Ontario Security Guard Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the recommended evacuation procedure for a person with a mobility disability?

Assist them to a designated area of refuge (stairwell landing) and inform emergency responders of their location (Correct answer)
Carry them down the stairs immediately
Leave them behind and inform firefighters of their location
Tell them to use the elevator

Correct answer: Assist them to a designated area of refuge (stairwell landing) and inform emergency responders of their location

Persons with mobility disabilities should be guided to a designated area of refuge (typically a fire-rated stairwell landing) and emergency responders should be notified of their exact location for assisted evacuation.

Question 2: Under section 494 of the Criminal Code, when can a security guard make an arrest?

When a crime was committed yesterday by a known person
Whenever they are instructed by their employer
Whenever they suspect someone might commit a crime
When they find someone committing a criminal offence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When they find someone committing a criminal offence

Section 494(1) allows any person, including security guards, to arrest someone they find committing a criminal offence. The guard must actually witness the offence being committed.

Question 3: Can a security guard use force to defend themselves if attacked while on duty?

Only if they file a report first
Only if they have a weapons permit
No, they must wait for police
Yes, under section 34 of the Criminal Code (self-defence), using reasonable force (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, under section 34 of the Criminal Code (self-defence), using reasonable force

Section 34 of the Criminal Code provides the right of self-defence to every person, including security guards. The force used must be reasonable in the circumstances.

Question 4: What does the PSISA require regarding changes in a licensee's personal information?

Changes need not be reported
Changes are reported during licence renewal only
Only name changes need to be reported
The licensee must notify the Registrar of any changes within 30 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The licensee must notify the Registrar of any changes within 30 days

Licensees must notify the Registrar of any material changes to their personal information, including address changes, within a reasonable timeframe.

Question 5: Can a security guard detain a person they suspect of committing a crime earlier in the day but did not witness?

Yes, suspicion is sufficient grounds for detention
No, the guard must have found the person committing the offence (Correct answer)
Yes, but only with the employer's approval
Yes, if they have video evidence

Correct answer: No, the guard must have found the person committing the offence

Under section 494, a citizen's arrest generally requires finding the person committing the offence. Suspicion alone, even with evidence, does not give a security guard the right to detain someone.

Question 6: What is the legal significance of 'colour of right' for security guards?

It is a type of arrest warrant
It refers to racial profiling prevention
It refers to an honest belief in a legal right or authority (Correct answer)
It means the guard wears the correct uniform colour

Correct answer: It refers to an honest belief in a legal right or authority

Colour of right refers to an honest but possibly mistaken belief that one has a legal right to do something. This concept can be relevant when property disputes arise during security work.

Question 7: What information should be included in a security guard's emergency contact list?

Only the guard's personal emergency contacts
Only the employer's head office number
Police, fire, ambulance, poison control, building management, utility companies, and the guard's supervisor (Correct answer)
Only the 911 number

Correct answer: Police, fire, ambulance, poison control, building management, utility companies, and the guard's supervisor

A comprehensive emergency contact list should include all emergency services, utility companies (gas, electric, water), building management, the guard's chain of command, and any specialized response teams.

Question 8: What is the primary purpose of a security guard's written report?

To summarize the guard's personal opinions about the incident
To assign blame for incidents that occurred during the shift
To provide a subjective account of events as perceived by the guard
To create an accurate, factual record of incidents and activities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To create an accurate, factual record of incidents and activities

Reports serve as accurate, factual records of incidents and activities for legal and operational purposes.

Question 9: Under the PSISA, what is required when a security guard's employment is terminated?

No notification is required
The employer must notify the Registrar (Correct answer)
The guard's licence is automatically cancelled
The guard must surrender their licence to the employer

Correct answer: The employer must notify the Registrar

When a security guard's employment is terminated, the employer has an obligation to notify the Registrar, helping maintain accurate records of active security personnel.

Question 10: What is the purpose of an emergency response plan (ERP)?

To satisfy insurance requirements only
To determine which employees can leave early
To assign blame after an incident
To provide a pre-planned, coordinated approach to managing emergencies that protects lives and minimizes damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a pre-planned, coordinated approach to managing emergencies that protects lives and minimizes damage

An ERP establishes clear procedures, roles, and responsibilities for responding to various emergencies. It ensures a coordinated response that prioritizes life safety and minimizes property damage.

Question 11: Which of the following should be avoided when writing a security incident report?

