isn’t available ask them if there
is anyone else that could help them.
Exercise diplomacy and if the person they came to see is too busy or won’t see them without an
appointment, explain this in a diplomatic way. Never lose your temper with a persistent visitor.
Follow your site procedures for greeting visitors. Have the person sign in or issue an
identification card according to your instructions.
Explain any required policies such as safety equipment that must be worn like protective glasses
or hard hats and issue them to the visitor. Watch for the visitor leaving and remind them to sign
out or return their pass. Remember you represent the client’s company to the visitor. Ensure the
visitor’s impression of the client and security is positive.
Client Employees
Treat all employees in a fair but firm manner. Identify the employee either by personal recognition
or by badge according to your instructions. Make eye contact and verify the employee’s right to
enter. Is it a regular shift or overtime? Employees are not usually permitted on the premises other
than during their regular shifts or for approved overtime.
Follow security procedures when interacting with employees. If passes or company identification
are required, insist on inspecting identification in a polite but firm manner if it is not visible in the
required areas. If an employee refuses to comply, contact their supervisor or the client
representative specified by your post orders and advise them of the circumstances. Do not use
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force to prevent entrance. Maintain a professional approach at all times and if an employee refuses
to follow procedures, advise client management so that they can follow up. Avoid confrontations
with a client employee.
Keys and access cards are an important element in the overall protection of the site. The Security
Guard must know the proper use of keys and the safeguards used to control keys. You are
responsible for the careful handling and carrying of keys during any work assignment. This
responsibility is of the utmost importance to the safety and security of the Client’s premises.
The following procedures apply to all keys and access cards that are controlled by Security. Ensure
that the keys required are on a specified ring, and access cards are audited at the beginning of each
shift. Count and check the keys for damage and indicate any problems on your report. Make sure
you escalate any critical concerns such as broken keys required to access any areas that would
prevent you completing critical duties.
The Security Guard must document any occurrences that arise during their prescribed shift related
to damage or loss of keys, cards, or lock mechanisms. This includes keys that do not operate
properly or do not access a previously accessible area for patrol and any other similar situations.
If a key is broken, goes missing or does not operate properly the Security Guard should follow
their procedures or contact their supervisor or dispatch immediately, failing any standing order
related to these concerns and inform them of the situation. A detailed report must be completed.
Note: You must notify your company of any lost or missing keys immediately for your
protection, the client and the contract security company’s protection.
Do not lend, loan or give your keys to other people. The keys in your possession are your
responsibility and having them out of your possession will result in problems. If someone requests
access to an area and you are authorized to give access always take the person to the locked area,
never give out your keys.
It is critical that continuity of possession exists in respect to the keys that Security Guards use,
carry, transfer or place in storage. Continuity of Possession means that it is possible to trace who
had the keys on a certain date and at a certain time or exactly where they were.
No Security Guard should go off duty until the relieving Guard is in possession of the security
keys. A full key audit should be conducted immediately at shift change or hand off. After the
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security keys are audited the Security Guard coming on duty should sign for them in the memo
book of the off-going Security Guard, with a note as to the count and condition.
The keys issued to Security Guards for their shift must be protected from loss and unauthorized
use. The loss of keys is a serious breach of security. It is an important responsibility that must not
be taken lightly.
Often Security Guards control keys that will be issued to cleaners or other persons during the
course of their shift. Careful control in the issue of these keys will reduce the possibility of loss
or theft. Always be sure the person to whom you issue the keys is authorized to have them.
9.6.3 Vehicle Control
Vehicle access to a facility must be carefully controlled for both safety reasons and to prevent
theft. Only authorized vehicles should be allowed entry. Security Guards do not have the authority
to enforce the Highway Traffic Act in Ontario so your authority to intervene with use of vehicles
in contravention of a client’s policies would be under the Trespass to Property Act, Criminal Code
in the event of dangerous operation that is likely to endanger life, or as a Certified Contract Officer
if sworn under Municipal By Laws for enforcement.
Security Guards protecting private property have the same authority as the owner of the property.
It is your responsibility to see that traffic moves safely on your site. You do not have the authority
to direct traffic in public areas, including roadways. However, your uniform and training may
result in police directing you to help during an emergency. By law, you must assist the police when
asked.
Delivery vehicles may be required to produce a bill of lading to demonstrate authorization. Private
vehicles may have or need to be issued special passes. Check the procedures at your site and
enforce the policies accordingly.
