Turn the individual over to police: what security guards and citizens must do when someone is arrested

Title: When an Arrest Might Be Needed: The Right Move for Security Guards and Citizens

Let’s set the scene. You’re on duty, or you’re just nearby, and someone has committed or is about to commit a crime. The instinct to act is real. But what’s the right move when it comes to arrest? In most cases, the answer is straightforward: turn the person over to the police. Here’s why, and how to handle it responsibly.

Who has the authority here?

Let me explain the key boundary. Private security guards are not law enforcement officers. They’re there to deter trouble, alert authorities, and keep people safe. They don’t have the same powers as police to detain indefinitely or perform formal arrests. That distinction matters. It keeps the process fair and ensures the person’s rights are respected.

Why handing off to the police is the sensible path

Think of it this way: the arrest process is built around due process, evidence collection, and legal standards that police are trained to handle. If a guard or a citizen tries to improvise an arrest—whether by handcuffing, questioning as a detainer, or conducting a weapons search—there’s a real risk of crossing legal lines. It can lead to accusations of false imprisonment, improper search, or misinterpretation of the person’s rights.

By turning the individual over to police, you’re not handing over panic or blame—you’re handing over expertise, protective protocols, and the chain of custody that matters for any consequences that follow. It’s a practical move that keeps everyone safer and reduces the chance of unintended legal trouble.

What to do at the moment the issue arises

If you’re on the scene, here’s a practical, humane sequence you can follow:

• Stay calm and observe: Notice what happened, who was involved, and where the incident took place. Your calm demeanor helps de-escalate tension—people respond to confidence.

• Prioritize safety: Your first goal is to keep yourself and bystanders safe. Create space, avoid unnecessary physical contact, and be mindful of potential weapons or hazards.

• Notify authorities: Call the local police or emergency line to report the incident. Provide a clear location, a concise description of what happened, and any known injuries or hazards.

• Preserve the scene: Do not move items that may be part of the incident, and avoid tampering with evidence. If there are surveillance cameras, note the time and area involved so authorities can review footage.

• Communicate clearly with the person involved: If it’s safe to do so, let them know that police are on the way and that you’re there to cooperate with authorities. Keep your language non-confrontational and factual.

• Document what you can: As soon as you can, write a straightforward incident report. Include who you spoke with, what you observed, times, locations, and any actions you took. If there were witnesses, capture their accounts as well.

What not to do (common missteps to avoid)

Some actions feel like they make sense in the moment, but they can trip you up legally. Avoid these:

• Do not attempt to arrest or detain beyond what is legally allowed for private individuals. Formal arrests are for police services, not private citizens or security personnel performing duties.

• Do not search the person for weapons or valuables unless there is an immediate safety concern and you’re legally justified. In many places, a private person’s search can create legal exposure.

• Do not compel or coerce statements as if you’re conducting an interrogation. A “cautioned statement” or any formal-sounding interrogation is outside the usual private-duty scope and should be left to police, who will handle appropriate rights advisement.

• Do not misrepresent the situation to others in an effort to control the outcome. Clear, factual communication with authorities and witnesses is essential.

Ontario-specific context: what guards should know

In Ontario, security personnel operate under guidelines that emphasize safety, accountability, and cooperation with police. While PSISA—the Private Security and Investigative Services Act—governs many licenses and duties, the practical takeaway remains consistent: if a crime has occurred or is ongoing, notify police and provide full cooperation. The aim isn’t to play the role of police but to act as a responsible observer and reporter who helps the proper authorities do their job.

Two important nuances often come up:

• Detention vs. arrest: A private individual can detain someone only under narrow, lawful circumstances, and even then for a limited period. It’s not a substitute for a formal arrest by police.

• Rights and due process: The rights of the person involved matter just as much as public safety. Managing a scene with respect for privacy, dignity, and lawful procedure is part of professional duty.