Noting the exact time the incident was first observed
Recording the exact words used by individuals involved
Expressing personal conclusions about who was at fault (Correct answer)
Including the badge number of the reporting officer

Correct answer: Expressing personal conclusions about who was at fault

Security reports must be factual and objective; personal conclusions or opinions about fault must not be included.

Question 12: What is the 'communication loop' in the context of security operations?

Communicating only with other security guards
Repeating the same message over and over
Using a loop antenna for radio communication
The cycle of sending a message, receiving feedback, and confirming understanding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The cycle of sending a message, receiving feedback, and confirming understanding

The communication loop involves sending a message, the receiver providing feedback or acknowledgment, and the sender confirming the message was understood correctly. This reduces miscommunication.

Question 13: What is the best way for a security guard to handle a miscommunication with a colleague?

Clarify the message immediately, verify understanding, and document if the miscommunication affected an incident (Correct answer)
Report the colleague to management
Ignore it and hope it does not happen again
Blame the colleague for not listening

Correct answer: Clarify the message immediately, verify understanding, and document if the miscommunication affected an incident

When miscommunication occurs, the priority is to clarify immediately to prevent further problems. Verifying understanding ensures both parties are aligned, and documentation is important if safety was affected.

Question 14: What must a licensed security guard carry while on duty according to the PSISA?

Their security guard licence (Correct answer)
A first aid certificate
A firearm permit
A copy of the Criminal Code

Correct answer: Their security guard licence

Under the PSISA, a licensed security guard must carry their licence at all times while performing security work and must produce it upon request.

Question 15: How should a security guard handle a conflict involving a person with a mental health crisis?

Treat them exactly like any other conflict
Use a calm, non-threatening approach, avoid sudden movements, speak simply, and request specialized assistance if available (Correct answer)
Ignore the mental health aspect completely
Immediately restrain them for their own safety

Correct answer: Use a calm, non-threatening approach, avoid sudden movements, speak simply, and request specialized assistance if available

Mental health crises require a modified approach: calm demeanor, simple language, no sudden movements, maintaining safe distance, and calling for specialized crisis intervention resources when possible.

Question 16: What is the impact of 'crowd dynamics' on conflict situations?

Crowds only affect outdoor events
Crowds have no effect on conflicts
Crowds always help de-escalate situations
Crowds can amplify conflict through anonymity, emotional contagion, and social pressure, making situations harder to control (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Crowds can amplify conflict through anonymity, emotional contagion, and social pressure, making situations harder to control

Crowds can intensify conflicts through the anonymity effect (people feel less accountable), emotional contagion (emotions spread rapidly), and peer pressure. Managing crowd dynamics is essential for conflict control.

Question 17: What is the 'Incident Command System' (ICS)?

A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response (Correct answer)
A computer system for tracking incidents
A system for ranking security guards by experience
A phone system for emergency calls

Correct answer: A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response

The Incident Command System is a standardized management approach that provides a clear chain of command, defined roles, and coordinated communication during emergency response operations.

Question 18: What are 'pre-incident indicators' that a security guard should watch for?

Good manners and calm behaviour
Carrying a shopping bag
Warning signs such as pacing, clenched fists, raised voice, and target glancing (Correct answer)
Wearing certain colours of clothing

Correct answer: Warning signs such as pacing, clenched fists, raised voice, and target glancing

Pre-incident indicators include body language such as pacing, clenched fists, pointing fingers, raised voice, heavy breathing, and target glancing — behaviours that suggest an escalation toward violence.

Question 19: How long is a security guard licence valid in Ontario under the PSISA?

2 years (Correct answer)
5 years
1 year
3 years

Correct answer: 2 years

A security guard licence issued under the PSISA is valid for a period of two years from the date of issue, after which it must be renewed.

Question 20: What does the PSISA require regarding the use of the term 'security guard' in advertising?

Only licensed agencies may use the term (Correct answer)
The term cannot be used in advertising
Anyone can use the term freely
The term must always be in French and English

Correct answer: Only licensed agencies may use the term

Only businesses and individuals who are properly licensed under the PSISA may advertise or hold themselves out as providing security guard services.

Question 21: What should a security guard do immediately after using force?

Check for injuries, render first aid if needed, call emergency services, and document the incident thoroughly (Correct answer)
Continue with their patrol as normal
Discuss the incident with other guards before writing anything down
Leave the scene to avoid further confrontation

Correct answer: Check for injuries, render first aid if needed, call emergency services, and document the incident thoroughly

After using force, the guard must check the subject for injuries, provide or arrange first aid, call police and paramedics if needed, and create a detailed written report of the incident.

