Section 25 explains how private arrests use force in Canada’s Criminal Code.

If you’re gearing up for the Ontario security testing exam, here’s a core legal milepost that often comes up in real life and in tests alike: private citizens who make a lawful arrest are protected by Section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Let’s unpack what that means, why it matters, and how it plays out in the field.

A quick, practical summary you can carry with you

• Who it covers: Private individuals—think you, me, or a security guard—acting to arrest someone when a crime is or seems to be occurring.

• The key idea: You may use reasonable force to carry out the arrest, but only if it’s appropriate to the situation.

• The big constraint: The force used must be proportional and necessary to achieve the arrest, and you must be acting in good faith.

Let me explain why that matters, not just for a test but for real-world safety and accountability.

What Section 25 actually does

Here’s the thing about Section 25: it creates a lawful shield for a private person who is acting to prevent crime or to apprehend a suspect, as long as what they do stays within reasonable bounds. In plain language, you can’t go around injuring people or causing needless harm just because you think someone might have done something wrong. The act has to be measured and justified by the risk and the immediacy of the threat.

This clause recognizes a simple truth: sometimes rapid action is needed in the moment to stop a crime or protect others. But speed doesn’t erase responsibility. The force used has to be necessary to stop the threat and to complete the arrest, not to settle scores or vent frustrations. In practice, that balance often looks like stepping in to deter, restrain briefly, and then summon law enforcement to take over.

Why the other options aren’t the answer here

If you’re staring at a multiple-choice question in your notes, you’ll see options like Section 26 or Section 27 pop up. Here’s the essential distinction to keep straight: those sections don’t directly govern private arrests the way Section 25 does. Section 25 is the specific provision that contemplates a private person acting in good faith to prevent a crime or arrest a suspect. The other sections cover different legal concepts—often in the realm of official capacity or other facets of the use of force—which aren’t the focal point for a private arrest in Ontario.

Reading the room: what “reasonable force” looks like

When exam writers and real-world trainers talk about “reasonable force,” they’re not tossing out a vague idea. They’re anchoring it to several practical considerations:

• The threat level: Is there an immediate risk to you or others? If yes, force may be more readily justified, but only as much as is necessary.

• The severity of the crime: A serious offense can justify a stronger response, but proportionally so.

• The least intrusive means: If you can restrain with a touch, or simply detain and wait for police, that’s usually preferable to escalation.

• The aftermath: After detaining, you should hand the scene to authorities, preserve evidence, and document what happened.

For security professionals, those guardrails aren’t abstract. They translate into training routines, de-escalation practices, and clear steps for safe handover to law enforcement. In Ontario, private security personnel often operate under additional frameworks (like PSISA—Private Security and Investigative Services Act) that shape how force is taught, recorded, and reviewed. It’s not just about the code; it’s about company policies that reflect the law in everyday work.

A practical scenario, with a few pause points

Imagine you’re working a busy mall shift. A theft occurs in a storefront. The suspect starts to run. You have a split second to decide how to respond. Here’s a sketch of how Section 25 concepts might guide your decisions:

• Step 1: Assess the threat. Is the suspect a risk to others? Is a crime in progress?

• Step 2: Choose the minimum force necessary to safely detain. Could you wean the person into a controlled hold without causing injury? If you can, do it.

• Step 3: Don’t chase or grab in a way that could cause serious harm. If the arrest is not imminent, focus on de-escalation and containment.

• Step 4: Call for police or appropriate authorities as soon as you can, and document every detail—time, location, actions taken, witnesses, and any injuries.

• Step 5: After the incident, report through the proper channels, and review what happened with your team. This isn’t about blame; it’s about learning and reducing risk next time.

These steps aren’t about paranoia; they’re about clarity. When you translate legal concepts into action, you reduce confusion in the heat of the moment and protect everyone involved.

Why this knowledge matters in the Ontario context

For anyone aiming to understand the Ontario security landscape, Section 25 isn’t merely academic. It underpins safe practice in public spaces, shopping centers, office complexes, and transit hubs. It also informs personal decisions about how to intervene—and when to step back. The combination of the Criminal Code and provincial frameworks creates a practical playbook: act in good faith, use only what’s necessary, and rely on authorities to finish the job.

A few common pitfalls to watch for

• Going too far for a quick outcome. If you overreact or apply force beyond what’s needed, you risk liability and harm.

• Failing to prove the “reasonable” basis. Keep notes, time stamps, and witnesses. Documentation can be a lifesaver if questions arise later.

• Delaying the call for help. Arrests aren’t completed by one person alone. Police or security leaders should be involved promptly.

• Treating “lawful arrest” as a blanket permit. The law understands context. A mistaken belief that a crime is occurring can complicate even well-intentioned actions.

What this means for your learning journey

Let me connect the dots for you. When you study for the Ontario security testing exam, think of Section 25 as a real-world anchor for making confident, lawful decisions on the ground. It helps you understand not just what you can do, but why the boundaries exist. It also nudges you toward best practices like de-escalation, risk assessment, and thorough reporting—skills that pay off in everyday duties and in professional growth.

A few practical takeaways

• Know the core idea: private individuals may use reasonable force in the course of a lawful arrest, and that force must be proportional to the situation.

• Distinguish between private arrests and police powers. Private citizens have protections under Section 25, but the context matters.

• Supplement this knowledge with your agency’s policies and provincial guidelines. Real-world procedures matter as much as the law.

• Embrace de-escalation first. If you can resolve a situation without force, you should.

• Document meticulously. Your notes are part of the record and can help everyone involved make sense of what happened.

• Seek ongoing training. Use scenarios, role-plays, and legal briefings to keep the concepts fresh and applicable.

A nod to the broader picture

Security around Ontario isn’t only about defending property or catching the bad guys. It’s about keeping spaces safer for everyone: shoppers, workers, visitors, and even the people who learn from you. When you understand how a private arrest is supposed to work under Section 25, you gain a calmer, more deliberate approach to tense moments. You’re not front-loading fear; you’re adding clarity.

If you ever feel unsure, pause, breathe, and reassess. You’re not expected to handle every collision by yourself. Your job is to protect people, act within the law, and call for help when needed. That practical balance—courage with caution—defines the everyday craft of private security in Ontario.

Final reflections

To sum up the core point you need for the exam and beyond: Section 25 of the Criminal Code protects a private person making a lawful arrest by allowing reasonable, proportional force. It’s about good faith, necessary action, and careful restraint. The practical implication is simple but powerful: think before you act, prioritize safety, and document what you do. When you couple this with solid training and clear procedures, you’re building not just compliance, but trust—in the spaces you help protect.

If you’d like, I can tailor more real-world scenarios or break down how these ideas align with specific security roles in Ontario—from retail to corporate facilities. The law is a map, and with the right compass, you’ll navigate it with confidence.