Ontario-security-guard-study-guide

What specific legislation regulates the private security industry in Ontario?

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA).

On what date did the PSISA officially come into force?

August 23, 2007.

What are the three main goals of the PSISA?

Professionalize the industry, increase public safety, and ensure proper training

When did the Training and Testing Regulation come into force?

April 15, 2010

What three specific roles are listed as requiring a licence if working for pay?

Bodyguards, bouncers, and loss prevention personnel.

What are the four eligibility requirements to hold an Ontario security guard licence?

Complete training/testing, be at least 18, clean criminal record, and legally entitled to work in Canada.

When must a security guard carry their licence and show it to the public?

Always while working, including plain-clothes guards, if a member of the public asks.

What specific symbol of authority is explicitly prohibited for a security guard to carry?

A metal badge.

Which four specific words are security guards banned from using to describe their work?

Detective, law enforcement, police, and officer.

What two text options must be displayed on a guard uniform, and what must the ID tag show?

"SECURITY" or "SECURITY GUARD" must be displayed; the tag must show name, licence number, or both.

What are three police-style uniform traits that a security guard uniform is prohibited from having?

Rank chevrons, police-style forage caps, and stripes down the side of the trousers.

Name four behaviors prohibited by the Ministry Code of Conduct while on duty.

Discrimination, profanity/abusive language, excessive force, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What can happen to a guard's licence if a member of the public files a valid complaint?

The licence can be revoked.

What is the maximum penalty an individual faces for violating the PSISA?

A fine of up to $25,000, up to one year in prison, or both.

What are the three primary things a security guard is tasked with protecting?

People, property, and information.

While physical intervention happens, what four actions make up the majority of a guard's assigned tasks?

Observe, deter, record, and report.

What is the most common method of patrol used in the private security industry?

Foot patrol

Why must the timing and routes of patrols be constantly varied?

To ensure they do not become too routine or predictable.

What two critical pieces of data must always be recorded on a visitor log sheet?

The individual's name and their times of entrance and exit.

What specific equipment must a guard wear while performing traffic control?

Proper reflective vests or cuffs.

Name four critical building emergency assets a guard must locate in advance before patrolling.

Telephones, water shut-off valves, electrical/alarm panels, and emergency equipment (like fire extinguishers/first aid kits).

What are four factors a guard must consider when deciding how to handle crowd control before calling police?

Risk to life/property, personal risk to the guard, supervisor instructions, risks of leaving the post, backup availability, and urgency.

Why must a security guard never tear pages out of their notebook?

It can look like the guard is trying to destroy or hide information.

Who legally owns the notebook, and who is responsible for keeping it secure?

The employer owns the notebook, but the guard is responsible for its security.

What are the six core question words that every factual report must answer?

Who, what, when, where, why, and how.

How are notebook notes legally used by a security guard when testifying on a witness stand?

As a memory aid only, not to be read from directly.

Under what baseline condition must a witness statement always be taken from an individual?

Freely, without any threats or promises being made.

What specific technique is required when writing down the witness's exact recollection of events?

Verbatim (word-for-word) transcription.

How must a correction be made if a witness requests a change to a written statement?

Draw a line through the item, and both the witness and guard must initial the start and end of the correction.

Why must a security guard never tear pages out of their notebook?

It can look like the guard is trying to destroy or hide information.

Who legally owns the notebook, and who is responsible for keeping it secure?

The employer owns the notebook, but the guard is responsible for its security.

What are the six core question words that every factual report must answer?

Who, what, when, where, why, and how.

How are notebook notes legally used by a security guard when testifying on a witness stand?

As a memory aid only, not to be read from directly.

Under what baseline condition must a witness statement always be taken from an individual?

Freely, without any threats or promises being made.

What specific technique is required when writing down the witness's exact recollection of events?

Verbatim (word-for-word) transcription.

How must a correction be made if a witness requests a change to a written statement?

Draw a line through the item, and both the witness and guard must initial the start and end of the correction.

What is the primary national goal of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)?

To ensure workers have the knowledge and skills to protect their health from hazardous workplace materials.

What key document must a guard review to evaluate chemical hazards and prepare for an emergency?

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Where must emergency response contact numbers be located at a work site?

Posted in a visible location.

What three specific actions must a guard take when a health and safety risk requires emergency response?

Initiate the emergency response plan, evacuate the area/restrict access, and contact the WHMIS response team or emergency services.

What are three examples of site situations that would require a guard to activate an emergency response?

Chemical spills or leaks, fires or explosions, and improper exposure to a dangerous substance.

What factors determine what type of equipment is purchased and what training is provided for an emergency?

Plans based on the expected types of emergencies and the potential extent of injury or property damage.

• What three tasks might a guard be expected to perform if a fire breaks out on-site?

Activate the fire alarm, contact the fire department, and assist with evacuation/crowd control.

What are four basic fire safety hazards a guard must look out for while on patrol?

Flammables stored near ignition sources, blocked evacuation corridors, blocked exit doors, and damaged fire suppressors.

What is the most common type of alarm system, and how does it function?

Infrared alarms; they detect motion by picking up heat changes in large areas.

What is the absolute top priority for a security guard during any alarm response?

The guard's own personal safety.

Match the system: which alarm types detect a broken beam, and which detect glass shattering?

Photo-electric beams detect a broken beam; seismic alarms detect physical shocks like glass breaking.

What should a guard do if they witness or confirm a crime while responding to an alarm?

Call the police immediately, back off, and observe the area from a safe distance.