Question 22: Under the PSISA, can a security guard work for more than one employer simultaneously?

Only with special permission from the Registrar
Yes, as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is aware (Correct answer)
No, this is strictly prohibited
Only if both employers are in the same municipality

Correct answer: Yes, as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is aware

A licensed security guard may work for multiple employers as long as they hold a valid licence and each employer is properly licensed as a security guard agency.

Question 23: Under the PSISA, what must an employer do before a newly hired security guard begins working?

Verify they hold a valid security guard licence (Correct answer)
Submit a request to the Ministry of Labour
Obtain a court order
Register them with the local police

Correct answer: Verify they hold a valid security guard licence

Employers are required to verify that each security guard holds a valid, current licence before permitting them to begin performing security guard duties.

Question 24: What does 'proportionality' mean in the context of use of force?

The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force (Correct answer)
Using the largest guard available
Measuring the exact force used with instruments
Using force in equal amounts from both sides

Correct answer: The force used must be proportional to the threat — a minor threat does not justify a major use of force

Proportionality means the level of force used must correspond to the level of threat. Using a high level of force in response to a low-level threat would be considered excessive and potentially criminal.

Question 25: What legal obligation does a security guard have when they witness evidence of a crime?

They must immediately arrest the suspect
They must ignore it if it is off their assigned property
They must collect evidence themselves
They should preserve the scene and report to police, but are not legally required to make an arrest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They should preserve the scene and report to police, but are not legally required to make an arrest

While a security guard may make a citizen's arrest, they are not legally required to do so. Best practice is to observe, preserve the scene, and report to police while ensuring personal safety.

Question 26: Why is recording the exact date and time critical in a security report?

It is required only for reports that involve a police response
It allows the security company to calculate overtime pay accurately
It helps management plan future security staffing and coverage
It establishes a timeline that can corroborate or contradict other evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It establishes a timeline that can corroborate or contradict other evidence

The exact date and time establish a timeline that can be corroborated or contradicted by other timestamped evidence such as camera footage or witness statements.

Question 27: A security guard sees someone being assaulted. Can the guard intervene?

Yes, the guard may use reasonable force to prevent the assault under section 27 of the Criminal Code (Correct answer)
Only if the victim asks for help
Only if it occurs on the property they are guarding
No, only police can intervene in assaults

Correct answer: Yes, the guard may use reasonable force to prevent the assault under section 27 of the Criminal Code

Section 27 of the Criminal Code allows anyone to use reasonable force to prevent the commission of an offence that could cause immediate harm to any person.

Question 28: If a person provides a verbal statement during a security investigation, how should the guard record it?

Record the exact words spoken, in quotation marks, in the report (Correct answer)
Only record statements if they are provided in writing by the witness
Wait for police to arrive before documenting any statements
Summarize the statement from memory at the end of the shift

Correct answer: Record the exact words spoken, in quotation marks, in the report

Verbal statements should be recorded verbatim in quotation marks to accurately preserve what was said for legal purposes.

Question 29: When should a security guard write a report after an incident?

As soon as possible while details are still fresh (Correct answer)
At the end of the workweek when all incidents are compiled
Within 24 hours of the incident occurring
Only after consulting with management or a supervisor

Correct answer: As soon as possible while details are still fresh

Reports should be written as soon as possible to ensure accuracy while details are still fresh in memory.

Question 30: What legal principle protects a security guard from liability when making a good-faith arrest?

Reasonable and probable grounds (Correct answer)
Qualified immunity
Diplomatic immunity
Employer indemnification

Correct answer: Reasonable and probable grounds

A security guard is protected from liability when they act on reasonable and probable grounds to believe an offence has been committed. The grounds must be objectively justifiable.

Question 31: What is an 'intermediate weapon' in the Use of Force Continuum?

A firearm with reduced power
Any weapon of medium size
Tools such as batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs that fall between empty-hand techniques and lethal force (Correct answer)
A negotiation technique between soft and hard approaches

Correct answer: Tools such as batons, pepper spray, or handcuffs that fall between empty-hand techniques and lethal force

Intermediate weapons are tools that provide more force than empty-hand techniques but less than lethal force. They include batons, pepper spray (OC spray), handcuffs, and similar devices.

Question 32: What is 'paraphrasing' and why is it useful in security communication?

