Mixed Deck — All Ontario Security Guard Test Topics Flashcards
100 cards from real Ontario Security Guard Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All Ontario Security Guard Test Topics flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of an objective statement in a security report?
Answer: The male was approximately 6 feet tall and wearing a red jacket
Objective statements describe observable facts such as height and clothing without interpretation or opinion.
What is the primary purpose of a security guard's notebook?
Answer: To record detailed, chronological notes of events, observations, and actions that may be referenced later or used in legal proceedings
A security guard's notebook serves as a contemporaneous record of observations and events. These notes can be referenced when writing formal reports and may be admitted as evidence in court.
What is 'psychological noise' and how does it affect conflict resolution?
Answer: Internal distractions like stress, bias, fear, or anger that interfere with clear thinking and effective communication
Psychological noise includes internal factors like stress, prejudice, fear, and personal issues that prevent a security guard from thinking clearly and communicating effectively during conflict.
What does the PSISA require regarding changes in a licensee's personal information?
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.
What does the PSISA say about security guards carrying weapons?
Answer: Weapons may only be carried if authorized and properly licensed
Security guards may only carry weapons if they have proper authorization and the appropriate licences (such as a firearms licence under federal law). Most security guards in Ontario do not carry weapons.
What training topics are covered in the mandatory training curriculum under the PSISA?
Answer: Legal powers, communication, use of force, and emergency procedures
The mandatory training curriculum covers a broad range of topics including legal authorities, communication skills, use of force theory, health and safety, and emergency response procedures.
Which information should always appear at the top of a security occurrence report?
Answer: Date, time, location, and the reporting officer's name and badge number
Date, time, location, and officer identification are essential header information required for any security report.
In a security incident report, what does the acronym 'W5' refer to?
Answer: Who, What, Where, When, Why (and How)
W5 (plus How) refers to Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How — the essential elements that should be addressed in every incident report to ensure completeness.
What is 'transference' in the context of security guard conflict situations?
Answer: When a person projects feelings they have about someone else onto the security guard, treating them as if they were that other person
Transference occurs when someone unconsciously projects feelings about authority figures (parents, teachers, police) onto the security guard. The guard may be treated with hostility that is not actually directed at them personally.
What role does 'adrenaline' play in a use of force situation?
Answer: It can cause tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, auditory exclusion, and time distortion
Adrenaline triggers the 'fight or flight' response, which can cause tunnel vision (losing peripheral vision), loss of fine motor skills, auditory exclusion (not hearing sounds), and altered time perception.
Under Ontario law, what constitutes 'trespass' on property?
Answer: Entering premises when entry is prohibited or remaining after being directed to leave
Under the Trespass to Property Act, trespass occurs when a person enters premises where entry is prohibited by notice or remains on premises after being directed to leave by the occupier or their agent.
Can a security guard detain a person they suspect of committing a crime earlier in the day but did not witness?
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.
What factors do courts consider when evaluating whether a security guard's use of force was reasonable?
Answer: The nature of the threat, the guard's response options, the level of force used, and the outcome
Courts consider multiple factors: the nature and severity of the threat, available alternatives, the proportionality of force used, the physical capabilities of both parties, and the overall circumstances.
What is the security guard's legal obligation regarding the use of force on minors?
Answer: The same principles of reasonable force apply, but extra caution is warranted due to the vulnerability of minors
The same legal principles governing use of force apply regardless of age. However, courts expect extra caution when dealing with minors, and the threshold for 'reasonable' force is lower.
Under the PSISA, are in-house security guards (employed directly by a non-security company) required to be licensed?
Answer: Yes, all security guards must be licensed regardless of employer
The PSISA requires all individuals performing security guard work to be licensed, whether they work for a security agency or are employed in-house by another type of business.
What legal obligation does a security guard have when they witness evidence of a crime?
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.
What is the lowest level on the Use of Force Continuum?
Answer: Officer/guard presence
Officer/guard presence is the lowest level on the continuum. Simply being visible in uniform can deter unwanted behaviour without any verbal or physical intervention.
During a medical emergency, what should a security guard do before providing first aid?
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.
What is the legal significance of 'colour of right' for security guards?
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.
What is the difference between an 'indictable offence' and a 'summary offence' in the context of a citizen's arrest?
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.