Vehicles leaving the premises may be subject to inspection on exit. The purpose of the inspection
will be to make sure only authorized material is being removed. Comparison of the vehicle
contents with the bill of lading will verify the contents are authorized for removal.
After hours deliveries should not be accepted unless they have been pre-authorized. Deliveries
that arrive without pre authorization must be verified by a telephone call.
Another function you may be asked to fulfill is ensuring the smooth and safe flow of traffic in busy
areas on private property, whether in delivery areas, special standing zones, parking lots or
facilities or at entrance points. Good examples of this duty include a passenger drop off where
temporary standing is allowed for this purpose, taxi stands or shopping centres during holiday
shopping seasons.
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Congested traffic conditions can cause impatient drivers who may handle their vehicle unsafely
out of frustration. It is important to empathize with people behaving this way and use influence
and compassion to persuade them to obey the rules. You must also ensure people are safe.
Proactive security measures conducting traffic control proactively prevents problems such as
potential property damage and injuries or deaths resulting from conflicting flows of vehicle and
pedestrian traffic and unacceptable behaviours.
This duty requires patience, tenacity, your full attention and a clear understanding of safe traffic
practices, the law, your site policies and strong presence not to mention problem solving skills. A
solid understanding of the rules of the road as set out in documents such as the Ontario Drivers
Handbook will help you accomplishing this daunting task.
Do not take unnecessary risks such as standing in front of moving vehicles, thinking you will serve
as a barricade. You should use proper equipment and dress appropriately for the weather
conditions, including reflective uniform. Use of devices such as whistles, flashlights, reflective
signs, barricades, and traffic flares help to get a driver’s attention and help protect you from being
inadvertently run down. High visibility measures are required both day and night.
Remember that a driver may not be paying attention or see you. Emergency lights, flares a car
wreck and emergency crews all draw attention, potentially distracting the driver. Use flares in
advance of the accident or area you are working. Pick up any debris and left over flares when you
are done.
Position yourself so you can see and be seen by pedestrians and drivers. Ensure your deportment
says you are in command of traffic in the area. One of the easiest, most effective and most
dangerous ways to meet these needs is by taking a place in the centre of the intersection.
If you are going to position yourself in the middle of the intersection walk to the edge of the road,
then stop pause and evaluate. Get the attention of drivers with eye contact and use a signal to stop.
Once the traffic is stopped walk cautiously toward your destination, ensuring all drivers see you.
When in position, you are ready to assume traffic control.
Hand Signals
Proper hand signals are essential to effective traffic control. A Security Guard must know universal
hand signals. Standard gestures for traffic control have been developed in North America. Do not
attempt to amuse the crowds like the New York City traffic cop at Christmas time, using animated
motions.
Most people will respond to standard signals predictably. If you use practices consistent with the
standards you will gain better control and avoid confusion. You will also be able to coordinate
your signals with anyone you are assisting. Practice these important hand signals so that they
become automatic.
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Stopping Traffic
1. Choose the vehicle you want to stop.
2. Look directly at the driver and point at them with your arm fully extended.
3. Make sure the driver has noticed your gesture, and then raise your hand so that your palm is
facing the driver. Bend your arm slightly at the elbow.
4. Hold your position until the vehicle has stopped.
5. Keep your arm in position and turn your head to the opposite direction.
6. Repeat steps 1 to 4.
7. Do not lower your arms until all traffic has completely stopped.
Figure 9.6.3.a
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Starting Traffic
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These turns are very dangerous, as vehicles will be turning into oncoming traffic. You must make
a decision about when to allow left turns depending on how heavy the traffic is and how many
people need to make the turn. Use caution:
1. Stop the traffic coming from the opposite direction. Hold the stop signal.
2. Make sure the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians.
3. With your opposite arm fully extended, point at the driver who wants to turn.
4. Make sure the driver has noticed you. Make a downward swinging motion in the direction you
want the driver to go.
Figure 9.6.3.c
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Right Turns
Drivers will need little direction when making right turns, as they will not be turning directly into
oncoming traffic. If traffic is heavy, you may need to stop drivers turning right to let traffic pass
from the other direction. Also if there are many vehicles turning right, you may need to hold back
pedestrians, so that the traffic can flow smoothly. If you need to signal a right turn, make sure the
driver has noticed you and then make a downward swinging motion to the driver’s right.
Drivers may get frustrated if they are subjected to long waits or no movement. A driver who is at
the end of a long line-up that has not moved in quite some time may feel that there is something
wrong. People in this situation may wrongly conclude that there is a stalled car and may try to get
around by driving in the wrong lane, over curbs, and so on. This type of activity leads to accidents.