Copying someone's words exactly
Restating someone's message in your own words to confirm understanding and show you are listening (Correct answer)
Translating a message into another language
Ignoring what someone says and changing the subject

Correct answer: Restating someone's message in your own words to confirm understanding and show you are listening

Paraphrasing involves restating someone's message in your own words. It confirms understanding, shows the speaker you are listening, and helps identify any miscommunication early.

Question 33: What is the purpose of a fire watch?

Monitoring employees on smoke breaks
Continuous monitoring of a building when the fire alarm system is out of service to provide early warning of fire (Correct answer)
Watching a fireplace
Watching a fire burn to assess its spread

Correct answer: Continuous monitoring of a building when the fire alarm system is out of service to provide early warning of fire

A fire watch is required when the building's fire alarm or suppression system is out of service. A designated person continuously patrols the building to detect fire and initiate evacuation if needed.

Question 34: What is 'soft physical control' in the Use of Force Continuum?

Verbal persuasion only
Using a baton or pepper spray
Low-level physical techniques such as guiding, escorting, or applying joint locks without striking (Correct answer)
Pushing someone as hard as possible

Correct answer: Low-level physical techniques such as guiding, escorting, or applying joint locks without striking

Soft physical control includes techniques like guiding by the arm, escort holds, and joint locks that control a person without striking or causing significant pain. They are used when verbal commands have failed.

Question 35: Under the PSISA, what happens if a security guard fails to renew their licence before it expires?

Their employer automatically renews it
They receive a 30-day grace period
They must stop performing security work immediately (Correct answer)
They can continue working for up to 90 days

Correct answer: They must stop performing security work immediately

Once a licence expires, the individual is no longer authorized to perform security guard work. Continuing to work without a valid licence is an offence under the PSISA.

Question 36: What is the security guard's role during a natural disaster such as an earthquake?

Leave the building before anyone else
Lock all doors to prevent people from leaving
Direct evacuation, assist injured persons, perform damage assessment, and coordinate with emergency services (Correct answer)
Continue normal patrol duties

Correct answer: Direct evacuation, assist injured persons, perform damage assessment, and coordinate with emergency services

During a natural disaster, the guard's role includes directing safe evacuation, assisting injured persons, performing initial damage assessment, reporting hazards, and coordinating with arriving emergency services.

Question 37: What is the difference between an 'indictable offence' and a 'summary offence' in the context of a citizen's arrest?

Summary offences carry heavier penalties
A citizen can arrest for indictable offences but has more limited powers for summary offences (Correct answer)
Indictable offences cannot result in arrest
There is no difference for arrest purposes

Correct answer: A citizen can arrest for indictable offences but has more limited powers for summary offences

Under section 494(1)(b), a private citizen may arrest someone they believe on reasonable grounds has committed or is about to commit an indictable (serious) offence. For summary (minor) offences, the person must be found committing the offence.

Question 38: A security guard detains a person suspected of shoplifting. The person demands to leave. What should the guard do?

Physically restrain them at all costs
Lock the doors to prevent escape
Assess whether they have lawful grounds for the arrest; if not, allow the person to leave (Correct answer)
Call the store manager for permission to detain

Correct answer: Assess whether they have lawful grounds for the arrest; if not, allow the person to leave

The guard must quickly assess whether they have lawful grounds (finding the person committing a criminal offence) to make a citizen's arrest. Without lawful grounds, detaining the person could constitute false imprisonment.

Question 39: When a security guard cannot resolve a conflict through communication, what is the next appropriate step?

Walk away and ignore the situation
Immediately use physical force
Call for supervisor or police assistance while continuing to maintain a safe position (Correct answer)
Threaten the individuals with legal action

Correct answer: Call for supervisor or police assistance while continuing to maintain a safe position

If verbal de-escalation fails, the guard should call for backup from supervisors, additional guards, or police while maintaining a safe distance and continuing to monitor the situation.

Question 40: Under the PSISA, can the Registrar impose conditions on a security guard licence?

Only courts can impose conditions
No, licences are either granted or denied
Yes, the Registrar may attach conditions to any licence (Correct answer)
Conditions can only be imposed during renewal

Correct answer: Yes, the Registrar may attach conditions to any licence

The Registrar has the authority to impose conditions on a licence at any time, including restrictions on the type of security work that can be performed.

Question 41: When writing a witness statement, which of the following should a security guard include?

