Nova Scotia Security Law and Trespass Course 2026
This course is for security guards in Nova Scotia. It covers the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act and its regulations, the Protection of Property Act (the province's trespass law), and how a guard's arrest and force powers under the Criminal Code fit with them.
Kort antwoord
Deze gratis cursus heeft ongeveer 30 minuten lessen en een toets van 25 vragen. Haal 80% of meer om een bewijs van deelname te downloaden (privé, niet geaccrediteerd). Gecontroleerd aan de hand van officiële bronnen op 12 oktober 2026.
Wat je leert
- Explain who must be licensed as a private guard in Nova Scotia and who regulates guards
- Follow the rules for ID cards, uniforms, badges, vehicles and equipment
- Give trespass notice the way the Protection of Property Act allows
- Explain why only police may arrest under the Protection of Property Act
- Apply Criminal Code section 494 arrest powers and the duty to deliver to police
- Describe the legal limits on force in sections 25 and 26
Haal 80% of meer om je certificaat te downloaden.
-
Vraag 1 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. The Private Investigators and Private Guards Act
Section 4 of the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act says no one may act as a private guard without a licence under the Act.
-
Vraag 2 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. The Department of Justice's Security Programs Office
The Security Programs Office, part of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, licenses and regulates private investigators and private guards.
-
Vraag 3 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. 19
Section 7 of the Act says a person must be 19 years of age or over to act as a private investigator or private guard.
-
Vraag 4 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. On March 31 each year
Section 9 of the Act says licences expire on March 31 each year, so they are renewed every year.
-
Vraag 5 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. No; they must work for and apply through a licensed company
The province's licence information says individuals cannot work as sole proprietors and must be employed by a licensed company.
-
Vraag 6 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. Carry it and produce it on request
Section 18 of the Act requires a private guard on duty to carry the identification card and produce it on request.
-
Vraag 7 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. "Private guard", "Security" or "Security guard"
Section 14 of the regulations requires an approved uniform showing "private guard", "security" or "security guard" on the chest, "security" across the back, and the business name.
-
Vraag 8 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. "Police", "sheriff" or "officer"
Section 14(3) of the regulations says uniforms must not display the words police, sheriff or officer.
-
Vraag 9 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. No; only the prescribed ID card may be shown
Section 14(4) of the regulations says guards must not display a metal badge or shield other than the prescribed identification card.
-
Vraag 10 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. "SECURITY" on the side panels and the business name
Section 15 of the regulations requires "SECURITY" on the side panels in block letters at least 12.7 cm high and the business name. The vehicle must not look like a police or sheriff vehicle.
-
Vraag 11 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. Hold themselves out as a police officer
Section 20 says a licensee may not hold themselves out in any manner as a police officer, or act as one.
-
Vraag 12 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. A baton endorsement, based on proof of training
Section 7 of the regulations makes a baton endorsement available only with written proof of training acceptable to the Minister and written authorization from the employer.
-
Vraag 13 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. No; a business may not employ an unlicensed guard
Section 24 of the Act says a business may not employ an unlicensed person as a private investigator or private guard.
-
Vraag 14 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. The Protection of Property Act
In Nova Scotia, trespass is covered by the Protection of Property Act. The other names are trespass laws of other provinces.
-
Vraag 15 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. Orally or in writing
Section 3(2) of the Protection of Property Act says notice may be given orally or in writing. A sign is one kind of written notice (section 3(3)).
-
Vraag 16 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. Clearly visible in daylight from each usual entrance
Section 3(3) says a sign must be clearly visible in daylight under normal conditions from each usual point of access to the premises.
-
Vraag 17 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. The occupier or someone they authorize
Section 4 makes it an offence to stay on premises after being told to leave by the occupier or a person authorized by the occupier.
-
Vraag 18 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. $500
Offences such as unlawful entry (section 3) and refusing to leave (section 4) carry a fine of up to $500 on summary conviction.
-
Vraag 19 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. A police officer
Section 6 gives the arrest power under the Act to a police officer (RCMP or municipal police), and only when arrest is needed to stop the offence continuing or to establish identity.
-
Vraag 20 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. If they persist after being told to leave and warned
Section 6(2) bars an arrest in a shopping centre with four or more stores unless the person persists after being directed to leave and warned of arrest.
-
Vraag 21 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: A. Call police, keep your distance and take notes
Refusing to leave is an offence under section 4, but only a police officer may arrest under the Protection of Property Act. A guard's Criminal Code arrest powers do not cover this provincial offence.
-
Vraag 22 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: B. A criminal offence on or in relation to that property
Section 494(2) lets the owner, a person in lawful possession, or a person they authorize arrest someone found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.
-
Vraag 23 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. Deliver the person to a peace officer right away
Section 494(3) says anyone other than a peace officer who arrests without a warrant must forthwith deliver the person to a peace officer.
-
Vraag 24 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: C. Only as much force as is necessary
Section 25(1) justifies using as much force as is necessary, when acting on reasonable grounds. More than that is not protected.
-
Vraag 25 van 25
Toon antwoord
Antwoord: D. Criminally responsible for the excess
Section 26 says anyone authorized to use force is criminally responsible for any excess, according to the nature and quality of the act.
Toetsenbord: 1–4 om te antwoorden, Enter voor de volgende vraag.
Wat je moet weten voor het examen
- Nova Scotia licenses guards under the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act. The Security Programs Office of the Department of Justice runs licensing.
- You must be 19 or older to act as a private guard, and licences expire on March 31 each year.
- Guard uniforms must not show the words police, sheriff or officer, and guards may not wear a metal badge or shield.
- Trespass notice under the Protection of Property Act may be given orally or in writing. Signs must be clearly visible in daylight at each usual access point.
- Only a police officer may arrest for an offence under the Protection of Property Act. In a shopping centre with four or more stores, a warning to leave must come first.
Veelgestelde vragen
Can a security guard arrest a trespasser in Nova Scotia?
Not for trespass alone. Only a police officer may arrest under the Protection of Property Act. A guard may tell the person to leave on behalf of the occupier and call police if they refuse. A guard's arrest powers come from section 494 of the Criminal Code and cover criminal offences.
Do I have to carry my security licence card at work?
Yes. Section 18 of the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act says a guard on duty must carry the identification card and produce it on request.
Who do I contact about a security licence in Nova Scotia?
The Security Programs Office of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice. Applications go through the licensed company that employs you.
Can I carry a baton or a restraining device as a guard in Nova Scotia?
Batons and restraining devices need an endorsement on your licence, which requires written proof of acceptable training. Follow your employer's policy as well.
Is het certificaat geaccrediteerd of officieel erkend?
Nee. Het is een privé bewijs van deelname, alleen voor je kennis. Het is niet erkend, geaccrediteerd of goedgekeurd door een overheid, vergunningsinstantie, toezichthouder of onderwijsinstelling, en het vervangt geen wettelijk verplichte vergunning, certificering of opleiding.
Bronnen
- Private Investigators and Private Guards Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 356
- Private Investigators and Private Guards Regulations, N.S. Reg. 180/2005
- Nova Scotia Department of Justice: Security Programs Office
- Nova Scotia: Private investigator and private guard licence information
- Protection of Property Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 363
- Criminal Code, section 494 (arrest without warrant by any person)
- Criminal Code, section 25 (protection of persons acting under authority)
- Criminal Code, section 26 (excessive force)