Ontario Security Guard Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which document outlines the code of conduct that security guards must follow under the PSISA framework?

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Employment Standards Act
The Criminal Code of Canada
Ontario Regulation 363/07 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ontario Regulation 363/07

Ontario Regulation 363/07, made under the PSISA, establishes the code of conduct and standards of practice that licensed security guards must adhere to.

Question 2: What is 'false imprisonment' in the context of security guard work?

Refusing to let an employee leave their shift early
Unlawfully detaining or confining a person without legal authority (Correct answer)
Locking a building after hours
Failing to report a crime to police

Correct answer: Unlawfully detaining or confining a person without legal authority

False imprisonment occurs when a security guard detains someone without lawful authority. This can result in both criminal charges and civil liability.

Question 3: What should a security guard do if they discover a suspicious package?

Place it in a dumpster
Do not touch it, evacuate the area, establish a perimeter, and contact police immediately (Correct answer)
Open the package to determine its contents
Move it to a less populated area

Correct answer: Do not touch it, evacuate the area, establish a perimeter, and contact police immediately

A suspicious package should never be touched or moved. The guard should evacuate the immediate area, establish a safety perimeter, and contact police bomb disposal units immediately.

Question 4: Under what circumstances can a security guard stop and question a person on private property?

At any time, for any reason
Only if the person appears suspicious
Only with a court order
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 5: What is the 'National Use of Force Framework' (NUFF) used by Canadian security professionals?

A ranking system for martial arts in security
A model that illustrates the relationship between a subject's behaviour and appropriate force responses in a continuous, circular pattern (Correct answer)
A federal law governing all use of force
A training certificate program

Correct answer: A model that illustrates the relationship between a subject's behaviour and appropriate force responses in a continuous, circular pattern

The NUFF is a circular model showing that force decisions are fluid and continuous. It maps subject behaviours (cooperative, resistant, assaultive, death threat) to appropriate officer responses.

Question 6: Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which right is most relevant to a security guard making an arrest?

The right not to be arbitrarily detained (Section 9) (Correct answer)
Freedom of the press
The right to vote
Freedom of religion

Correct answer: The right not to be arbitrarily detained (Section 9)

Section 9 of the Charter protects everyone from arbitrary detention or imprisonment. Security guards must ensure any detention is lawful and based on proper grounds.

Question 7: Under the Criminal Code, what is the maximum penalty for forcible confinement?

10 years imprisonment (Correct answer)
2 years imprisonment
Life imprisonment
6 months imprisonment

Correct answer: 10 years imprisonment

Forcible confinement under section 279(2) of the Criminal Code is an indictable offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, highlighting the seriousness of unlawful detention.

Question 8: What does the PSISA say about security guards carrying weapons?

Security guards may carry batons but not firearms
Security guards are prohibited from carrying any weapons
Weapons may only be carried if authorized and properly licensed (Correct answer)
All security guards may carry firearms

Correct 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.

Question 9: What is a 'tactical withdrawal' in conflict resolution?

Temporarily disengaging from a dangerous situation to regroup, reassess, or wait for backup (Correct answer)
Running away from any confrontation
Abandoning your post permanently
Withdrawing your security licence

Correct answer: Temporarily disengaging from a dangerous situation to regroup, reassess, or wait for backup

A tactical withdrawal is a strategic decision to temporarily disengage from a situation that has become too dangerous, allowing time to reassess, call for backup, and develop a safer response plan.

Question 10: Which principle requires a security guard to report only what they personally observed?

Secondhand documentation
Direct observation principle (Correct answer)
Collaborative reporting
Hearsay reporting

Correct answer: Direct observation principle

The direct observation principle requires guards to report only what they personally saw, heard, or experienced — not what others told them.

Question 11: What is 'transference' in the context of security guard conflict situations?

When a person projects feelings they have about someone else onto the security guard, treating them as if they were that other person (Correct answer)
Transferring to a different job
Moving a detainee to a different location
Transferring a radio call to another channel

Correct 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.

