In Ontario, security guards should report any criminal activity to the police, not minor disputes.

What to report to police? It’s a real-world question that shows up on the job faster than you think. For security guards in Ontario, safety isn’t just about watching doors and patrolling halls; it’s about knowing when to pick up the phone and who to reach. So, let’s get this straight from the start: the key incidents that should be reported to law enforcement are those that involve criminal activity observed on the premises.

A simple, clear answer

If you’re ever unsure about what counts, here’s the bottom line: any criminal activity observed should be reported to police. That means if you see theft, an assault, vandalism, a break-in, someone brandishing a weapon, or anything that breaks the law or threatens public safety, you call the police. It’s not a gray area. It’s about protecting people and protecting property, and police are the professionals who handle these situations.

Now, you might be wondering how this differs from other kinds of incidents that pop up at a site. The short version: criminal activity is what triggers law enforcement involvement. Civil disputes, personal disagreements, or internal site-management issues usually don’t require police intervention—unless those issues escalate into something criminal or dangerous.

Let’s unpack the difference with some real-world context.

Criminal activity versus civil disputes

• Criminal activity observed: You notice someone shoplifting, a physical altercation, graffiti that constitutes vandalism, or a break-in attempt. You document what happened, collect any evidence you’re allowed to handle safely, and report it to the proper authorities. The emphasis here is public safety and the fact that a law might have been broken.

• Civil disputes: Think neighbors arguing about parking or noise, a landlord-tenant disagreement, or a resident feud. These situations are uncomfortable and may require mediation, policy enforcement, or help from property management. They don’t automatically become police matters unless they involve threats, violence, or property damage that constitutes a crime.

• Site management issues: These are about procedures, access control, or daily operations—things like misfiled keys, door alarm malfunctions, or scheduling glitches. They are important, but they’re not police concerns unless a criminal act is involved or someone’s safety is at immediate risk.

Why the distinction matters

Sure, it can feel abrupt to separate the “drama” from the “law,” but it’s all about what's appropriate to call in. A guard’s credibility and safety depend on following established protocols. When you’re clear about what qualifies as a police matter, you reduce confusion for yourself, your team, and the people on site. You also preserve the right kind of evidence and maintain a proper chain of custody—two things that matter when law enforcement becomes involved.

What counts as criminal activity?

Let’s make this practical. Some examples you’ll recognize on most Ontario sites include:

• Theft or attempted theft: Someone taking property without permission, or trying to steal something while you’re watching.

• Assault or threats of violence: Any intentional harm or credible threats toward another person.

• Vandalism or property damage: Deliberate destruction of property, including graffiti that defaces a building or equipment.

• Break-ins and trespass with criminal intent: Unauthorised entry into a restricted area, especially if there’s a risk of harm.

• Possession or use of weapons: Any weapon on the premises, especially if it’s used or brandished.

• Fraud or tampering with security systems: Tampering with locks, alarms, cameras, or access controls with malicious intent.

• Drunk or dangerous behavior that creates an imminent risk: Someone visibly under the influence and posing an immediate threat to themselves or others.

• Car theft, motor-vehicle damage, or hit-and-run on a property: If a vehicle that shouldn’t be there causes damage or escapes.

• Any other activity that violates laws and endangers people: This could include drug activity, forced entry, or violent crime on site.

In short, if you can reasonably classify what you’re seeing as something illegal or that meaningfully injures safety, it’s time to report.

A few notes on what to do (and not do)

Let me explain it in plain terms. The moment you detect criminal activity, your actions should be deliberate but calm. Rushing in with “hero mode”? Not a good idea. Your first priority is safety—for you, for bystanders, and for the person you’re dealing with if you can safely manage the situation. Then, you report.

Here are practical steps to keep in mind:

• Alert first, if there’s danger: If there’s an immediate threat, call 911 right away. If the risk is non-emergency but still serious, use the local non-emergency line for your municipality after you’ve secured the scene and ensured everyone’s safety.