Emergency vehicles have the right of way. Stop all vehicles and pedestrians when an emergency
vehicle is approaching. Give the driver a “Go” signal when the intersection is clear. If the driver
of the emergency vehicle signals for a turn, motion in the proper direction, showing that the way
is clear. Be alert for more emergency vehicles following.
Some Security Guards will issue Municipal Parking Infraction Notices in restricted areas such as
accessible parking (disabled parking spaces), loading zones and fire routes. If you will be engaging
in this duty, special training is required by the Municipality and is beyond the scope of this course.
Crowds often form as a result of normal activities at a site such as line ups at a food court or bar,
movies and other events including celebrity visits and holiday shopping and so on. It is imperative
that Guards have a good understanding of techniques to proactively control crowds so that a
peaceful gathering does not become an angry mob. You need to be able to properly read and judge
people, as well as reviewing some of the techniques noted in this section.
Proactive measures to keep long lines orderly include using stanchions, ropes and barricades. If
these items are not available at your site, caution tape can be used to some effect. In addition to
physical measures, Security Guards must be present and monitor the crowd, keeping a firm but
subtle show of control to prevent problems.
It is important to understand that Security Professionals are not trained and equipped to act as
Public Order (Service) Units, or riot squads. The Police are officially tasked with public order so
the role of security will involve calming situations according to their ability and training and if
necessary, calling for assistance and facilitating quick response for the authorities in situations
where there is a high risk.
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That being said, Security Professionals are often on the scene when a spontaneous public
disturbance occurs and have an important role to play before the authorities arrive. In other
situations, Security Guards are hired for short term assignments where there is a higher risk of
crowds and disorder, for example during planned protests or labour disputes. In addition, some
facilities have a higher risk due to the presence of government offices, consulates or embassies.
Any problematic occurrence such as a planned disruption, arrest or dispute between third parties,
not to mention crowds gathered for entertainment can present a potentially volatile situation either
sparked by mishandling or even due to factors beyond our control.
In order to prevent or minimize disturbances, early threat recognition is the key. Security Guards
must recognize the danger signs and react appropriately given all of the circumstances. There are
recognized tactics that are legal, reasonable and safe when undertaken cautiously and properly
selected and trained personnel are utilized.
Security Guards must have a demeanour with an outward appearance of calm despite any level of
provocation. A disciplined and professional approach is required and Security Guards must not be
seen as over-bearing, biased, weak, afraid or easily angered under any circumstances. You must
remain strong, stoic, with a military style presence and bearing in these settings, yet with the
customer service and friendly approach of a non-partisan protector for all parties.
Definition
A Crowd is a group of three or more persons assembled for a common purpose and/or in
association in one place. Please note that under the Charter citizens, have the right to freedom of
association, freedom of (lawful) peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.
Crowd
• Peaceful assembly – no criminal behaviour
• Individual control, not group control
• Limited organization and leadership
• Law abiding
• Limited group cohesion
Unlawful Assembly
Unlawful assemblies are defined under Section 63 in the criminal code. An unlawful assembly
consists of 3 or more persons. Unlawful assemblies are behaving in such a fashion that they are
committing a crime; assault, property damage, looting, disturbing the peace.
(R v Patterson 1931 lawful meeting & unlawful assembly)
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Riot
A riot is twelve or more persons who are unlawfully or riotously assembled – an unlawful assembly
that has begun to disturb the peace tumultuously – disorderly, noisy, turbulent, marked by
disorderly commotion.
1. At least three persons
2. Common purpose
3. Execution of common purpose
4. Intent to help one another, by force
5. Force used to alarm at least one person (a reasonably firm & courageous person)
(R v Lockhart [1976])
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A threshold event indicates a change of tactics is required and escalation to authorities if they are
not already present.
Prevention
What steps can be taken that will have a high likelihood of preventing a mob or riot?
• Pre-event briefings
• Surveillance, police liaison, assign a Guard to document
• Meet & greet early (subtle show of control), use small unit deployment tactics and call for
other resources, video documentation (burn a copy)
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Common Drugs
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Handling intoxicated persons is problematic. Smart serve teaches people and reinforces the Liquor
License Act regulations in regards to not serving intoxicated persons and if early signs of
intoxication present such as arguments, recommendations to try and defuse the problem using a
friendly approach.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholic intoxication include:
• Fumbling, stumbling or weaving
• Change in speech volume or pace, slurred speech
• Sleepiness
• Red eyes, excessive sweating
• Decreased alertness
• Noticeably shallow breathing
Planning should include event policies and procedures, developing floor plans, safe serving
practices, providing food as well as beverages and managing risks.
