A suspicious package should be handled through the site’s emergency procedure and appropriate authorities. Security personnel should not rely on visual guesswork to declare an item safe.
At a glance
- Ontario training includes suspicious packages and explosive-device emergency procedures.
- The safest response depends on the property’s emergency plan and the direction of emergency services.
- Clear communication and scene control are more appropriate than unnecessary handling or speculation.
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
- What does the site procedure say not to touch or move?
- Who must be notified first?
- How should the area be controlled while waiting for authorities?
Picture this at your property
An unattended package is found near a service entrance. Security should follow the approved emergency procedure, keep people away as directed and contact the appropriate authority rather than opening it for identification.
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. Section 6: Emergency response preparation — Government of Ontario
2. Section 9: Effective communications — Government of Ontario
3. O. Reg. 363/07: Code of Conduct — Ontario e-Laws
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08. This resource provides general information, not an emergency plan or legal advice. Follow the site’s approved emergency procedures and directions from police, fire, EMS or other competent authorities. Call 911 for an emergency or immediate threat.