Only what they think happened based on assumptions
What other witnesses told them
Their theory about why the incident occurred
What they personally saw and heard, using specific details and chronological order (Correct answer)

Correct answer: What they personally saw and heard, using specific details and chronological order

Witness statements should contain only first-hand observations — what the guard personally saw and heard — presented in chronological order with specific details about time, location, and people involved.

Question 42: What is 'triage' and when might a security guard need to apply this concept?

A system of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition when there are multiple casualties and limited resources (Correct answer)
A technique for securing evidence
A type of security clearance
A method of organizing security shifts

Correct answer: A system of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition when there are multiple casualties and limited resources

Triage is the process of sorting and prioritizing casualties based on the severity of their injuries. A security guard trained in first aid may need to perform basic triage at mass casualty events until paramedics arrive.

Question 43: What should a security guard do if additional relevant information becomes available after a report is completed?

Write a supplemental report referencing the original by date and report number (Correct answer)
Discard the original report and write a new one to replace it
Add information only if authorized by legal counsel or management
Add the new information directly into the original report by crossing out sections

Correct answer: Write a supplemental report referencing the original by date and report number

A supplemental report is the proper method for adding information after the original report is completed, while preserving the original document.

Question 44: What is the legal term for a security guard who acts beyond their authority by pretending to be a police officer?

Unlawful enforcement
Excessive authority
Personating a peace officer (Criminal Code section 130) (Correct answer)
Unauthorized policing

Correct answer: Personating a peace officer (Criminal Code section 130)

Section 130 of the Criminal Code makes it an offence to personate (impersonate) a peace officer. A security guard who represents themselves as police commits this offence.

Question 45: What are the three main styles of conflict resolution?

Report, record, review
Ignore, escalate, arrest
Fight, argue, surrender
Collaborative (win-win), competitive (win-lose), and accommodating (lose-win) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Collaborative (win-win), competitive (win-lose), and accommodating (lose-win)

The three main conflict resolution styles are collaborative (seeking a solution that satisfies both parties), competitive (one party wins at the other's expense), and accommodating (one party gives in to the other).

Question 46: What physical warning signs indicate that a person may become violent?

Sitting down quietly
Smiling and making eye contact
Talking on a phone
Clenched fists, bladed stance, removal of clothing or jewelry, and rapid breathing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clenched fists, bladed stance, removal of clothing or jewelry, and rapid breathing

Physical warning signs include clenched fists, standing in a fighting stance (bladed), removing items that could be grabbed (glasses, jewelry), rapid breathing, facial flushing, and widened eyes.

Question 47: Under what circumstances can a security guard stop and question a person on private property?

At any time, for any reason
Only with a court order
Only if the person appears suspicious
When acting as the property owner's agent and the person's presence requires verification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When acting as the property owner's agent and the person's presence requires verification

As an agent of the property owner, a security guard may approach and question individuals to verify their right to be on the property. However, the person is not legally obligated to answer.

Question 48: What is the 'crisis intervention model' used by security guards?

A building evacuation procedure
A structured approach to managing a person in crisis through assessment, rapport-building, problem-solving, and resolution (Correct answer)
A physical self-defence system
A first aid protocol

Correct answer: A structured approach to managing a person in crisis through assessment, rapport-building, problem-solving, and resolution

The crisis intervention model provides a systematic approach: assess the person's emotional and physical state, build rapport through communication, identify the problem, and work toward resolution or appropriate referral.

Question 49: What does 'chain of custody' refer to in the context of security reporting?

The documented record of who handled evidence and when (Correct answer)
The process of transferring a detainee between facilities
The hierarchy of command within a security company
The list of guards who worked a particular shift

Correct answer: The documented record of who handled evidence and when

Chain of custody is the documented record tracking who collected, handled, and transferred evidence to maintain its integrity for legal proceedings.

Question 50: In an elevator entrapment emergency, what should the security guard do?

Advise the trapped persons to climb out through the ceiling hatch
Try to pry the doors open with tools
Cut the power to the elevator
Communicate with the trapped persons through the intercom, reassure them, and contact the elevator company and fire department (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Communicate with the trapped persons through the intercom, reassure them, and contact the elevator company and fire department

The guard should communicate with trapped persons to keep them calm, contact the elevator service company for a technician, and call the fire department if there is a medical emergency or extended entrapment.

Question 51: What is the security guard's responsibility regarding AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use?

