Ontario’s Code of Conduct sets enforceable expectations around honesty, lawful conduct, equal treatment, privacy, civility and unnecessary force.
At a glance
- Licensees must act with honesty and integrity and comply with federal, provincial and municipal laws.
- The Code requires equal treatment and prohibits profane, abusive or insulting conduct.
- The Code also requires confidentiality and prohibits unnecessary force.
What this means in practice
The official rules establish a baseline, but a workable security assignment still needs property-specific decisions. The client and provider should turn general requirements into clear instructions about what is checked, who can authorize exceptions, what must be documented and when another authority takes over.
Questions to confirm
- How does the provider train and supervise conduct expectations?
- How are complaints documented and reviewed?
- What client policies could conflict with a guard’s legal obligations?
Picture this at your property
A client asks a guard to publicly shame a suspected trespasser. Professional security should stay within lawful, respectful procedures rather than follow a direction that conflicts with conduct requirements.
The value of the example is the decision process: identify what is known, what remains uncertain, who has authority, and what information should be preserved for follow-up.
Practical takeaway
The strongest security process is usually the one that makes responsibilities, observations and escalation clear. That creates a service that can be understood and reviewed without overstating what security can guarantee.
Official sources & verification
1. O. Reg. 363/07: Code of Conduct — Ontario e-Laws
2. Requirements for security guards and private investigators — Government of Ontario
3. Training syllabus for security guards — Government of Ontario
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08. This resource provides general Ontario information and is not legal advice. Legal authority and obligations depend on the facts, the property, the applicable law and current official guidance. Confirm current requirements with the responsible government authority or qualified legal counsel when a decision has legal consequences.