While working as a security guard on a private property, on whose authority are you enforcing the rules on the site?

Enforcing the rules on a private property as a security guard is primarily done under the authority granted by the property owner. In this capacity, the guard acts as an agent of the owner or the company that hired them. This means that their authority to enforce rules, such as asking individuals to leave the premises or maintaining order, stems directly from the owner’s rights over their property. The owner can designate specific individuals, like security guards, to carry out these enforcement tasks.

The role of a security guard involves upholding the policies set by the property owner and ensuring that the premises remain safe and secure. While laws such as the Trespass to Property Act might provide a framework for understanding the rights of property owners and how they can manage their property, the direct enforcement is carried out under the mandate provided by the property owner.

In contrast, while federal and provincial laws and local police forces may provide overarching legal guidelines and support, the specific enforcement duties of a security guard arise from their relationship to the property owner, which is why the guard is considered to be operating as an agent of the owner.