What should a security guard do when they see someone smoking marijuana outside a mall?

Picture this scenario: you’re walking the bright corridors of a busy mall, shoppers weaving around kiosks, the hum of conversation in the air. Outside, near the entrance, you notice a man smoking marijuana. It’s a real-world moment that tests judgment more than bravado. What should you do?

Let me explain the key takeaway right up front: you have no authority to arrest for or seize the drugs. The correct course is to address the situation with the property’s rules in mind and to ask the person to leave the premises for the prohibited activity. In plain terms, enforce the policy you’re entrusted with, not law enforcement powers you don’t possess.

Why this is the right move, in plain language

• Legal boundaries matter. Security guards aren’t police. They don’t have the power to arrest or seize drugs simply because they see a rule violation. The law provides a structured path for enforcement, and that path typically starts with a warning and a request to leave.

• Policy comes first. Most malls have clear rules about what’s allowed on the property. Smoking in certain areas—especially around entrances or in designated zones—often violates those rules. When you act within policy, you protect shoppers, staff, and the business without overstepping.

• Safety and public relations. A calm, predictable response reduces the chance of confrontation. It keeps the situation under control while you call for the appropriate authorities if needed. Nobody wins when a dispute escalates into a brawl or a heated exchange in a busy corridor.

A practical, step-by-step approach you can use

1. Assess and approach with care

• Before you engage, assess safety. Is the person alone? Is there a crowd? Are you in a position where you can approach without crowding or provoking a reactive response?

• Approach calmly. Identify yourself as security, maintain a non-threatening posture, and keep a respectful distance. A gentle tone goes a long way—people respond better to a colleague who isn’t barking orders.

2. State the policy, clearly and simply

• Let the person know the activity is not allowed on the property. Use simple language: “Our policy prohibits smoking on mall property. Please leave the premises.” Avoid jargon or legalese.

• Offer a brief explanation if appropriate: “To keep air quality safe for customers and staff and to respect our policies.”

3. Give a straightforward exit option

• Tell them where to go and that they should leave the property to avoid further enforcement actions. If possible, point toward the nearest exit or public area away from the mall.

4. Don’t search, seize, or detain

• Do not attempt to confiscate substances or arrest the person. That’s not within the typical guard’s authority.

• If they refuse to leave, you can call for police assistance or a supervisor. The goal is to remove the person from the premises in a lawful, orderly way.

5. Document what happened

• After the interaction, log the incident: time, location, a brief description of the person, the observed behavior, and the outcome (the person left, or police were summoned, etc.).

• Documentation helps with follow-up and any future inquiries. It also shows you acted in a measured, consistent way.

6. Follow up with your team

• Notify a supervisor or the loss prevention lead. Share what you observed, what you said, and the response. This creates a record and helps refine the response for the next incident.

7. If the person becomes hostile or unpredictable

• Prioritize safety. If there’s any risk of violence or escalation, step back and call for backup. Don’t engage in physical restraint. Let trained professionals handle the escalation.

What to avoid in this situation

• Don’t attempt to confiscate the drug or arrest the person. These actions could expose you and the property to legal risk.

• Avoid escalating the confrontation with accusatory language or aggressive body language. Stay calm, professional, and purposeful.

• Don’t delay reporting the incident. If the person refuses to comply, involve the right authorities promptly.

Ontario context you’ll find useful

• The basic principle is straightforward: private security operates under the property’s policies and existing laws. If a rule is broken on private property, the security team can take steps to remove the person from the premises, sometimes issuing a trespass notice after the fact if needed. This is often done in coordination with property management and, when required, with police.

• The Trespass to Property Act in Ontario provides a framework for notices and removal. Security guards typically don’t issue criminal charges; they inform, de-escalate, and route enforcement to the police or security supervisors. A calm, documented process is more effective than any attempt at self-judgment in the moment.

• When safety is at stake, police presence isn’t a failure; it’s a measured, appropriate step. If the situation has the potential to escalate or if the person refuses to leave, contacting the local police or the Ontario Provincial Police is the responsible move.

Real-world nuances that help you connect the dots

• Think of yourself as a “public space steward,” not a police officer. Your job is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment, and that means sticking to what you’re empowered to do—encourage compliance with property rules, guide people away from restricted areas, and bring in help when needed.

• De-escalation is your secret weapon. A few well-chosen words, steady eye contact, and a calm pace can diffuse tension faster than a stern lecture. People remember how you handle it far more than the exact words you use.

• Communication tools matter. Radios, CCTV, and incident logs aren’t just props. They help you coordinate with colleagues, document the scene, and support any follow-up decisions.

A quick contrast that clarifies the mindset

• A, B, or D might feel like “doing something,” but they aren’t the right tools here. A is an arrest, which you’re not authorized to perform for a substance on property. B is seizing drugs, which you shouldn’t do. D involves waiting for a search warrant, which is the police’s job, not yours. C aligns with your role: enforce policy, keep people safe, and use proper channels to escalate if needed.

What this looks like in practice, with a touch of everyday realism

• You’re patrolling near a mall entrance. A man is outside, lighting a joint. You approach, introduce yourself, and say, “Sir, our policy prohibits smoking on mall property. Please leave the premises.” He asks why. You respond with a brief explanation and the route out of the building. If he leaves, you note the incident and move on. If he resists, you call for supervisor backup or police assistance. Either way, you remain professional, keep your eyes on safety, and log the event.

Sometimes a tangent helps the point land

• Security is not just about rules; it’s about steady judgment. You’ll encounter many gray areas—people with medical cannabis cards, temporary outdoor events, or unusual weather, all of which can change how policies apply. The trick is knowing where the lines are and how to move along them without tripping up. That comes from training, clear policy handbooks, and practice with real-world scenarios.

Wrapping up: a practical mindset for guards on the ground

• You don’t need to be a hero; you need to be reliable. Your goal is safety, order, and policy compliance. When you see a prohibited activity like smoking on property, the right move is to address it calmly, ask the person to leave, and involve police or supervisors if necessary. That’s how you protect shoppers, support staff, and the property’s reputation without overstepping legal boundaries.

• It helps to rehearse this kind of response. Role-play with teammates, review incident templates, and keep your notes tight and factual. Preparation reduces tension in real time and makes your actions predictable and fair.

If you’re part of a security team or training new guards, a few final thoughts

• Build a quick reference sheet that outlines common prohibited activities on your property and the standard escalation path. Keep it where you can reach it quickly on patrol.

• Practice de-escalation scripts that you can adapt to different people and moods. A little empathy goes a long way.

• Make sure your incident logs are consistent and precise. The story you tell after the fact should be easy for others to follow.

Bottom line

Seeing someone smoking marijuana outside a mall isn’t a moment to play cop or to seize anything. It’s a moment to enforce policy, protect people, and bring in the right support when needed. By handling it with calm, clear communication and by sticking to your scope, you maintain safety and trust—two things every shopper values as they stroll through a busy mall.

If you’re reflecting on these scenarios, you’re already strengthening your practical toolkit. Stay curious, stay calm, and keep your responses grounded in policy and safety. That combination makes a mall not just a place to shop, but a space where people feel secure.