Question 12: What must a licensed security guard carry while on duty according to the PSISA?

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

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 13: What is the primary principle governing use of force by security guards in Ontario?

Only the minimum force reasonably necessary in the circumstances may be used (Correct answer)
Force should always be avoided completely
Security guards may use the same level of force as police
Force is permitted whenever a guard feels threatened

Correct answer: Only the minimum force reasonably necessary in the circumstances may be used

The fundamental principle is that only the minimum force reasonably necessary to achieve a lawful objective may be used. This is grounded in section 25 of the Criminal Code.

Question 14: What is the first priority for a security guard when responding to any emergency?

Write an incident report
Protect property from damage
Notify the media
Ensure the safety of people, including yourself, the public, and any victims (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensure the safety of people, including yourself, the public, and any victims

In any emergency, the preservation of human life is the top priority. This includes the guard's own safety, the safety of the public, and the safety of any victims. Property is secondary to life.

Question 15: Which of the following is an example of 'active listening' in security work?

Interrupting the speaker to give your opinion
Making eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing what the person said to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
Looking at your phone while someone is talking
Walking away when someone is speaking

Correct answer: Making eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing what the person said to confirm understanding

Active listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, using non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding, and paraphrasing to confirm that the message was correctly received.

Question 16: What is the status of a security guard licence if the holder becomes mentally incapable under the PSISA?

No action can be taken on medical grounds
The Registrar may revoke or suspend the licence (Correct answer)
The licence remains valid indefinitely
The licence automatically transfers to a family member

Correct answer: The Registrar may revoke or suspend the licence

If a licensee becomes mentally incapable, the Registrar has the authority to revoke or suspend the licence in the interest of public safety.

Question 17: Can a security guard use force to protect property?

Yes, lethal force if necessary
No, force can never be used to protect property
Only with a special property protection permit
Yes, reasonable force may be used to prevent criminal damage to property, but not lethal force (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, reasonable force may be used to prevent criminal damage to property, but not lethal force

Reasonable force may be used to prevent criminal damage to property, but the force must be proportional. Lethal force is never justified solely to protect property — only to protect human life.

Question 18: A security guard witnesses a break and enter in progress at a neighbouring property. Can they make an arrest?

Only if requested by the neighbour
No, they can only act on the property they are guarding
Only with police permission
Yes, any person can arrest someone found committing an indictable offence under section 494(1) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, any person can arrest someone found committing an indictable offence under section 494(1)

Section 494(1) of the Criminal Code gives any person the power to arrest someone found committing an indictable offence. This power is not limited to the property they are guarding.

Question 19: What is the importance of 'documentation' after a conflict resolution?

Documentation is only needed for physical altercations
Documentation is optional for minor conflicts
Only police need to document conflicts
Thorough documentation protects the guard legally, helps identify patterns, and provides evidence if the matter goes to court (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thorough documentation protects the guard legally, helps identify patterns, and provides evidence if the matter goes to court

Every conflict should be documented, regardless of severity. Documentation provides legal protection for the guard, helps identify recurring problems, supports training, and serves as evidence in legal proceedings.

Question 20: A security guard detains a person suspected of shoplifting. The person demands to leave. What should the guard do?

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
Physically restrain them at all costs

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

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

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 22: The '5 W's' used in security report writing stand for which of the following?

Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How) (Correct answer)
Who, Wrong, Where, When, and Witness
Watch, Work, Warning, Witness, and Where
Weight, Witness, Weapon, Warning, and Write

Correct answer: Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How)

The 5 W's — Who, What, Where, When, and Why (plus How) — are the key elements every security report must address.

Question 23: 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)
Only if both employers are in the same municipality
No, this is strictly prohibited

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 24: What is the role of the Registrar under the PSISA?

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

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

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

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 26: What is the recommended tone for a security guard when giving verbal directions to the public?

