Legalities as a Security Guard in Alberta: What You Can and Can't Do
August 1, 2026 Alberta Security Hub Staff
If you're thinking about becoming a security guard in Alberta, it's important to understand that your role comes with important legal responsibilities. Whether you're Considering a career in security, or Preparing for your Alberta security guard licence, here's what you need to know:
Security Guards Are Not Police Officers
Security guards are private citizens employed to protect people, property, or assets on behalf of a client or employer. Although security guards often work closely with police, they do not have the same legal authority. A guard's responsibilities are guided by: the Alberta Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA), Criminal Code of Canada, company policies, and client specific site procedures.
A security guard is prohibited from using job titles such as "Security Officer", "Protection Officer" or "Private Detective" under the SSIA to prevent confusing the public.
What Security Guards Can Do
Can: Protect People and Property
Security guards help maintain a safe and secure environment. Depending on the site this may include:
- Patrolling buildings and property
- Monitoring surveillance systems
- Preventing theft and unauthorized access
- Responding to alarms and emergencies
- Reporting suspicious or criminal activity
- Assisting the general public and enforcing site rules
Can: Make a Citizen's Arrest (In Limited Situations)
Security guards can make a citizen's arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada, but only in specific circumstances. In most cases, this applies when a guard finds someone committing a criminal offence on or in relation to the property they are protecting. A citizen's arrest should only be made when it is legally justified and safe to do so. After an arrest, police should be contacted promptly so the individual can be transferred to their custody as soon as possible.
If a lawful citizen's arrest has been made, a security guard may temporarily detain the individual while waiting for police to arrive. Detention should only last as long as reasonably necessary and must always be carried out lawfully and professionally.
Can: Enforce Trespassing Rules
Security guards often help property owners enforce trespassing laws. If someone refuses to leave private property after being directed to do so, a security guard may take appropriate action within the authority provided by applicable trespass legislation and company policy. In many cases, verbal communication and requesting police assistance are the safest and most appropriate options, rather than physical intervention.
Can: Use Reasonable Force When Justified
The Criminal Code allows reasonable force in limited circumstances, such as defending yourself, protecting another person, protecting property, or carrying out a lawful citizen's arrest. However, the force used must be proportionate to the situation and stop once the threat has ended. It's also important to remember that many security companies have stricter policies than the law. Some sites require guards to avoid physical contact whenever possible and instead focus on observing, reporting, and calling police. Under the SSIA, a security guard using physical force on duty would require the employer to document the incident and submit a formal use of force incident report to the registrar.
Can: Conduct Searches in Limited Circumstances
A search by a security guard would generally require either: the person's consent or a lawful arrest where a search is legally justified.
For example, some workplaces ask employees or visitors to consent to bag checks before entering the property. Refusing consent may result in being denied entry, but it does not automatically give a security guard the right to conduct a search.
What Security Guards Can't Do
Can't: Represent Yourself as a Police Officer
Security guards cannot identify themselves as police officers or exercise police powers they do not have. They cannot conduct criminal investigations like law enforcement, lay criminal charges, or perform duties reserved for police. However, working as a security guard can be especially beneficial if you have Future Aspirations of Becoming a Police Officer.
Can't: Arrest Someone Without Legal Authority
A person cannot be arrested simply because they seem suspicious or refuse to answer questions. There must be lawful grounds for a citizen's arrest. Making an unlawful arrest can expose both the guard and employer to legal consequences.
Can't: Use Excessive Force
Even when force is legally permitted, excessive or unnecessary force is never acceptable. Professional security work is about using the minimum amount of force required while prioritizing safety and de-escalation whenever possible.
Can't: Search Without Authority
Unless a person gives consent or another legal authority applies, security guards cannot search someone's body, pockets, bags, or personal belongings. Respecting privacy rights is an important part of performing security duties professionally.
Can't: Discriminate Against Individuals
Security guards must treat everyone fairly and professionally. A person's race, religion, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or other characteristics should never influence how security services are provided.
Professionalism Is Your Best Tool
The most Effective Security Guards rely on communication, awareness and sound judgment rather than force. A calm, professional approach can help prevent incidents from escalating and helps build trust with clients, coworkers, and the public. Learning the legal responsibilities of a security guard also helps reduce risk while ensuring you carry out your responsibilities with confidence.
Learning the legal responsibilities of a security guard is an essential part of becoming licensed in Alberta. Our Ministry Accredited ABST Course covers topics such as arrests, legal authority, report writing, conflict de-escalation, use of force, and professional conduct so you're prepared for real life situations on the job. The more you understand the law, the better equipped you'll be to protect people, property, and yourself.
