Equipment Regulation

Equipment Regulation

In some cases, guards working in Ontario may be granted permission to carry and to use certain devices to protect themselves in dangerous situations. The Ministry can approve an individual to carry a firearm, baton, handcuffs, or allow the use of a guard dog in the provision of services. In such circumstances, the following conditions must be met always:

• The equipment or device must be supplied and issued by the Security Firm or Registered employer. Guards who already own their equipment may not use their own personal devices while working. The employer must also keep a record of what equipment has been issued to each individual. This rule ensures that employers are fully aware that their employees are in possession of such equipment, and ensures that the actions and liabilities of the Guard while using these devices is covered under the employers insurance. In the case of firearms, the individuals are subject to the rules and regulations set out under the Firearms Act.
• The employer must possess the required permits under governing legislation, and is responsible for ensuring that each individual also possesses the correct licenses for carrying such devices.
• The employer must ensure that each individual is insured against liability resulting from misuse of the equipment provided.

While some devices are acceptable under Ontario law, guards should always check with their employers and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to ensure that the equipment is authorized for use by a Security Guard. In some cases, new technologies, while based on technologies in common use, may not be acceptable according to the regulations. For example, while handcuffs are acceptable, Guards are not permitted to use cable ties or flex cuffs as restraints in the provision of security services. While in use by Police Services worldwide, such restraint devices do not have the same safety measures that handcuffs provide, and also often require a cutting tool to remove them which can pose a danger to both the Security Guard and the offender during incidents.