Monotone and emotionless
Casual and informal
Polite, clear, and professional (Correct answer)
Commanding and authoritative

Correct answer: Polite, clear, and professional

A polite, clear, and professional tone promotes cooperation, maintains the security guard's credibility, and reflects well on their employer.

Question 27: How should a security guard communicate with a person who has a hearing impairment?

Ignore the person and communicate with someone else
Shout as loudly as possible
Use complex hand signals
Face the person directly, speak clearly, use written communication or gestures, and be patient (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Face the person directly, speak clearly, use written communication or gestures, and be patient

Facing the person allows them to read lips if able. Speaking clearly (not shouting), using written notes or gestures, and being patient ensures effective communication with hearing-impaired individuals.

Question 28: What are 'pre-incident indicators' that a security guard should watch for?

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

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

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

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 30: What is 'emotional intelligence' and why is it important for conflict resolution?

An IQ test score
A type of security clearance
The ability to memorize emotional responses
The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and those of others (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage your own emotions and those of others

Emotional intelligence enables security guards to recognize emotional cues, manage their own stress responses, empathize with others, and navigate conflict situations more effectively.

Question 31: What time format is standard for recording times in Ontario security reports?

Time does not need to be recorded unless a major incident occurs
Approximate time ranges are acceptable (e.g., mid-afternoon)
12-hour clock format (e.g., 2:00 PM)
24-hour clock format (e.g., 1400 hours) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 24-hour clock format (e.g., 1400 hours)

24-hour (military) time format is the standard in security reports because it eliminates AM/PM ambiguity.

Question 32: What role does 'active listening' play in de-escalation?

It only works with calm individuals
It has no role in de-escalation
It wastes valuable time during emergencies
It makes the agitated person feel heard and valued, which reduces their emotional intensity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It makes the agitated person feel heard and valued, which reduces their emotional intensity

Active listening is one of the most powerful de-escalation tools. When people feel genuinely heard, their emotional intensity typically decreases because their primary need — to be understood — is being met.

Question 33: Can a security guard use force to defend themselves if attacked while on duty?

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

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 34: During a hazardous material (HAZMAT) spill, what is the security guard's primary role?

Evacuate the area, establish a safety perimeter, identify the substance if possible, and wait for specialized HAZMAT responders (Correct answer)
Ventilate the area by opening all windows
Clean up the spill immediately
Contain the spill using available materials

Correct answer: Evacuate the area, establish a safety perimeter, identify the substance if possible, and wait for specialized HAZMAT responders

Security guards are not trained to handle HAZMAT incidents. Their role is to evacuate people, establish a safety perimeter, try to identify the substance using placards or SDS, and wait for trained HAZMAT teams.

Question 35: What is the difference between 'assertive' and 'aggressive' behaviour in conflict resolution?

They are the same thing
Assertive behaviour firmly states your position while respecting others; aggressive behaviour seeks to dominate and disrespects others (Correct answer)
Assertive behaviour means being passive
Aggressive behaviour is always more effective

Correct answer: Assertive behaviour firmly states your position while respecting others; aggressive behaviour seeks to dominate and disrespects others

Assertive behaviour communicates your needs and expectations clearly while respecting the other person. Aggressive behaviour involves intimidation, threats, and disregard for the other person's dignity.

Question 36: When testifying in court as a security guard, which communication principle is most important?

Using technical security jargon
Speaking clearly, honestly, and only to facts you personally observed (Correct answer)
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.

Question 37: Under the PSISA, a security guard employer must ensure that all guards have completed which mandatory requirement?

A valid driver's licence
40 hours of approved training (Correct answer)
University degree in criminology
5 years of military service

Correct answer: 40 hours of approved training

Employers must verify that their security guards have completed the mandatory training program approved by the Ministry of the Solicitor General before allowing them to work.

Question 38: Under the PSISA, what happens if a security guard is charged with a criminal offence?

