Ontario Security Guard Test Use of Force Framework 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary principle governing use of force by security guards in Ontario?
- Force should always be avoided completely
- Only the minimum force reasonably necessary in the circumstances may be used (Correct answer)
- Security guards may use the same level of force as police
- Force is permitted whenever a guard feels threatened
Correct answer: Only the minimum force reasonably necessary in the circumstances may be used
The fundamental principle is that only the minimum force reasonably necessary to achieve a lawful objective may be used. This is grounded in section 25 of the Criminal Code.
Question 2: What is the 'Use of Force Continuum' or 'Force Options Model'?
- A type of self-defence martial art
- A framework that shows escalating levels of force a security guard may use in response to escalating levels of threat (Correct answer)
- A ranking system for security guard certifications
- A legal document filed after every use of force
Correct answer: A framework that shows escalating levels of force a security guard may use in response to escalating levels of threat
The Use of Force Continuum outlines levels of force from officer presence (lowest) through verbal commands, physical control, intermediate weapons, to lethal force (highest), matched to corresponding threat levels.
Question 3: What is the lowest level on the Use of Force Continuum?
- Verbal commands
- Officer/guard presence (Correct answer)
- Soft physical control
- Use of restraints
Correct answer: Officer/guard presence
Officer/guard presence is the lowest level on the continuum. Simply being visible in uniform can deter unwanted behaviour without any verbal or physical intervention.
Question 4: Under Canadian law, when is a security guard justified in using force?
- Whenever they feel uncomfortable
- When making a lawful arrest, preventing a crime, defending themselves or others, or removing a trespasser (Correct answer)
- Only when specifically authorized by their employer in writing
- Only after police have given permission
Correct answer: When making a lawful arrest, preventing a crime, defending themselves or others, or removing a trespasser
Force may be justified in specific circumstances: making a lawful citizen's arrest, preventing the commission of an offence, self-defence or defence of others, and removing trespassers under the Trespass to Property Act.
Question 5: What is the legal test for determining if force used by a security guard was 'reasonable'?
- Whether the guard felt the force was appropriate
- Whether a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have used the same level of force (Correct answer)
- Whether the force resulted in injury
- Whether the employer approved the use of force
Correct answer: Whether a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have used the same level of force
The legal test is objective: would a reasonable person, facing the same circumstances and knowing what the guard knew, have used the same type and degree of force? This is assessed after the fact by courts.
Question 6: What should a security guard do immediately after using force?
- Leave the scene to avoid further confrontation
- Check for injuries, render first aid if needed, call emergency services, and document the incident thoroughly (Correct answer)
- Continue with their patrol as normal
- Discuss the incident with other guards before writing anything down
Correct answer: Check for injuries, render first aid if needed, call emergency services, and document the incident thoroughly
After using force, the guard must check the subject for injuries, provide or arrange first aid, call police and paramedics if needed, and create a detailed written report of the incident.
