11.2 — Authority to Use Force — Criminal Code Section 25
s. 25(1)Every person who is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law, if acting on reasonable grounds, is justified in using as much force as is necessary for that purpose.
s. 25(3)A person is not justified in using force that is intended or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless they believe on reasonable grounds that it is necessary for self-preservation or the preservation of anyone under their protection from death or grievous bodily harm.
Key Principle: Force must always be reasonable and necessary in the circumstances.
11.3 — The National Use of Force Model
The National Use of Force Framework, adapted for private security, provides a structured approach to force decisions. The continuum involves a dynamic process of Assessment → Planning → Action. The guard continuously assesses the subject's behavior and adjusts their response accordingly.
1
Officer PresenceThe mere presence of a uniformed security guard can deter unwanted behavior.
2
Tactical CommunicationVerbal commands, de-escalation techniques, and direction to comply.
3
Empty-Hand Soft TechniquesGuiding, escorting, or soft physical control with minimal risk of injury.
4
Empty-Hand Hard TechniquesStrikes, takedowns, or joint locks when soft techniques are ineffective.
5
Intermediate WeaponsUse of authorized tools (e.g., OC spray, baton) where permitted by licence.
6
Lethal ForceForce likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm — justified only to prevent death or grievous bodily harm to self or others.
Continuous assessment and de-escalation — The guard should always attempt to de-escalate and reduce the level of force used as the subject's behavior changes.
11.5 — Factors in Determining Reasonable Force
- Nature and severity of the threat
- Severity of the offence
- Whether the subject is cooperating or resisting
- Size, age, and physical condition of the parties
- Availability of other options (de-escalation, withdrawal, calling for backup)
- Duration of the force used
- Possibility of de-escalation
- Environmental factors (confined space, proximity to hazards, bystanders)
- Number of subjects vs. number of security personnel
11.6 — Choosing an Appropriate Use of Force Option
JustificationEvery use of force must be legally justified.
ProportionalityThe force used must be proportional to the threat.
Minimum Force NecessaryUse only the minimum amount of force required to control the situation.
DocumentationAll uses of force must be documented in a Use of Force Report, including the reasons for using force.
Reporting RequirementsReport all uses of force to your supervisor immediately.
11.7 — Acting Under Stress and Maintaining Composure
Stress ResponsesFight, flight, or freeze — understand how your body reacts to danger.
Physiological Effects of StressTunnel vision, auditory exclusion, loss of fine motor skills, increased heart rate.
Stress Management TechniquesTactical breathing (4-count inhale, 4-count hold, 4-count exhale).
Mental PreparationScenario planning and visualization improve response under pressure.
Dealing with Difficult PeopleMaintain professional composure regardless of provocation.
Personal HealthManaging overall stress levels, maintaining cleanliness, proper nutrition, active lifestyle, and physical fitness all contribute to better performance under pressure.
11.8 — Positional Asphyxia
Definition — Death or injury resulting from a body position that restricts breathing — most commonly when a restrained person is placed face-down with weight on their back.
Risk Factors — Prone restraint position, obesity, intoxication, respiratory conditions, prolonged physical struggle.
Prevention — Once a subject is controlled, place them in a recovery position (on their side). Never kneel or sit on a restrained person's back or neck.
Response — Monitor breathing and consciousness continuously. If breathing is compromised, call EMS immediately and begin first aid.
11.9 — Excited Delirium
DefinitionA state of extreme agitation, aggression, and distress, often associated with substance use or mental health crisis.
Signs and SymptomsExtreme agitation, unusual strength, high body temperature, profuse sweating, incoherent speech, imperviousness to pain.
Appropriate ResponseTreat as a medical emergency; call EMS immediately; avoid prolonged physical restraint; monitor breathing and consciousness.
Liability ConsiderationsDeaths in custody involving excited delirium can result in criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
11.10 — Use of Force Reporting
Mandatory reporting after any use of force — no exceptions.
The Use of Force Report must include:
- Events leading to the use of force
- Type and duration of force used
- Subject's behavior
- Injuries observed
- Witnesses
- Medical attention provided
- Collect witness statements.
- Preserve all evidence (video footage, photographs, damaged equipment).
- Cooperate fully with any internal review process.
11.11 — Legal Consequences of Excessive Force
Criminal ChargesAssault (s. 266), Assault Causing Bodily Harm (s. 267), Aggravated Assault (s. 268).
Civil LiabilityTort claims for assault, battery, false imprisonment, negligence.
Regulatory ConsequencesPSISA complaints, conditions on licence, licence revocation.
Employment ConsequencesTermination, loss of future employment opportunities in the industry.
11.12 — Module 11 Review Questions
Test your understanding of Module 11. The correct answer for each question is highlighted.
1. Under s. 25(1) of the Criminal Code, a person authorized by law may use:
- A.Any amount of force they choose
- B.As much force as is necessary for the purpose
- C.Lethal force in any arrest situation
- D.Force only if approved by a police officer
2. What is the first level of the National Use of Force Model?
- A.Physical control
- B.Tactical communication
- C.Officer presence
- D.Intermediate weapons
3. What is positional asphyxia?
- A.A breathing exercise for stress management
- B.Death or injury resulting from a body position that restricts breathing
- C.A technique used to restrain combative individuals
- D.A first aid procedure for choking
4. What should a security guard do when encountering a person showing signs of excited delirium?
- A.Immediately apply physical restraint
- B.Treat it as a medical emergency and call EMS
- C.Issue a trespass notice and escort the person off property
- D.Ignore the situation as it is not a security concern
5. After using force, a security guard must:
- A.Wait until the end of the shift to write a report
- B.Report the incident only if the subject was injured
- C.Complete a Use of Force Report and notify their supervisor immediately
- D.Discuss the incident only with coworkers