Use of Force Training And Certification – Why You Need It

So, you’ve taken your Security Guard Training, or are in the process, congratulations! You are on your way to a rewarding career. With that career there are certain challenges you may face on the job that might require the use of force. This is why we offer the Use of Force training course, which will help you learn how to protect yourself if needed, and when and if it’s appropriate on the job. This one-day in person course is currently offered in Toronto, Scarborough, and Ottawa. It provides additional security training that will not only make you more marketable, it will teach you how to avoid the legal and ethical ramifications of using force to protect yourself while on the job. Read on to learn more about this vital training.

Do security guards have the same authority as the police?

No. Security professionals are not police and can not operate in the same ways that a police officer would. It is imperative for the safety and liability of Security Guards and the client or company that employs them, that a guard effectively operates within the boundaries they are given. But what does that mean? While performing security duties, a guard must be able to assess when and how to apply force in a threatening situation and if the application of force is necessary. This can be a tricky judgment call.

How much force can a Security Guard use?

In general, security guards and bouncers are tasked with keeping their assigned property reasonably safe, and are allowed to use force to carry out their duties, if necessary. According to section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada, an Ontario Security Guard is permitted to use: “as much force as is necessary as long as they act on reasonable grounds. However, section 26 states that individuals who use force are also criminally responsible for any excess of force in these circumstances.” So, it is important to use the bare minimum level of force that is required to perform your duty.

How to assess how much force to use?

A responsible security guard will consider the situation, the conditions, and other factors when deciding whether or not it is in his/her best interest to use force. How do you know what those situations are, and the amount of force that is considered “reasonable?”

This can be tricky. You don’t want to do anyone harm and you don’t want to put yourself at risk physically or legally. Understanding the parameters of when to use force and what how much is outlined in our Use of Force course. 

The Advantages of completing our Use of Force Training Course

There are several advantages to receiving your Use of Force Certification. They are:

Protection from harm: Learn self defense techniques to keep you safe on the job.

Protection from legal liability: Understanding what constitutes reasonable force and the parameters a guard must operate under will make sure you are operating legally. 

Increase your qualifications within the security industry:  Receiving proper training in the use of handcuffing and baton, as well as Basic Self Defense Tactics and receiving a Use of Force certificate indicates you understand how to defend yourself properly. This will give you an advantage in the field of security. 

Why take this course with SGC?

Our qualified instructors offer a practical hands-on approach, using a nationally recognized use of force system. This training system has been modified from current police procedures to accommodate the specific training requirements of the Private Security Industry in Canada, and has been recognized by reputable agencies in the security industry. This insured training program will provide certification cards to all students upon completion.

Where can I take the course?

Currently the course is offered in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Scarborough. Contact us to learn more. 

What topics will be covered?

Our one-day Use of Force and Handcuffing Training program will cover the following topics:

Use of Force Legalities

Our Use of Force course will clearly define the limits to which security guards are entitled to use force, so that you can stay within the appropriate legal guidelines while carrying out your everyday responsibilities. There is such a thing as using excessive force as a security guard, and situations can become complicated. If you injure someone, even if it was unintentional it may open you up to liability for negligence.

Handcuffing

Learn passive, active and non-compliant cuffing. While handcuffs are generally associated with police officers, there are situations in security work where you may need to detain someone. You will learn handcuffing techniques that follow industry standards and how to handcuff operating within the law. You never want to hurt anyone if you don’t have to, so the techniques you will learn are designed to protect the restrained person as much as possible, while allowing you to protect and defend yourself.

Self defense

In most cases in which you need to use force, it is in an act of self defense, but it may be necessary in order to protect yourself on the job. Our course will teach you basic self defense techniques and how and when to employ them to protect yourself, ensuring you understand the type of application of force required, and what degree of force is necessary. 

These defense tactics include:

• Knife defense- Learn how to handle situations that involve knives, including how to defend yourself and others against attackers, as well as how to attempt to disarm them.  
• Blocking techniques- how to block a strike from a potential threat and attacker.
• Defensive tactics- Take-down techniques and suspect control techniques to show you how to access and control a situation to gain or maintain the upper hand
• Defensive tools/Proper Use of Baton*- Tools of protection and defense may include baton and handcuffs. There are regulations relegating how and when a baton can be used. Our instructors will teach you how to properly use batons, and the appropriate situation in which they should be used. 
• Positional asphyxia

Knowing when and how to apply force on the job is a part of being a successful security guard. Protect yourself both legally and physically and give yourself an advantage in the security industry by earning your Use of Force Certification. We offer courses in: Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton and Scarborough. Contact us to find out the class schedule that suits you best.

*Note that our class held in Toronto does not include baton training.