What should a guard do if they witness or confirm a crime while responding to an alarm?

Call the police immediately, back off, and observe the area from a safe distance.

What does the legal concept "duty of care" require a security guard to do?

Act as a reasonable person would in that particular situation.

What mindset should a security guard have during every single investigation they conduct?

Conclude it as if the case will potentially go to trial to avoid procedural mistakes.

What is the absolute highest court in Canada's court hierarchy?

The Supreme Court of Canada.

Which level of government has the sole responsibility for creating criminal laws and the Criminal Code?

The federal government.

Under what specific Ontario legislation are provincial offences prosecuted?

The Provincial Offences Act.

What are three common examples of local matters regulated by municipal by-laws?

Noise limits, occupancy limits, and traffic rules.

What are the six core steps required to properly contain evidence?

Collect, secure, preserve, identify, ensure continuity, and log.

What must be clearly demonstrated in court when physical evidence is presented at a trial?

A chain of custody showing uninterrupted control of the evidence.

What three specific pieces of information must a guard mark on an evidence bag when collecting it?

The guard's initials, the time gathered, and the date gathered.

How can a guard best protect the legal chain of custody for a piece of evidence?

Limit the number of people handling it to the smallest number possible and document every transfer.

What is the primary purpose of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)?

To protect personal information by restricting its unauthorized use or disclosure.

What three specific conditions can find a person guilty of a trespass offence under the Trespass to Property Act?

Entering where entry is prohibited, engaging in a forbidden activity, or refusing to leave when asked.

What three methods can an occupier use to give valid legal notice that entry to a location is restricted?

Verbally, in writing, or with signs/markings.

What must a guard immediately do after making a warrantless arrest under the Trespass to Property Act?

Contact the police as soon as possible and deliver the individual to a police officer.

What legal powers of arrest do security guards hold compared to a member of the general public?

Exactly the same powers; they have neither police nor peace officer powers.

Which specific section of the Canadian Criminal Code dictates a citizen's power of arrest?

Section 494.

What baseline requirement must a guard meet to arrest someone for a criminal offence on the property they protect?

They must be authorized by the owner and must have personally witnessed the offence being committed.

Under what condition can a guard arrest someone for an indictable offence off the property they protect?

As long as the security guard personally witnessed the indictable offence take place.

Generally speaking, what is the main legal distinction between a summary offence and an indictable offence?

Indictable offences are more serious crimes (such as theft).

What five general rules apply to all forms of security guard communication?

Be brief, be explicit, be concise, make sure you are understood, and do not be antagonistic.

What four types of non-verbal cues can a guard use to convey information through body language?

Posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.

What must a guard completely exclude from their oral or written reports to ensure accuracy?

Personal bias and opinion.

What three vocal elements must a guard carefully manage to ensure their message is received correctly?

Tone, volume, and cadence.

Why are tone, volume, and cadence especially critical when communicating over the telephone?

Non-verbal cues (like body language) are not available to help the listener interpret reactions.

What is the primary baseline goal of tactical communication?

To ensure that security guards can be assertive without being confrontational.

Why are tone, volume, and cadence especially critical when communicating over the telephone?

Non-verbal cues (like body language) are not available to help the listener interpret reactions.

What four common types of human differences are listed as potential sources of prejudice?

Ethnic background, education, religion, and gender.

Why must security guards learn to actively identify their own internal biases?

To prevent them from affecting how they interact professionally with members of the public.

What can easily occur when two individuals from completely different backgrounds interact?

Miscommunication and misinterpretation.

Which two specific regulatory codes legally oblige an Ontario guard to treat all persons equally without discrimination?

The Code of Conduct Regulation under the PSISA and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).

What type of law is the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), and what baseline right does it guarantee?

It is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities.

What specific provincial act must guards follow to ensure they provide appropriate services to individuals with disabilities?

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

What does Section 25 of the Canadian Criminal Code allow a security guard to do?

Use as much force as is necessary, as long as they act on reasonable grounds.

What warning does Section 26 of the Criminal Code state regarding physical intervention?

Individuals who use force are criminally responsible for any excess force used.

What is the primary purpose of the National Use of Force Model?

To help guards assess a situation and determine the appropriate level of response based on a subject's behavior.

What two dangerous medical conditions can occur during a physical restraint that may lead to sudden death?

Excited delirium syndrome and positional asphyxia.

How should a guard handle a person who appears to be suffering from excited delirium?

Avoid agitating or exciting them further.

What are three potential underlying factors that can trigger excited delirium?

Drug use, mental illness, and brain injuries or tumors.

What is the most critical safety consideration to prevent positional asphyxia during restraint?

Ensuring that the person being restrained is in a position that does not compromise their ability to breathe or restrict their airway in any way.

What specific baseline certification is required under the basic training program for Ontario security guards?

Emergency Level First Aid training (standard equivalent to St. John Ambulance).

What are the three primary intentions and goals of administering First Aid?

Preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery.

What five core practical topics must a guard be familiar with upon completing their first aid course?

Emergency scene management, treatment of shock/unconsciousness/fainting, adult choking, severe bleeding, and adult one-rescuer CPR.

What three supplemental duties can a security guard perform at an emergency medical scene besides direct first aid?

Protect the casualty's belongings, keep unnecessary people away, and reassure the casualty's family or friends.

What three pieces of information should a trained guard hand over to professional first responders when they arrive?

"I am a First-Aider", give the history of the scene, and state the condition of the casualty.