Use of Force Awareness Course for Guards 2026

This course is for security guards who want to understand when the law allows force and when it does not. It covers the Criminal Code rules on force, how courts judge reasonableness, options that avoid force, provincial equipment rules and what to do after force is used. It does not teach physical techniques.

Formation
Canada
25 questions
Vérifié le 11 octobre 2026

En bref

Ce cours gratuit comprend environ 10 minutes de leçons et un test de 25 questions. Obtenez 80 % ou plus pour télécharger une attestation de réussite (privée, non accréditée). Vérifié à partir des sources officielles le 11 octobre 2026.

Commencez par les leçonsUse of Force Awareness: Lessons : environ 10 minutes de lecture. Chaque question du test est traitée dans les leçons.

Ce que vous allez apprendre

Recognize what counts as force and as assault
Explain the Criminal Code rules on force, self-defence and defence of property
Judge force by necessity and proportionality
Choose options that avoid force
Follow provincial equipment rules
Give aftercare and write a complete use-of-force report

Obtenez 80 % ou plus pour télécharger votre certificat.

À savoir avant l’examen

A person authorized by law and acting on reasonable grounds may use as much force as is necessary (Criminal Code, s. 25(1)); anyone who uses excessive force is criminally responsible for the excess (s. 26).
Force intended or likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm is justified only to protect yourself or someone under your protection from death or grievous bodily harm (s. 25(3)).
For self-defence, the act must be reasonable in the circumstances; section 34(2) lists factors such as other means available, physical capabilities and proportionality.
British Columbia bans security workers from carrying items designed to injure or control people, such as tasers, pepper spray and batons, and requires every use of force to be recorded.
In Alberta, a security worker needs employer approval and an approved 40-hour course to carry a baton, re-certified every 36 months.

Questions fréquentes

Can security guards use force in Canada?

Only when the law justifies it, such as during a lawful arrest, in self-defence or to prevent certain offences, and only as much as is reasonable and necessary. Excessive force is a crime.

Can a guard use force to protect property?

Section 35 of the Criminal Code allows reasonable action to protect property, but the act must be reasonable. Under section 25(3), force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm is only for protecting people from death or grievous bodily harm.

Can security guards carry pepper spray or batons?

It depends on the province. British Columbia bans them for security workers, while Alberta allows batons only with employer approval and an approved 40-hour course.

Does this course teach restraint techniques?

No. It covers the law, judging reasonableness, de-escalation and reporting. Physical techniques need approved, hands-on training.

L’attestation est-elle accréditée ou reconnue officiellement ?

Non. C’est une attestation de réussite privée, uniquement pour vos connaissances. Elle n’est reconnue, accréditée ni approuvée par aucun gouvernement, organisme de délivrance des permis, autorité de réglementation ou établissement d’enseignement, et elle ne remplace aucun permis, aucune certification ni aucune formation exigés par la loi.