Security guards should only use force when authorized and necessary.

Title: When is force appropriate for a security guard in Ontario?

Let’s talk about a question that pops up in the field more often than you’d expect: when, exactly, should a security guard use force? It’s a tricky line to walk. The right answer isn’t a quick reflex or a personal judgment call. It’s a careful blend of law, policy, and solid training—applied only when authorized and necessary.

The core rule in plain terms

Here’s the baseline idea: force should be used only when it’s authorized and necessary. That means it’s not up to a guard to decide on a whim. It’s guided by the law, by employer policies, and by the guard’s training. The goal is safety—for the public, for the guard, and for anyone else involved. When force isn’t clearly justified, the safest move is de-escalation or simply stepping back and getting help.

Let’s unpack what authorized and necessary actually look like in the real world.

What “authorized” means in practice

• Legal authority: Guards operate within a legal framework. They aren’t free to act as they please. If the law doesn’t permit a certain action, neither can a guard. In Ontario, this means following statutes and the specific security regulations that govern private security personnel.

• Employer policies: Each security team has policies that spell out when force can be used. These policies reflect the law, but they also adapt to the realities of the job—crowd dynamics, the layout of a building, and the types of incidents a site might see.

• Training guidance: Training isn’t a one-off event. It’s a set of practical steps that teaches how to assess risk, what counts as a proportionate response, and how to document what happened. If a situation isn’t covered by training, the safe move is to pause and seek supervision.

What “necessary” means (and why it isn’t the same as “deserved”)

• Necessity isn’t vengeance: The use of force isn’t a tool to punish or teach a lesson. It’s meant to prevent harm—physical injury, or significant property damage—and to stop a threat that can’t be neutralized by less forceful means.

• Last resort: De-escalation is the first line of defense. It’s about words, distance, posture, and calm control. If those methods can slow or stop a threat, they should be used before anything more assertive happens.

• Proportionality: The response should match the threat. A minor shove doesn’t justify a heavy-handed reaction, just as a serious, immediate danger might justify more force, but never more than what’s needed to stop the danger.

• Time to reassess: Situations change. A sudden threat may escalate, then subside. The right choice is to adjust your response as things evolve, always keeping safety at the forefront.

Real-world scenarios (and why the rule holds up)

• A minor conflict between patrons: A calm, steady presence, clear instructions, and a request to separate people usually suffices. Force isn’t necessary because the threat isn’t severe, and de-escalation can defuse the moment.

• A dangerous, immediate threat to a person: This is where the “necessary” part really matters. If someone is about to injure another person, a controlled, proportionate use of force may be warranted to prevent harm. The key is to apply the smallest amount of force needed and to stop as soon as the threat is neutralized.

• Protecting property in a high-risk scenario: If property is at imminent risk of irreparable damage and there’s a direct, immediate threat to people, force might be used in a limited way to prevent that damage or to remove the threat. Again, proportionality and necessity guide the decision.

• When not to use force: A loud argument, a non-violent dispute, or a minor inconvenience doesn’t justify force. If there’s time, call for backup, use barriers, or redirect people away from danger. Force is not a convenience; it’s a tool with serious consequences.

The power of de-escalation

De-escalation isn’t cute theater; it’s a practical, often effective approach. Here’s why it matters:

• It preserves safety without harming anyone.

• It reduces the likelihood of escalation and the need to use force at all.

• It keeps you in control and within your training.

• It buys time to summon help, which can be decisive in a tense moment.

De-escalation looks like this in the field:

• Speaking calmly, using clear, simple language.

• Maintaining a non-threatening stance, creating space, and giving people a way out.

• Listening for underlying concerns—fatigue, confusion, personal upset—that you can address.

• Redirecting the situation to a safe outcome, like moving people away from danger or guiding them to a safer area.

Training and policies you should expect

A solid security team will have training that covers:

• Legal rights and boundaries: What you can and cannot do, and why.

• De-escalation techniques: Verbal strategies, timing, and environmental awareness.

• Safety procedures: How to secure an area, how to summon help, and how to use equipment responsibly.

• Reporting and accountability: After-action steps, who to notify, and how to document every detail accurately.

• Scenario-based practice: Realistic drills that test judgment under pressure.

The ethical and practical weight of responsibility

Legal consequences aren’t only about fines or penalties. There’s the everyday impact on people’s lives—the trust you build with the community, the respect you earn, and the accountability you demonstrate. Guarding isn’t about dominance; it’s about protection, restraint, and precision. That’s a balance that takes discipline, training, and a clear sense of duty.

Common myths that can trip you up

• Myth: If you feel threatened, you should always use force. Reality: Feeling threatened doesn’t automatically justify force. The threat must be imminent, and the response must be proportional and authorized.

• Myth: You’re expected to “handle it” no matter what. Reality: Guards aren’t lone wolves. They’re part of a system with rules, support, and oversight. If a situation requires more, call for help.

• Myth: Force is the quickest way to end a tense moment. Reality: The aim is control without harm. Quick isn’t better if it invites unnecessary injury or legal trouble.

Documentation and accountability after an incident

No matter the outcome, proper documentation matters. Write down what happened, who was involved, what actions were taken, and why those actions were considered necessary. Include timelines, witnesses, and any equipment used. In many places, this record isn’t just for internal review—it can be crucial if the incident becomes part of a legal or organizational review.

Practical tips you can carry into the job

• Stay mindful of your surroundings: Look for exits, blind spots, and potential hazards.

• Communicate clearly: Use concise instructions and repeat back to confirm understanding when needed.

• Keep distance when you can: Physical space often reduces tension.

• Seek help early: If a situation risks getting out of hand, don’t wait to escalate.

• Reflect afterward: Review what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently next time.

The bottom line

The guiding principle is simple, even if the moments are not: force is a last resort, and it’s only acceptable when authorized and necessary. That means it’s framed by law, shaped by policy, and sharpened by training. It also means a guard’s first instinct is to de-escalate, to protect life, and to keep people safe without causing harm. When force does become part of a response, the aim isn’t to win a confrontation—it’s to restore safety as quickly and as calmly as possible.

If you’re stepping into a role like this, expect a steady pace of learning: more about how people behave, more about the spaces you’re protecting, and more about the tools you have to prevent trouble before it starts. And if a moment comes where force must be used, you’ll rely on the discipline you’ve built through training, the clarity of the rules you follow, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you acted with care, respect, and responsibility.

Because in the end, safety isn’t about being fearless. It’s about choosing the right response at the right moment—and that choice should always be guided by authorization, necessity, and a commitment to doing right by everyone involved.