9.8 Section Summary
Security Guards fulfill many different functions as part of their day to day work activities. Paying
close attention to and developing skill using basic security procedures to guide you will accomplish
the objectives of protecting life, property and confidential information while minimizing liability
and keeping you safe.
Patrol (including fixed posts) and observation are the two single most important skills you will use
and yet these are the skills often overlooked. They are paramount for your development as a
security professional.
The procedures allow us to avoid making costly mistakes. The basic procedures are based on best
practices. You must adhere to any specific work instructions (procedures) provided by your post
orders at your site and any standing orders of your employer. This is consistent with the old saying
“house rules supersede the general orders.”
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10.1 Introduction
Certification in a WSIB certified training program to a minimum standard of Emergency First Aid,
CPR – Level B is required to obtain and hold a valid Security Guard License in Ontario. First Aid
certification at this level expires every two years and must be maintained. It is recommended
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training be refreshed annually, particularly if your
worksite is equipped with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator.
Detailed First Aids skills will be practiced in the EFA-C (Emergency First Aid and CPR) program
offered on day 5 of your Paragon training program. Paragon has partnered with Respond Solutions
Inc. Operating under the authorization of the Ottawa Paramedic Service and the Medical Director,
Doctor Kristian Davis. The training is provided by Paragon’s certified First Aid Instructors and
meets the Ministry standard of being WSIB Ontario approved (Workplace Safety and Insurance
Board).
Security Guards may be required to provide assistance to those who are injured, ill or involved in
accidents at the site as an emergency First Aid responder. This section will provide a brief
overview of Emergency Scene Management and follow up.
Security Guards must be competent according to their training and have the consent of a patient;
either absolute consent or implied consent before providing any first aid treatment for a patient.
10.2 Emergency Scene Management
In anticipation of medical emergencies and/or personal injury accidents Security Guards should
be familiar with the locations of all first aid kits, oxygen units and AED or Automated External
Defibrillators, if the site is equipped with this.
Identify any on site resources, such as Doctors or Dentists that could provide assistance and
determine their hours of business. Resources may include other persons trained in first aid, a
company nurse, a company doctor, or tenants that are doctors. Keep in mind that these resources
could be needed during a multiple casualty situation.
Upon being dispatched, summoned to, or coming across a Medical Emergency the Security Guard
will need to respond according to the following priorities:
Stop, pause and evaluate by assessing any potential dangers to their self such as fire, broken glass,
fluids including gasoline or hazardous materials, live electrical wires, moving vehicles and
potentially hostile people.
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Take personal protective measures (“P.P.E. – Personal Protective Equipment”) by using proper
gloves as a barrier and making use of other equipment such as CPR pocket masks or face shields,
if required. Conduct an initial assessment including checking for levels of consciousness and
responsiveness as well as the mechanism of injury.
If it is appropriate and safe to do so, render first aid, including calling Emergency 911 or sending
someone to do so on your behalf. Meet or designate someone to meet Emergency services at a pre-
determined point on the perimeter to guide them to the patient.
If first aid treatment was started, continue providing first aid until a more qualified responder such
as Police, Fire or Paramedic professionals relieve you and take over care of the patient.
Attempt to obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses as soon as you can, as many witnesses
will fade into the background as soon as the victim is transported offsite; security, police and other
investigating agencies such as the Ministry of Labour need this information.
Consider the possibility that this could be a crime scene (Did the victim collapse for medical
reasons or was it an assault and robbery, such as a purse snatching? Were they cut or stabbed? Did
they slip and fall or were they pushed?), quickly establish how the victim got into this condition.
Are the police needed in addition to an Ambulance? If further investigation is required secure the
scene for the police.
At sites equipped with recorded C.C.T.V. cameras, ensure that the relevant video is preserved for
evidence. Make detailed notes in your memo book, especially with regard to conditions at the
scene and anything the victim said.
Submit a detailed Special Occurrence Report fully describing the incident, including the person’s
name and address, the suspected nature of the medical emergency, phone numbers, identification
numbers of emergency vehicles, whether treatment was accepted or declined, name of the hospital
where the victim was taken and your actions.
Under no circumstances should you assume liability by making inappropriate statements such as,
“We do reports on that all the time and management never fixes it” or “You are the fourth person
this has happened to this year.”