Their licence is immediately revoked
They must resign from their position
Nothing happens until conviction
The Registrar may suspend or impose conditions on their licence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Registrar may suspend or impose conditions on their licence

The Registrar has the discretion to suspend a licence or impose conditions upon it if a licensee is charged with a criminal offence, even before a conviction occurs.

Question 39: When writing a witness statement, which of the following should a security guard include?

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

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 40: What is the recommended action for a security guard during a severe weather warning (e.g., tornado)?

Go outside to observe the weather
Move building occupants to interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows, and monitor weather updates (Correct answer)
Tell everyone to go home immediately
Lock all exterior doors and continue normal patrol

Correct answer: Move building occupants to interior rooms on the lowest floor, away from windows, and monitor weather updates

During severe weather, occupants should move to interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior walls. The guard should monitor weather updates and be prepared for building damage.

Question 41: When communicating with emergency services (911), what information should a security guard provide first?

A detailed description of their patrol route
The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of people involved, and any immediate dangers (Correct answer)
Their personal phone number
Their company name and badge number

Correct answer: The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of people involved, and any immediate dangers

Emergency dispatchers need the nature and severity of the emergency, the exact location (including floor and room if applicable), number of casualties or people involved, and any ongoing threats.

Question 42: What role does 'adrenaline' play in a use of force situation?

It makes the guard stronger with no side effects
It can cause tunnel vision, loss of fine motor skills, auditory exclusion, and time distortion (Correct answer)
It has no effect on security guards
It only affects the person being restrained

Correct 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.

Question 43: Under the PSISA, what power does a provincial inspector have when investigating compliance?

The power to enter business premises and examine records without a warrant (Correct answer)
No special powers are granted
Only the power to request documents by mail
The power to arrest security guards

Correct answer: The power to enter business premises and examine records without a warrant

Provincial inspectors appointed under the PSISA have the authority to enter the business premises of licensees and examine records to verify compliance, without requiring a warrant.

Question 44: What information should a security guard provide when calling 911?

Only their name and location
The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of injured, type of injuries, hazards present, and their callback number (Correct answer)
Only a description of the suspect
Only the building address

Correct answer: The nature of the emergency, exact location, number of injured, type of injuries, hazards present, and their callback number

A complete 911 call should include: the nature of the emergency, the exact location (including floor and room), number of people involved or injured, types of injuries, any hazards, and a callback number.

Question 45: What are the three elements of the 'fire triangle'?

Smoke, flames, and ash
Electricity, gas, and liquid
Water, sand, and foam
Heat, fuel, and oxygen (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Heat, fuel, and oxygen

The fire triangle consists of heat, fuel, and oxygen — the three elements required for fire. Removing any one element will extinguish the fire. This understanding guides fire suppression strategies.

Question 46: What is the legal consequence for a security guard who uses excessive force during an arrest?

No consequence if acting in good faith
They only face disciplinary action from their employer
They lose their licence but face no criminal charges
They may face criminal charges for assault (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They may face criminal charges for assault

A security guard who uses excessive force during an arrest can be charged with assault or other criminal offences. Only reasonable force is justified under section 25 of the Criminal Code.

Question 47: What is a 'tabletop exercise' in emergency preparedness?

A physical training exercise done on a table
Setting up tables for an emergency shelter
A discussion-based exercise where participants talk through their responses to a hypothetical emergency scenario (Correct answer)
An exercise in folding evacuation maps

Correct answer: A discussion-based exercise where participants talk through their responses to a hypothetical emergency scenario

A tabletop exercise is a low-stress, discussion-based activity where team members walk through their responses to a scenario. It tests knowledge of the emergency plan without the disruption of a full drill.

Question 48: Under Ontario law, what is the security guard's authority regarding trespass at night?

Nighttime trespass is only a civil matter
Guards cannot work at night without special authorization
Trespass at night is a separate Criminal Code offence (section 177), giving the guard additional grounds for arrest (Correct answer)
Guards have no additional authority at night

Correct answer: Trespass at night is a separate Criminal Code offence (section 177), giving the guard additional grounds for arrest

Section 177 of the Criminal Code creates the specific offence of trespass at night (prowling), which is a criminal offence carrying the possibility of a citizen's arrest.

