When handling trespass in Ontario, security guards should involve police only if individuals refuse to leave.

Trespass incidents on site: a practical approach for security guards in Ontario

Let’s face it: trespass happens. A store, campus, office park, or mall can attract uninvited guests who linger after hours or wander into restricted areas. The way a security guard handles these moments isn’t just about keeping people safe; it’s about keeping the whole operation running smoothly, preserving trust with the public, and staying within the law. Here’s a straightforward, human-centered guide to handling trespass that mirrors what you’d find in the Ontario security testing environment—and what actually matters in the field.

What counts as trespass, anyway?

Trespass isn’t a nebulous idea; it’s about private property and authorized entry. If you’re on a site where access isn’t open to everyone, you’re dealing with a trespass scenario when someone remains after being asked to leave, or enters without permission. In Ontario, property owners and their agents—like security guards—have the authority to request a person to leave. If that person refuses, you’re stepping into territory where law enforcement can help enforce the request.

This isn’t about “catching” people in the act; it’s about managing a situation with clear steps, calm communication, and documented actions. When you apply a sensible approach, most incidents resolve without confrontation. When they don’t, you’ll be glad you followed a structured plan.

Start with calm, clear communication

Here’s the thing: most trespass incidents don’t become big problems if you tackle them with a composed, respectful posture. A quick, direct message to the person can defuse tension before it ramps up.

• Identify yourself and your role: “I’m the security officer for this property.”

• Explain the issue concisely: “This area is restricted after hours, and you’re in a restricted space.”

• Give a specific instruction: “Please leave the premises now.”

• Offer a safe exit and a point of contact if needed: “If you need help getting to your car, I can guide you to a safe exit.”

You don’t need to turn your voice into a confrontation. A calm tone, steady pace, and simple language do more than you might expect. People respond when they feel respected, not browbeaten. And yes, you’re modeling professional behavior for bystanders, employees, and the person involved.

When to bring in the police

The right move, as a general rule, is simple: involve police only if the person refuses to leave after you’ve clearly asked them to do so. That’s not a trick; it’s a prudent balance between managing risk and using resources wisely. If the individual agrees to leave, you document the interaction, monitor the area, and move on. If they refuse, call for support, provide essential details, and follow your agency’s protocol.

Why this approach works

• It minimizes disruption: if someone complies, you’ve avoided escalation and kept everyone moving.

• It protects everyone’s safety: de-escalation reduces the chance of violence and injuries on site.

• It preserves legitimacy: invoking police only when necessary avoids unnecessary policing on private property.

• It creates a clear paper trail: even a simple incident log with timestamps, witnesses, and actions helps your organization stay compliant and prepared for follow-ups.

What to do if the person refuses to leave

If compliance doesn’t happen, you’re now in a situation that warrants escalation. Here’s a practical sequence you can follow, adapted to a typical Ontario setting:

• Reiterate but don’t argue: restate the request, the reason, and the consequences of staying.

• Ensure a safe exit path: identify a clear way to leave without forcing or cornering the person.

• Gather essential details: describe the person (clothing, height, approximate age), the time, location, and any witnesses. If you have a camera in the area, note that you’re documenting for safety and accuracy.

• Contact the authorities: relay the situation to dispatch with a concise briefing—who you are, where you are, what you’ve asked, and the person’s refusal to leave.

• Maintain distance and avoid provocation: you want to be visible and in control, not aggressive.

Documenting the incident is more than a checkbox. A well-written report supports law enforcement and helps your site review how similar situations can be handled better next time. Focus on facts: what happened, what you asked, how the person responded, who witnessed it, and what follow-up you’ve planned.

Roles, rules, and on-site policy

Every site should have a clear trespass policy, aligned with local laws and company guidelines. Your supervisor or security manager should supply the exact steps for issuing a trespass notice, escalating to police, and handling after-action tasks. If your organization uses a formal trespass notice, learn the exact wording and the legal basics so you can present it calmly and confidently.

