Handcuffs & Use of Force: When Can Security Guards Use Them in Surrey?
The difference between a job well done and a lawsuit is understanding the law. Here is what every Advanced Security Training (AST) student needs to know.
In the movies, security guards are often shown tackling people or throwing them out of clubs with ease. In the real world—specifically in Surrey and Vancouver—doing that without the proper legal justification will land you in jail.
At RupIELTS Institute, we spend a significant portion of our 24-hour AST course ensuring our students understand the legal boundaries. Carrying handcuffs is a massive responsibility. You are carrying a device designed to deprive another human being of their liberty.
So, when can you actually use them?
The Golden Rule: Section 494 (Citizen's Arrest)
Contrary to popular belief, security guards in BC do not have "police powers." We derive our authority from the Criminal Code of Canada, specifically Section 494. This section outlines when a regular citizen (which includes a security guard) can make an arrest.
Any one may arrest without warrant
(a) a person whom he finds committing an indictable offence; or
(b) a person who, on reasonable grounds, he believes
(i) has committed a criminal offence, and
(ii) is escaping from and freshly pursued by persons who have lawful authority to arrest that person.
Translation for Guards: You can generally only arrest someone if you see them committing a serious crime (like theft over $5000, assault, or breaking and entering) right now. You cannot arrest someone because you "think" they stole something yesterday.
When Can You Use Handcuffs?
Just because you can arrest someone doesn't mean you can handcuff them. Handcuffs are a "Use of Force." Under the National Use of Force Framework, you must be able to justify why the handcuffs were necessary.
You generally use restraints when:
- Safety is at Risk: The subject has become "Active Resistant" or "Assaultive." They are trying to hit you or run away.
- Preventing Escape: You have made a lawful arrest, and the subject is trying to flee.
- Preventing Evidence Destruction: The subject is trying to destroy stolen goods or weapons.
Situation: You catch a teenager stealing a candy bar at a Surrey drug store. You tell them they are under arrest. They stop, look down, and say "Okay, I'm sorry." They put their hands up.
Can you handcuff them?
NO. They are cooperative. Handcuffing them would likely be considered "Excessive Force." You simply ask them to walk to the office with you.
Situation: You are working mobile patrol in Delta. You find a man breaking into a warehouse. You announce your presence. He pulls out a screwdriver and screams "Get back!"
Can you handcuff them?
YES (If safe). The subject is "Assaultive." However, at this point, you should likely retreat and call 911 (Police). If you engage, you are justified in using intermediate weapons (like a baton, if certified) and restraints to control the threat.
The Consequences of getting it wrong
If you use handcuffs when they aren't necessary, or if you apply them too tightly and cause nerve damage, you can be charged with Assault and Forcible Confinement. You will lose your license, and you can be sued personally.
This is why the AST Certification is mandatory. We teach you:
- How to check for tightness (The "One Finger Rule").
- How to double-lock to prevent tightening.
- How to document the incident in your notebook immediately.
Report Writing: Your Shield
In our AST course, we teach the mantra: "If it isn't written down, it didn't happen."
After any use of force, you must write a detailed Incident Report. You must describe the subject's behavior that forced you to act. You cannot write "He was bad." You must write "The subject clenched his fists, bladed his stance, and verbally threatened to hit me." This level of detail is what saves you in court.
Don't Guess. Get Trained.
Liability is real. Join the AST course at RupIELTS to master the law and physical skills necessary to protect yourself.
Check Upcoming Course DatesLearn More at RupIELTS Surrey
Visit our Surrey location for personalized guidance and expert training