• Observe and document: Note the time, exact location, what happened, who was involved, and what you witnessed. Record details about weapons, vehicles, clothing, and direction of travel if suspects fled. If you’re able, take photographs or video where allowed, and preserve any evidence; avoid confronting suspects or putting yourself in harm’s way.

• Communicate clearly: When you contact law enforcement, use concise, factual language. Provide the location (building, floor, room), the nature of the incident, and the number of people involved. If you’re not sure about a detail, say so, but don’t guess.

• Tell your supervisor or security lead: After you’ve initiated a police report or investigation, loop in your supervisor. They’ll guide how the incident is logged and how it should be escalated within your organization.

• Preserve evidence and maintain a log: Keep a written incident report with date, time, location, witnesses, what happened, actions taken, and any evidence. If your site uses CCTV or access logs, note how you secured them and who accessed them.

• Don’t escalate unnecessarily: Civil disputes or minor disagreements generally don’t require police involvement. If you’re unsure whether something qualifies, ask a supervisor before calling law enforcement.

A quick note on Ontario specifics

Ontario has a layered approach to public safety. While 911 is the universal emergency line, the right move is to call it if there’s an imminent danger to life, a serious crime in progress, or a situation that requires urgent police, fire, or medical response. For non-urgent issues, municipalities have non-emergency numbers you can use to report property crimes, suspicious activity, or after-hours problems. In all cases, your first step should be to ensure everyone’s safety and to document what you can while you wait for professionals to arrive.

The value of good reporting

Strong incident reporting isn’t just about calling for help. It’s about creating a solid record that supports the response and helps with any investigations that follow. A well-documented incident can:

• Provide a clear sequence of events for investigators.

• Help determine if there were systemic gaps in security measures.

• Assist in claims or insurance processes by showing what happened and when.

• Support training improvements so future incidents are handled more smoothly.

Balancing safety with procedure

You’ll notice I’ve mentioned safety a lot. That’s by design. Reporting isn’t about adding bureaucracy; it’s about safeguarding people and property. It’s also about making sure you’re protected—legally and professionally—by sticking to established protocols. You don’t want to be the guard who hesitates or acts on rumor. You want to be the guard who observes carefully, reports accurately, and follows the chain of command.

A few practical tools of the trade

• Radios and phones: Keep reliable lines open to communicate with team members and supervisors. A clear, calm voice matters when you’re relaying information to 911 or a supervisor.

• Incident-report forms: Whether digital or paper, use them consistently. They give you a structured way to capture the who, what, when, where, and why.

• CCTV and access logs: Use them to corroborate what you report. Remember to respect privacy rules and only access footage you’re authorized to review.

• Personal safety equipment: Your own safety is not a luxury; it’s a prerequisite. If you’re ever in danger, retreat to a safe location and call for help.

A closing thought

Security work isn’t about playing judge and jury on the spot. It’s about being a responsible observer, a careful reporter, and a calm, professional liaison with law enforcement when real trouble appears. The most important moment often comes down to recognizing the line between what’s a normal dispute and what’s a criminal act. If you’re ever in doubt, pause, assess, and reach out to the right people.

If you’re aiming to strengthen your on-site practices, small steps can make a big difference. Practice clear reporting with your team, review local police contact protocols for your municipality, and keep a simple, up-to-date incident log. The goal isn’t complexity; it’s reliability. You want to be someone the community can count on when it matters most.

Quick reference checklist (for easy recall)

• Is there an immediate danger to life or safety? If yes, call 911 now.

• Have you observed a criminal act (theft, assault, vandalism, break-in, weapons, etc.)? Report it to police with a concise description.

• Is the situation a civil dispute or a site-management issue? Manage it through internal channels and document it.

• Gather key details: time, location, people involved, witnesses, description of events, and any evidence.

• Notify your supervisor and log the incident in the official report system.

• Preserve evidence and avoid confrontation; prioritize safety.

If you can walk away with one takeaway, let it be this: when the question is “Is this criminal activity?”, the answer should point you toward law enforcement. Clarity, calm, and proper documentation will serve you—and everyone on site—better than any shortcut. And that’s how you keep Ontario workplaces safer, every single day.