A few practical tips you’ll appreciate in real life:

• Keep exit routes visible and clear. A congested flow makes tensions rise and hazards more likely.

• Use your body language to communicate calm authority—shoulders down, hands visible, stance open.

• Don’t rely on threats or aggressive language. The law doesn’t respond well to theatrics, and people remember how you handle a situation as much as what you say.

• If the person calms down and leaves, acknowledge their cooperation and thank them for complying. It helps preserve your site’s image and reduces the chance of a repeat visit.

• If the person refuses and you call police, don’t linger in the area. Step back to a safe, neutral position and let law enforcement handle the scene.

A quick checklist you can keep handy

• Confirm the area is private property and the person is trespassing.

• Issue a clear verbal warning to leave.

• If they don’t leave, document the incident with time, location, and a brief description.

• Contact dispatch with a concise, factual briefing.

• Monitor the scene from a safe distance until help arrives, then cooperate fully with responders.

• Complete an incident report promptly after the event.

Real-world nuance: culture, safety, and public perception

Trespass scenarios don’t happen in a vacuum. They unfold in a space where people work, shop, study, or simply pass through. The guard’s handling of the situation sends a message about safety, fairness, and order. That’s not just a legal or operational concern; it’s a social one too.

For campuses and busy retail districts, a calm response can mean the difference between a tense standoff and a quick, quiet exit. People notice your approach—especially employees, customers, and bystanders who might be watching to see if the environment is safe. When you model restraint and fairness, you help create a sense of security that lasts beyond a single incident.

Training and ongoing readiness

The most reliable guards aren’t just prepared for one scenario; they’re trained to read the room and adjust. Regular tabletop drills, scenario-based role-plays, and written checklists reinforce best practices. It’s not just about knowing the law; it’s about knowing how to apply it under pressure. A little practice with scripts, tone, and body language goes a long way.

If you’re new to this, practice with colleagues in a controlled setting. Try a few variations:

• A polite but firm request to leave after hours.

• A situation where the person initially agrees but then hesitates to step out.

• A tense moment where you must call for backup.

Each drill helps you build confidence and a more natural, less robotic response in the field.

Common misconceptions—what to watch out for

• “Always call the police.” Not true. You should only involve law enforcement if the person refuses to leave after a clear request.

• “Talk, talk, talk.” Communication is important, but so is restraint. Over-talking can escalate tension.

• “If they’re gone, it’s over.” Sometimes the after-action matters as much as the incident itself—documentation, witness statements, and a quick debrief with the team are crucial.

Connecting the dots: why this approach matters

Let’s circle back to the core idea: action should be measured and intentional. When a trespass situation is handled with a clear verbal request, proper documentation, and only a timely police call when necessary, you protect people, property, and your own credibility. It’s a practical balance between safety, legal compliance, and the respect that keeps a community functioning smoothly.

If you’re reading this as part of your Ontario security testing journey, you probably care about how real-world decisions are made, not just which rule to memorize. The scenario you’ve encountered—calling the police only when someone refuses to leave—highlights a thoughtful approach to risk management. It’s not about avoiding responsibility; it’s about applying responsibility where it makes the most difference.

Final thoughts: stay grounded, stay helpful

Trespass situations test your judgment and your restraint. The right move isn’t flashy; it’s dependable. You step in, you communicate, you observe. You respect boundaries and you respect people—while keeping everyone’s safety at the forefront. When you’re clear, calm, and consistent, you’ll usually find a peaceful resolution, or you’ll have the documented support you need if you do need to involve authorities.

So the next time someone steps onto restricted space, you’ll have a plan that feels natural rather than forced. It’s about doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time. And that makes a big difference—for your team, for the property, and for the everyday people who rely on a safe, orderly environment.

If you’d like, I can help map this approach to a simple on-site quick-reference card or a short incident-report template you can adapt to your agency’s policy. It’s always handy to have tools that remind you of the right steps just when you need them.