Ontario Security Guard Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Under section 494 of the Criminal Code, any person may arrest without warrant someone they find:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Committing an indictable offence. A citizen may arrest a person found committing an indictable offence. Mere suspicion or unpopular behaviour is not enough.

Question 2

After a guard makes a lawful citizen's arrest, what must they do?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Deliver the person to a police officer as soon as feasible (forthwith). The Criminal Code requires the arrested person to be turned over to police without delay.

Question 3

Under the Trespass to Property Act, what can a guard authorized by the occupier do?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Direct a trespasser to leave and, if found contravening the Act, arrest them and turn them over to police. The occupier or someone authorized by them can direct a person to leave and may arrest a person found on the premises in contravention of the Act.

Question 4

Does making a citizen's arrest give a security guard the legal power to search the arrested person?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

No; arrest does not grant a search power, though limited action for safety or with consent may apply per employer policy. A citizen's arrest does not create a legal search power. Searching is a police function; any search by a guard is generally consent-based or strictly for immediate safety, per policy.

Question 5

What does 'reasonable grounds' mean when considering an arrest?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A set of facts that would lead an ordinary, cautious person to honestly believe the same thing. Reasonable grounds are objective facts that would convince an ordinary careful person, not a mere suspicion.

Question 6

A guard suspects a shopper of theft but did not see them take anything and has no clear evidence. What should the guard do?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Continue to observe; arrest only if the person is found committing the offence or there are reasonable grounds and lawful authority. An arrest must be based on finding the person committing an offence or on reasonable grounds and lawful authority, not bare suspicion. A wrongful arrest exposes the guard to liability.

Question 7

Compared to a private citizen, a security guard's arrest powers are:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Essentially the same, plus the occupier's authority on the protected property. Guards rely on citizen's arrest powers, augmented only by what the occupier authorizes on the protected site.

Question 8

When may a guard reasonably use handcuffs or other restraint on an arrested person?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Only when reasonable and necessary, after a lawful arrest, to prevent escape or harm, and consistent with training/policy. Restraint may only be applied when reasonable and necessary following a lawful arrest, and according to training and employer policy.

Question 9

When a guard arrests someone, what should they tell that person?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The reason they are being arrested. The person should be clearly told the reason for the arrest; police will then advise of Charter rights such as the right to counsel.

Question 10

Can a security guard issue a provincial offence ticket or fine?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

No; only authorized officers such as police or provincial offences officers can issue tickets. Guards have no authority to issue tickets or fines; that power belongs to designated enforcement officers.

Ontario Security Guard Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

More Ontario Security Guard Licence practice questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.