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Slip, Trip and Fall Incidents are the leading cause of litigation against property owners. To protect
our clients, Security Guards must conduct very thorough investigations of all slip, trip and fall
incidents. The following information is required in your report:
• The condition of the victim and whether or not they require First Aid or Medical Attention
• If they refuse Medical Assistance, please document it in your memo book and in your
Special Occurrence Report
• If medical treatment is declined, please request the victim sign off an entry in your memo
book stating “Medical assistance declined”
• The condition of the floor; wet or dry, clean or dirty, the last time it was cleaned, wet floor
signs in place, mats in the area to wipe feet, poorly aligned sidewalk edges or holes or
cracks in the floor
• The victim’s description of the accident and how it occurred, ask them why they were at
the property today and record their response; at retail properties note whether or not they
had any purchases with them
• Make note of all cuts or bruises or other medical problems that the victim states initially
developed because of the fall
Record a full description of the victim, including their age and the clothes they were wearing.
Please make special note of their footwear such as if it is suitable for the weather conditions
outside, particularly for snowy or rainy conditions, or are they wearing leather soled footwear
unsuited to the outside weather, or if the person is wearing shoes for outside weather not suitable
to the flooring, were they wearing eye glasses, what were the carrying, how many items were they
carrying, did they appear to be overloaded?
Were they using a cane or walker? Did the victim appear/smell intoxicated, did the victim appear
to be medicated or mention a medication, stating words such as, “I must take my blood pressure
medication by 2:00 p.m.” Did the victim mention any previous accident?
Did anyone with the victim appear to be gathering evidence, for example was anyone taking
pictures? Did the victim or anyone with the victim mention lawsuits or litigation? For all incidents,
but especially outdoor incidents note the weather conditions including temperature, humidity,
precipitation and wind direction and speed.
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Witnesses can easily “drift off.” As quickly as your duties allow obtain the names, addresses and
phone numbers of all witnesses, including a brief statement describing what they saw and heard.
Include the names of on duty cleaners or maintenance if relevant.
If the victim is a tenant, record the business name, phone number, the person’s name and position.
Photograph the scene thoroughly, if equipped with a camera. Preserve and retain any evidence
using an appropriate container and storage method. Write your name, the date, time and victim’s
name on a label and attach it to the evidence in the correct manner.
At sites with recorded CCTV cameras, ensure that all relevant video records are preserved and/or
duplicated and properly stored. Complete a detailed report and bring it to the attention of Property
Management.
Shock is a condition caused by partial or complete lack of oxygen in the body due to insufficient
blood volume. This can be caused by severe bleeding, allergic reactions or severe/traumatic
injuries such as major broken bones.
There are varying levels of consciousness. Unconsciousness means a patient who is completely
unresponsive on several levels, including sound and a painful stimulus.
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness that can be caused by fear, stress or poor diet, pain,
illness, etc. Treat patients who faint for shock.
Choking is a complete or partial obstruction of the airway interfering with breathing. If an adult is
moving air but conscious, the correct treatment is to encourage them to dislodge the obstruction.
If they lose consciousness or become partially unresponsive, after you have absolute or implied
consent you may assist them clearing their airway and if necessary perform CPR.
Sever bleeding represents a threat to life in many different ways. The patient could go into deep
medical shock if left untreated or die from a lack of blood sufficient to move oxygen through the
body. The correct treatment for severe bleeding is to apply direct pressure, elevate the area of the
body affected and provide the patient with rest.
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Heart compressions are only performed for a patient who is not breathing and does not have a
pulse or heart rate. If the person has a heart rate but is not breathing, rescue breathing may be
required to assist them.
If a patient is unconscious but breathing and they have a heart rate, they are placed in the recovery
position and monitored if there is a threat to the airway and no risk of spinal injury. If there is not
an immediate risk to the airway and there is a risk of spinal injury do not move the patient unless
some other factor is present or develops that presents an immediate and serious risk to life such as
fire, etc.
CPR may be applied using a variety of methods. For a patient who is not breathing and who does
not have a pulse, heart compressions and rescue breathing may be used if it is safe to do so. This
generally means that there is a barrier such as a CPR pocket mask available to you and that you do
not have a personal safety concern.
If you are unable or unwilling to perform full CPR you may provide compressions only CPR to
move oxygen sufficient to sustain life or prevent further harm for a brief period due to a patient’s
natural oxygen reserves.