Security guards cannot use AEDs
If trained, the guard should retrieve and use the AED on a person in cardiac arrest while calling 911 (Correct answer)
AEDs can only be used by paramedics
Guards should wait for a doctor to arrive

Correct answer: If trained, the guard should retrieve and use the AED on a person in cardiac arrest while calling 911

AEDs are designed for use by trained laypeople. Security guards trained in AED use should retrieve the device quickly and follow its prompts on a person in cardiac arrest, while ensuring 911 has been called.

Question 52: What is the role of the Registrar under the PSISA?

To hire security guards for government buildings
To train security guards
To set security guard wages
To issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licences (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licences

The Registrar is responsible for the administration of licences, including issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking security guard and private investigator licences under the PSISA.

Question 53: During a medical emergency, what should a security guard do before providing first aid?

Move the injured person immediately
Wait for paramedics to arrive
Ensure scene safety, put on personal protective equipment (PPE), and assess the patient's condition (Correct answer)
Ask bystanders for medical advice

Correct answer: Ensure scene safety, put on personal protective equipment (PPE), and assess the patient's condition

Before providing first aid, the guard must ensure the scene is safe (no ongoing threats), don PPE (gloves) to prevent infection, and then assess the patient's condition using primary survey techniques.

Question 54: Which of the following is a common trigger for conflict in environments where security guards work?

Good weather
Alcohol consumption, overcrowding, and long wait times (Correct answer)
Well-lit parking lots
Organized community events

Correct answer: Alcohol consumption, overcrowding, and long wait times

Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, overcrowding creates stress and competition for space, and long wait times generate frustration — all common triggers for conflict in security environments.

Question 55: Under the PSISA, what must a licensed security guard agency provide to the Registrar upon request?

A list of all contracts and licensed employees (Correct answer)
Marketing materials
Client contact information only
Employee salary information

Correct answer: A list of all contracts and licensed employees

Licensed agencies must provide records including contracts, employee lists, and licence information to the Registrar upon request for inspection purposes.

Question 56: Which of the following best describes 'assertive communication'?

Communicating only through written notices
Passive communication that avoids conflict
Clearly expressing your position while respecting the rights and feelings of others (Correct answer)
Aggressive, confrontational communication

Correct answer: Clearly expressing your position while respecting the rights and feelings of others

Assertive communication involves clearly and confidently stating your position or directives while maintaining respect for others. It is firm but not aggressive.

Question 57: What legal protection does the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provide against unreasonable search?

It does not address search and seizure
It gives security guards search powers
It only applies to police, not security guards
Section 8 protects against unreasonable search and seizure, and while it primarily applies to government actors, courts may consider it in private security contexts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 8 protects against unreasonable search and seizure, and while it primarily applies to government actors, courts may consider it in private security contexts

Section 8 of the Charter protects against unreasonable search and seizure. While it primarily applies to government actors, courts have increasingly considered Charter values in cases involving private security.

Question 58: In a bomb threat situation, what should a security guard do first?

Search for the bomb immediately
Evacuate the building without telling anyone why
Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, and notify police immediately (Correct answer)
Ignore the threat as most are hoaxes

Correct answer: Keep the caller on the line as long as possible, note details, and notify police immediately

If receiving a bomb threat by phone, the guard should keep the caller talking to gather information (voice characteristics, background noise, specific details about the device), while signaling a colleague to call police.

Question 59: What prohibition does the PSISA place on security guard advertising?

Advertising must not suggest the guard has police powers (Correct answer)
Security guards cannot advertise at all
Only newspaper advertising is permitted
Advertising must be approved by the Registrar before publication

Correct answer: Advertising must not suggest the guard has police powers

The PSISA prohibits advertising that could mislead the public into believing a security guard has the same powers or authority as a police officer.

Question 60: When testifying in court as a security guard, which communication principle is most important?

Speaking clearly, honestly, and only to facts you personally observed (Correct answer)
Using technical security jargon
Providing as much opinion as possible
Agreeing with whatever the lawyer suggests

Correct answer: Speaking clearly, honestly, and only to facts you personally observed

When testifying, security guards should speak clearly, stick to facts they personally observed, be honest, and avoid speculation or opinions. Credibility depends on accuracy and honesty.

Ontario Security Guard Test

The Ontario Security Guard Test is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General of Ontario under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). Candidates must pass this provincially regulated examination to obtain their security guard licence. The test covers legal authorities, use of force principles, emergency response, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills required for licensed security professionals in Ontario.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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