Prince Edward Island Security Guard
Practice Test

A. A provincial police commission badge

B. The property owner's consent and delegation of rights ✓

C. A federal law enforcement mandate

D. The Criminal Code of Canada alone

Correct — B. Security guards on private property derive their authority from the property owner or occupier, who delegates certain rights to control access and enforce rules on that property. This is distinct from police authority granted by statute.

A. Guide guards to use the minimum level of force necessary to control a situation ✓

B. Authorize maximum force in all confrontational situations

C. Replace the need for verbal communication

D. Allow guards to use weapons freely

Correct — A. The force continuum is a framework that escalates from presence and verbal commands through to physical controls, guiding guards to use only the minimum level of force reasonably necessary to resolve a situation safely.

A. The PEI Police Act

B. The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act (Federal)

C. The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act (PEI) ✓

D. The Employment Standards Act

Correct — C. Prince Edward Island has its own Private Investigators and Security Guards Act that sets out licensing requirements, conduct standards, and regulatory oversight for security professionals working in the province.

A. Physical restraint

B. Officer presence and verbal commands ✓

C. Use of a firearm

D. Mechanical restraint with handcuffs

Correct — B. The lowest level of the force continuum is officer presence combined with clear verbal commands. Many situations can be resolved at this level without any physical contact, making it the appropriate starting point.

A. Make a citizen's arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code ✓

B. Issue a formal criminal charge on the spot

C. Detain the person indefinitely until police arrive

D. Search the person without any restriction

Correct — A. Section 494 of the Criminal Code of Canada allows any person, including a security guard, to arrest without a warrant someone they find committing an indictable offence. This is commonly known as a citizen's arrest.

A. Threatening the subject with arrest to compel compliance

B. Immediately using physical force to gain control

C. Using calm communication, empathy, and distance to reduce tension before physical intervention becomes necessary ✓

D. Calling a lawyer before engaging with any subject

Correct — C. De-escalation involves verbal and non-verbal techniques such as calm tone, active listening, maintaining safe distance, and demonstrating empathy. These strategies reduce the likelihood of a situation turning physical and are considered best practice.

A. Conduct a full search of the arrested person

B. Determine the appropriate charge

C. Hold the person in a secure cell until trial

D. Promptly deliver the person to a peace officer ✓

Correct — D. Under Section 494(3) of the Criminal Code, anyone who makes a citizen's arrest must promptly deliver the arrested person to a police officer. The security guard has no authority to hold, charge, or formally process the individual.

A. As forceful as possible to ensure compliance

B. Approved in advance by a supervisor

C. Greater than the threat posed to ensure control

D. Reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced ✓

Correct — D. Section 25 of the Criminal Code of Canada permits the use of force that is reasonable in the circumstances. Force that is disproportionate to the threat faced is excessive force and is unlawful, exposing the guard to criminal and civil liability.