10.7 Summary
This section provided the reader a brief overview of the Security role and some concerns that may
occur in the workplace. Security Guards are responsible for health and safety of persons on a
protected property as well as Security and the physical plant. A Security Guard’s actions must not
be negligent and undertaken in good faith if they are to provide emergency first aid assistance to
anyone.
The Emergency First Aid, CPR Level – B or C certification program will provide you with more
in depth information as well as hands on practice to develop the psychomotor skills at the required
competency level.
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The following pages have several sample examination questions, including content set out in the
curriculum and that you may find on the Ministry required examination. The recommended study
methodology is to answer as many of the questions as possible, without reviewing the material and
sections presented in this manual.
Once you have answered all the questions you are able to, without looking, go back and review
the sections for the questions you cannot answer. Answer the remainder of the questions, to the
best of your ability then check your results against the answers provided at the end of this exercise.
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5 What is the maximum penalty for an individual’s violation of the code of conduct?
A $1000.00 fine
B Community service
C $25,000.00 fine and/or a year in jail
D Suspension or revocation of the Security Guard license
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13 What are the following types of reports a Security Guard may normally complete?
A Shift logs, incident reports, briefing reports and use of force reports
B Crown briefs and private information
C Timetables, needs assessments and recommendations
D Executive summary and progress reports
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15 What is required of employers according to the Occupational Health & Safety Act?
A Provide body armour to employees
B Provide a reasonably safe and healthy work environment
C Provide higher pay rates in riskier work environments
D Ensure that two guards are assigned to a site at night time
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33 You are working as a Security Guard and your duty is to escort a large group of
people through a high security area. Where should you position yourself in relation
to the group to best accomplish your job?
A The front of the group
B The back of the group
C Beside the group on either side
D Access the group, then monitor their movements by closed circuit television
34 While working as a Security Guard you are patrolling the perimeter of the
property. You come across an apparent crime scene. What is the first thing you
should do?
A Cordon off the area, contain the scene, keep bystanders away and call for the police
B Call 911
C Identify witnesses, interview them and prevent them from leaving
D Put up caution tape, photograph the scene, draw diagrams and collect physical evidence
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37 You are on bicycle patrol when you witness a person smash a car window. What do
you do?
A Call 911 and ask for immediate assistance as there is a break and enter in progress
B Call for back up and wait but do not approach the person
C Immediately arrest the person for mischief to private property
D Observe and monitor the situation, take notes and submit an incident report at the end of
your shift
38 You are on patrol in the mechanical penthouse of a building when you notice a
puddle forming from liquid leaking out of a drum. What do you do?
A Call 911 and ask for the fire department to attend
B Place barricades down, contain the spill and use a squeegee to push it down a drain
C Make a note of the concern and submit an incident report at the end of your shift
D Keep people away from the area and check WHMIS and MSDS information on site
39 What radio 10 code is used when you don’t understand what the dispatcher has said
and you need them to repeat their transmission?
A 10-78
B 10-99
C 10-9
D 10-4
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40 What is the best course of action to take when you find people stuck in an elevator,
after hours late in the evening?
A Locate the elevator, reassure the occupants and call the elevator service company
B Call 911
C Attempt to force the doors open and rescue the trapped occupants
D Call the site property manager and ask for instructions
41 You are working as a Security Guard at a large night club when you receive a radio
call asking you to respond to the ground level and provide assistance at the door.
What do you do?
A Run immediately to the area to determine how you can help
B Ask for more information and respond as quickly as possible in a safe manner
C Respond as quickly as possible in a safe manner and call 911 on your way
D Ask your supervisor to respond as you are engaged in other critical duties
42 Your supervisor asks you to write a detailed summary report briefing the client
regarding an occurrence. You have never written a report of this nature before.
What do you do?
A Write the report and seek the assistance and advice of your supervisor
B Advise your supervisor this is not in your job description
C Ask your co-workers to assist you with the report and detail all concerns the team may
have regarding the incident
D Do the best you can and submit the report as is
43 You are working as a Security Guard in a factory when you come across a small,
contained fire in an outside trash bin on the property. What do you do?
A Use a fire house to douse the flames before it gets out of hand
B Call 911 and request the assistance of the Fire Department immediately
C Throw a floor mat over the fire to smother it
D Use a portable extinguisher of the correct type to put it out
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44 You come across a contractor on the roof that cannot provide the request for work
order and you have no record of him needing to be there, what do you do?