A quick scenario to anchor the idea

Imagine you’re closing a storefront and notice someone attempting to steal a laptop. The person tries to leave as you approach. You can use non-confrontational communication to alert the person that you’ve seen the crime, call for police, and help bystanders move away to reduce risk. If the individual is still nearby when police arrive, you’ve done what’s expected: you’ve documented, reported, and provided location and witness statements, letting trained officers take over. You didn’t force a detainment, you didn’t perform a questionable search, and you didn’t “handle it” like a scene from a movie. You protected people, preserved evidence, and handed the scene to professionals who can pursue the matter through proper channels.

Real-world flow: from incident to handover

Here’s a practical, real-world rhythm you’ll see in many Ontario environments:

• Incident occurs or is observed

• Immediate safety steps are taken (distance, safety zones, alerting others)

• Police are contacted with essential details

• A concise, factual incident report is started

• Evidence is preserved (photos, camera footage, location notes)

• Police arrive, take control, and questions are answered by security staff

• Follow-up with your organization’s internal reporting and any required documentation

That flow keeps everyone focused on safety first, and on accuracy second. It also protects you from stepping into duties you’re not trained for.

Training and policies that shape daily practice

Most security professionals in Ontario aren’t tossed into the deep end without a policy playbook. The right training covers:

• Legal boundaries for detainment and use of force

• How to interact with the public in tense moments

• The correct procedure for calling police and reporting incidents

• How to document events clearly and objectively

• When and how to coordinate with business owners, managers, and legal teams

If your site has a written security policy, read it. If you’re unsure about a step, ask a supervisor or contact the law enforcement liaison for your agency. It’s not about fear of making a mistake; it’s about reducing risk and making sure you’re acting within the rules.

A few quick tips that actually help

• Keep contact information handy: Always know the local police non-emergency numbers in your area and have a quick reference for your organization’s reporting templates.

• Use plain, precise language: When you describe what happened, avoid jargon that only makes sense to people inside your team. Clarity helps everyone—especially witnesses who may tell their stories later.

• Practice good posture and tone: Even when the situation gets heated, a calm voice and steady posture go a long way toward de-escalation.

• Trust the process: Your role is to support the authorities, not to “resolve” the incident on your own. The police are trained to handle questions about evidence, rights advisement, and the chain of custody.

• Review after-action notes: After an incident, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. It’s a practical way to raise the bar for future responses.

A quiet reminder about accessibility and inclusion

Incidents can happen in any setting—retail, healthcare, transit, or residential buildings. People with disabilities, the elderly, or those in distress may react differently to stress. When you’re guiding a crowd or explaining the next steps, keep your language accessible, be patient, and offer help when you can. A little kindness can prevent a minor tense moment from becoming something bigger.

Putting it all together

Here’s the bottom line: when an arrest seems necessary, the safest and most lawful path is to hand the situation to the police. You’re not abandoning duty; you’re exercising the responsibility that comes with being a security professional and a good citizen. The right move protects everyone involved and preserves the integrity of the process.

If you’re ever unsure, remember this simple checklist:

• Is there immediate danger? If yes, prioritize safety first and call for help.

• Is there a reason to detain? If not, don’t; contact the police instead.

• Have you documented what happened clearly? Do it as soon as you can after the incident.

• Are you coordinating with authorities? Stay available, cooperative, and precise in your information.

That’s the practical core of doing things right in the moment.

Final thoughts: staying sharp and responsible

The moment a potential arrest looms is exactly when training and calm judgment come to the fore. You don’t need to be a hero to be effective. You need to be level-headed, rule-following, and helpful to the people around you. When you act that way—report promptly, preserve the scene, and let the police take it from there—you’re doing a solid, professional job.

If you ever feel unsure about a scenario you’re facing, use your organization’s policies as your compass, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or local authorities. The goal isn’t about proving something in the moment; it’s about keeping people safe, upholding rights, and supporting a lawful, orderly process that protects everyone in the long run.