According to the Criminal Code of Canada, what specific authority does a security guard generally have when detaining an individual who has committed an indictable offense on the property they are protecting, versus a peace officer?

Question: According to the Criminal Code of Canada, what specific authority does a security guard generally have when detaining an individual who has committed an indictable offense on the property they are protecting, versus a peace officer?

Answer options:

• Security guards have identical arrest powers to peace officers for any offense under the Criminal Code. ✅ Security guards can only perform a citizen's arrest for an indictable offense committed on the property, which requires handing the person over to a peace officer without unreasonable delay.
• Security guards are authorized to hold an individual indefinitely until a supervisor decides their fate.
• Security guards can only ask an individual to leave the property, but cannot physically detain them for any offense.

Correct answer: Security guards can only perform a citizen's arrest for an indictable offense committed on the property, which requires handing the person over to a peace officer without unreasonable delay.

Explanation: While security guards do not possess the broad powers of peace officers, Section 494 of the Criminal Code allows any person (including a security guard) to make a citizen's arrest for an indictable offense, but they must promptly deliver the arrested person to a peace officer.