During a routine patrol, a security guard encounters an individual who has just shoplifted an item from a store within the property they are securing. The individual, upon being confronted by the security guard, quickly abandons the stolen merchandise and attempts to walk away. The guard pursues and detains the individual. Which condition must also be met for this arrest by the security guard, acting as a private citizen, to be lawful under Canadian law?

Question: During a routine patrol, a security guard encounters an individual who has just shoplifted an item from a store within the property they are securing. The individual, upon being confronted by the security guard, quickly abandons the stolen merchandise and attempts to walk away. The guard pursues and detains the individual. Which condition must also be met for this arrest by the security guard, acting as a private citizen, to be lawful under Canadian law?

Answer options:

• The guard must be a licensed peace officer.
• The guard must immediately identify themselves as a security professional. ✅ The guard must deliver the person to a peace officer as soon as practicable.
• The value of the stolen item must exceed a specified monetary threshold.

Correct answer: The guard must deliver the person to a peace officer as soon as practicable.

Explanation: Section 494(3) of the Criminal Code of Canada stipulates that any person who makes an arrest without warrant shall forthwith deliver the person to a peace officer. This ensures that lawful arrests by private citizens are swiftly transferred to authorized law enforcement.