A Arrest them for trespassing
B Properly identify them and contact your supervisor by radio to report the matter and
follow instructions
C Make them immediately leave the area with their tools and lock the roof access to
prevent further intrusion
D Take notes and submit an incident report at the end of your shift
45 A worker returns to the worksite after hours and advises he has forgotten his tools
in a secure area of the facility that he says he needs the next morning for work at
another worksite. What should you do?
A Let the worker get his tools and submit a report
B Properly identify the worker, escort him to the area and note all property he removes in
detail
C Refuse him access to the area and advise him to return during business hours the next day
D Call the property manager at home to get authorization before giving the worker his tools
46 You are working alone on a site after hours at a fixed post in the lobby of the
building and you have been given strict instructions to not leave the desk unless
properly relived. You receive a mechanical alarm. What do you do?
A Stay at your post and submit an incident report at the end of your shift
B Immediately attend the mechanical area to determine the cause
C Contact mechanical personnel for the site and advise them of the alarm
D Continue to monitor the alarm condition to see if it gets worse
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48 You are on site after an emergency. A man suffered a heart attack and has been
taken away by ambulance to the hospital. What is your next step?
A Contact the hospital to determine the patient’s condition
B Return to the security office, notify your supervisor or dispatcher and write a detailed
incident report
C Call the client at home to verbally notify her what occurred
D Make detailed notes and submit an occurrence report the next business day
49 You are working as a Security Guard when you become the victim of a criminal act
while on duty. What do you do next?
A Complete a detailed report and notify your supervisor
B Call the police and make a report
C Attempt to identify the suspect, conduct an investigation and arrest the offender once
identified
D Take notes and notify your supervisor on the next business day
50 You need to respond to an unusual situation on your site. What is the first authority
you should consider before formulating your plan?
A Federal and provincial statutes
B Post orders, daily briefs and your supervisor’s instructions
C The client’s policy
D Your security company’s policy
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53 An employee has been fired and you are under direction to retrieve company
property they keep in their locker. What do you do?
A Immediately open the locker with bolt cutters and seize the company property
B Ask management for a second key and have the foreman witness what you remove and
turn over the fired employee’s property at a later date
C Let the employee empty their locker and bring the items to you at your post
D Escort them, get them to open the locker, document everything belonging to the company
and have them sign that you have obtained these items from them.
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55 You come upon a car parked in an unauthorized area on your property. What is the
best thing to do?
A Open the car and see if you can find the ownership, identify the owner and have them
move it
B Call 911 and immediately report the matter to the police
C Record the vehicle’s information and call parking enforcement to attend, then submit a
report
D Call the towing company authorized on your site and have it removed
56 You have a statement from a person hand written on blue lined paper in pencil,
what do you do?
58 A noisy group forms a protest at the entrance to your store/mall, what do you do?
A Direct them to leave and advise them if they fail to comply they will be arrested for
trespassing
B Monitor the group and call the authorities if necessary to protect people or property
C Arrest the leader for engaging in prohibited activity
D Call 911 and ask the police to attend and arrest trouble makers
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59 What is the one piece of ID that a Security Guard on duty is required to carry by
law?
A Driver’s license issued in the province or country of origin
B A Canadian Social Insurance Card or permit to work
C A current passport issued in Canada or the country of the worker’s origin
D The Security Guard License issued to the Guard in the province of Ontario
61 What statute provides for the use of force by Security Guards when justified?
A The Criminal Code of Canada
B Post orders and company policy
C The Trespass to Property Act
D The Duty of Care Act
62 According to the regulations, who is the owner of the memo book you complete
while on duty?
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66 The assessment process from the National Use of Force Framework is what?
A Profiled Subject Behaviours
B Assess, Plan ,Act
C Act, Assess, Plan
D Plan Officer Response Options
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67 An actively resistant, arrested Subject pulls away from you when arrested, you
should do what?
A Punch him at least three times
B Ground the Subject and handcuff him immediately
C Kick his shin and use strong commands to stop his resistance
D Use soft physical control techniques and tactical communications to control him
68 An aggressive subject raises his fist and yells a threat, closing aggressively. This
action is considered what level of profiled subject behaviour?
A Cooperative
B Actively Resistant
C Assaultive
D Passively Resistant
69 The best way to describe a Fire Safety Plan is which of the following?
A A legal document, which is approved by the local fire department and specifies the legal
responsibilities of the site owner and agents of the owner with respects to fire safety.
B A legal document containing the laws governing all aspects of fire
C Laws that are approved by the city for the site
D A legal document listing all of the emergency equipment and first aid cabinets on a site
70 When conducting a bomb search after a threatening call is received and a suspicious
object is found. What you should do next?
