What federal law grants a security guard the authority to make an arrest for theft?

The Criminal Code of Canada grants security guards the authority to make an arrest for theft. Under this law, individuals have the power to detain someone they believe is committing a crime, such as theft, provided certain conditions are met. This authority is grounded in the common law principle of "citizen's arrest," allowing private citizens, including security personnel, to act when witnessing a crime in progress.

It's essential for security guards to be familiar with this legislation as it outlines their responsibilities and legal rights when it comes to enforcing the law within their scope of work. Understanding the Criminal Code is crucial for ensuring that arrests are made lawfully and that the rights of all parties involved are respected during the process. This empowerment under the Criminal Code ensures that security personnel can effectively contribute to maintaining safety and order in their environments.