Question 49: What documentation should accompany a use of force report?

Only the police report
Only a verbal account to the supervisor
Only the guard's written statement
Photographs of injuries, witness statements, CCTV footage, medical reports, and any evidence collected (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Photographs of injuries, witness statements, CCTV footage, medical reports, and any evidence collected

Comprehensive documentation includes the guard's detailed report, photographs of any injuries (to all parties), witness statements, CCTV footage, medical records, and any physical evidence collected.

Question 50: What training topics are covered in the mandatory training curriculum under the PSISA?

Only first aid and CPR
Legal powers, communication, use of force, and emergency procedures (Correct answer)
Firearms training and tactical operations
Only customer service skills

Correct 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.

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)
Guards should wait for a doctor to arrive
AEDs can only be used by paramedics

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 type of background check is required under the PSISA for a security guard licence application?

Criminal record check (Correct answer)
Medical examination
Credit check only
Employment history check only

Correct answer: Criminal record check

Applicants must consent to and pass a criminal record check as part of the licensing process. This helps ensure that individuals with certain criminal backgrounds are not licensed as security guards.

Question 53: What is the legal significance of 'colour of right' for security guards?

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

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 54: Which type of report is used to document all routine activities and observations during a security shift?

Daily Activity Report (DAR) (Correct answer)
Incident Report
Occurrence Report
Supplemental Report

Correct answer: Daily Activity Report (DAR)

A Daily Activity Report (DAR) records all routine shift activities, patrols, and observations throughout the guard's duty period.

Question 55: Under the PSISA, what is the penalty for a corporation convicted of an offence for the first time?

$250,000
$25,000
$50,000 (Correct answer)
$10,000

Correct answer: $50,000

A corporation convicted of an offence under the PSISA for the first time may face a fine of up to $50,000, which is higher than the individual penalty.

Question 56: Security reports are considered what type of document in legal proceedings?

Personal diaries with no legal standing
Hearsay evidence that cannot be used in court
Confidential records sealed from court access
Official documents that may be submitted as evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Official documents that may be submitted as evidence

Security reports are official documents that may be subpoenaed and used as evidence in court or other legal proceedings.

Question 57: What is the recommended evacuation procedure for a person with a mobility disability?

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

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 58: What is the 'totality of circumstances' principle in use of force evaluation?

Only the final outcome matters
All factors present at the time — threat level, environment, number of subjects, guard's training, and available options — are considered together (Correct answer)
Only the guard's actions are evaluated
Only the subject's actions are evaluated

Correct answer: All factors present at the time — threat level, environment, number of subjects, guard's training, and available options — are considered together

The totality of circumstances principle means courts consider everything: the threat, the environment, the guard's training and experience, the number of people involved, available alternatives, and all other relevant factors.

Question 59: What is the difference between 'subjective' and 'objective' fear in use of force situations?

They are the same thing
Objective fear only applies to police officers
Subjective fear is more important legally
Subjective fear is what the guard personally felt; objective fear is what a reasonable person would feel in the same situation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Subjective fear is what the guard personally felt; objective fear is what a reasonable person would feel in the same situation

Courts consider both: what the guard actually felt (subjective) and what a reasonable person would have felt (objective). Both must align — the fear must be genuine AND objectively reasonable.

Question 60: What is 'shelter-in-place' and when is it used?

Keeping people inside a building and sealing it against external hazards such as chemical spills or severe weather (Correct answer)
A camping technique for security guards on long shifts
Finding shelter for homeless individuals
Setting up tents outside during an evacuation

Correct answer: Keeping people inside a building and sealing it against external hazards such as chemical spills or severe weather

Shelter-in-place involves keeping building occupants inside and sealing the building against external hazards. It is used during chemical spills, toxic releases, severe weather, or when evacuation would increase exposure to danger.

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%

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