A Prevent anyone from going near or touching the object, notify the property manager and
follow instructions
B Immediately evacuate the building by pulling a fire alarm
C Call 911 and notify the dispatcher there is a bomb in the building
D Locate a bucket of water to douse the explosive and prevent it going off
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74 Which of the following are examples of questions that WOULD NOT need to be
answered in an incident report/notebook?
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77 What is the legal drinking age for a person in a licensed establishment according to
the Liquor License Act of Ontario?
A 18 years of age or older
B 17 years of age or older
C 19 years of age or older
D 21 years of age or older
78 In what circumstances may an entry be made into a residential premise by a
landlord or an agent of the landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act without
notice?
A In the case where there is suspicion of illegal acts going on in the premise.
B In the case where the tenant is behind on their rent and the landlord wants to confiscate
property to recoup monies owed.
C In the case of an emergency situation where access is required to prevent major damage
and/or injury.
D In the case where a Realty agent wants to show the unit to potential renters.
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79 While working in a mall as a Security Guard you receive a call from a store clerk
regarding a theft occurrence in their store that they have witnessed. What should
you do next?
A You go to the store in question and make the arrest once the store clerk has identified the
suspect
B You go to the store in question and assist the store clerk in making a lawful arrest.
C You go to the store in question and use physical force to apprehend the suspect.
D You go to the store in question and arrest the suspect once they leave the store.
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82 While working as a Security Guard you notice a person with a disability having
difficulty entering the doors with their wheelchair. What should you do?
A Approach and ask if they would like your assistance.
B Approach quickly before they have an accident and push the wheelchair to correct the
problem.
C Monitor them until they ask for assistance.
D Continue your duties as the situation is personal and none of your business.
83 Which of the following is an example of a Bias that a Security Guard may have?
A People under the influence of illegal drugs may be dangerous.
B People from their own background are friendlier than people from anywhere else.
C Peace Officers are considered experts in the field of law and legal matters.
D Fire Fighters are best suited to fight large fires
84 Section 25 of the Criminal Code allows anyone who is required or authorized under
the law to do anything in administration or enforcement of the law if acting
reasonably to do what?
A Use as much force as reasonably necessary for that purpose.
B Use force to reasonably protect their self against assault.
C Use force to reasonably protect others against assault.
D Use reasonable defensive force to prevent injury to self or others.
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87 What does Private Information & Protection of Electronic Documents Act govern?
A Use of internet, computers, email and electronic devices.
B The collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
C Protection of private and personal documents against theft.
D The types of documents that can be collected and stored electronically.
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90 Section 494, subsection 1(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada allows what authority
to persons?
A Peace officers to arrest people without warrant who they believe on reasonable grounds
to have committed an offence for which they may be arrested without warrant
B Security Guards to arrest people without warrant who they believe on reasonable grounds
to have committed an offence for which they may be arrested without warrant
C Anyone to arrest a person whom he finds committing an indictable offence
D The authority for anyone who is required or authorized to do anything in the
administration or enforcement of the law to use as much force as is reasonably necessary
for that purpose
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Answer Key
1 C 24 A 47 A 70 A
2 B 25 D 48 B 71 C
3 A 26 A 49 B 72 A
4 B 27 B 50 A 73 D
5 C 28 D 51 B 74 D
6 D 29 A 52 D 75 D
7 A 30 D 53 D 76 B
8 A 31 C 54 A 77 C
9 C 32 C 55 C 78 C
10 C 33 B 56 D 79 B
11 A 34 A 57 C 80 D
12 D 35 D 58 B 81 C
13 A 36 C 59 D 82 A
14 B 37 B 60 C 83 B
15 B 38 D 61 A 84 A
16 D 39 C 62 B 85 D
17 C 40 A 63 C 86 B
18 C 41 B 64 B 87 B
19 D 42 A 65 D 88 A
20 D 43 D 66 B 89 B
21 A 44 B 67 D 90 C
22 C 45 B 68 C
23 C 46 C 69 A
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http://www.ontariosecuritytesting.ca/
1-866-248-2555
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Acknowledgements
Author and Instructional Design
Paragon Security
Scott Suter
Director, Training and Development
1st revision April 2010
Current version revised January 12th 2016
Original Artwork
Figures 9.6.3.a, 9.6.3.b, 9.6.3.c
Luis Matias
Paragon Security
Instructor, Security Training
MPTC Certified Senior Instructor
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References
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