Ontario Security Guard Test Use of Force Framework 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'soft physical control' in the Use of Force Continuum?
- Pushing someone as hard as possible
- Low-level physical techniques such as guiding, escorting, or applying joint locks without striking (Correct answer)
- Using a baton or pepper spray
- Verbal persuasion only
Correct answer: Low-level physical techniques such as guiding, escorting, or applying joint locks without striking
Soft physical control includes techniques like guiding by the arm, escort holds, and joint locks that control a person without striking or causing significant pain. They are used when verbal commands have failed.
Question 2: What is the difference between 'subjective' and 'objective' fear in use of force situations?
- They are the same thing
- Subjective fear is what the guard personally felt; objective fear is what a reasonable person would feel in the same situation (Correct answer)
- Subjective fear is more important legally
- Objective fear only applies to police officers
Correct answer: Subjective fear is what the guard personally felt; objective fear is what a reasonable person would feel in the same situation
Courts consider both: what the guard actually felt (subjective) and what a reasonable person would have felt (objective). Both must align — the fear must be genuine AND objectively reasonable.
Question 3: Under section 34 of the Criminal Code, what are the three elements required for a valid self-defence claim?
- Fear, anger, and retaliation
- Reasonable belief of a threat, defensive purpose, and proportional response (Correct answer)
- A witness, a report, and a supervisor's approval
- A weapon, a uniform, and a licence
Correct answer: Reasonable belief of a threat, defensive purpose, and proportional response
Self-defence under section 34 requires: (1) reasonable belief that force or a threat of force is being used, (2) the act was for the purpose of defence, and (3) the response was reasonable in the circumstances.
Question 4: What factors do courts consider when evaluating whether a security guard's use of force was reasonable?
- Only whether the suspect was injured
- The nature of the threat, the guard's response options, the level of force used, and the outcome (Correct answer)
- Only the guard's training level
- Only what the guard's employer thinks
Correct answer: The nature of the threat, the guard's response options, the level of force used, and the outcome
Courts consider multiple factors: the nature and severity of the threat, available alternatives, the proportionality of force used, the physical capabilities of both parties, and the overall circumstances.
Question 5: What is 'positional asphyxia' and why should security guards be aware of it?
- A type of first aid technique
- A potentially fatal condition where a person's body position prevents adequate breathing, particularly during restraint (Correct answer)
- A chemical in pepper spray
- A medical condition only affecting the elderly
Correct answer: A potentially fatal condition where a person's body position prevents adequate breathing, particularly during restraint
Positional asphyxia occurs when a person's body position restricts their ability to breathe. It can occur during prone (face-down) restraint and can be fatal, especially when combined with exertion or substance use.
Question 6: What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of use of force?
- Using the largest guard available
- The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force (Correct answer)
- Using force in equal amounts from both sides
- Measuring the exact force used with instruments
Correct answer: The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force
Proportionality means the level of force used must correspond to the level of threat. Using a high level of force in response to a low-level threat would be considered excessive and potentially criminal.
Ontario Security Guard Test Use of Force Framework 2
What is 'soft physical control' in the Use of Force Continuum?