Study guide
Handling Hostile, Violent & Intoxicated Persons
Alberta Basic Security Training ABST
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1 Introduction & Exam Overview
About the ABST Exam The SSIA and Alberta Security Licensing Study Plan & Exam Strategy
2 Module 1: Introduction to the Security Industry
1.1 Roles & Responsibilities of a Security Professional 1.2 Protection of Persons, Property & Information 1.3 SSIA Key Provisions & Licensing Requirements 1.4 Professional Conduct, Appearance & Deportment 1.5 Public Complaints & Disciplinary Process 1.6 The Security Industry in Alberta
3 Module 2A: Canadian Legal System Foundations
2A.1 Canadian Legal System Overview 2A.2 Charter of Rights & Freedoms (Legal Rights) 2A.3 Criminal Code Basics for Security 2A.4 Summary, Indictable & Hybrid Offences 2A.5 Search & Seizure Provisions
4 Module 2B: Powers & Authority
Citizen's Power of Arrest (s. 494) Use of Force (ss. 25, 26, 27) Trespass & Property Offences Theft, Loss Prevention & Shoplifting Powers Other Relevant Legislation
5 Module 3A: Patrol & Observation
Observation Skills Foot & Vehicle Patrol Procedures Access Control Surveillance, CCTV & Alarm Monitoring
6 Module 3B: Site Operations
Crowd Control Dealing with Substance Abusers & Drug Paraphernalia Interacting with the Media Traffic Control Procedures & Signals Post Orders, Shift Management & Working with a Partner Use of Force Response & Excited Delirium
7 Module 4: Communication
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication Active Listening Skills The LEAPS Communication Method Communication Challenges & Bias Awareness Handling Hostile, Violent & Intoxicated Persons Conducting Interviews & Statement Taking
8 Module 5A: Documentation
Notebook Maintenance & Legal Implications 24-Hour Clock & Phonetic Alphabet Report Writing (Shift, Incident & Traffic Collision) Mandatory Reports to the Registrar
9 Module 5B: Evidence & Court
Types of Evidence Crime Scene Preservation Preparing for & Testifying in Court
10 Module 6A: Alarm Systems
Alarm Systems & Components Types of Alarm Sensors Responding to Alarms & Off-Site Response
11 Module 6B: Fire, Bomb & Evacuation
Fire Emergency Management Fire Extinguisher Types & PASS Method Bomb Threat Procedures & Checklist Evacuation Procedures
12 Module 7: Health & Safety
Personal Safety Practices Risk Assessment (Low, Medium, High) Identifying Workplace Hazards Emergency Response Safety Shift Work Effects on Health & Wellbeing Managing Shift Work Challenges
Handling Hostile, Violent & Intoxicated Persons
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
De-escalation principles: stay calm, maintain distance, use a non-threatening posture, do not argue, set clear limits, and offer choices where possible
Escalation cues include clenched fists, raised voice, pacing, staring, and invading personal space — recognise them early and adjust
Personal trigger management: know what behaviours set you off and stay professional regardless of provocation
When a person becomes violent or an immediate threat, disengage, create distance, maintain an escape route, and call police — never corner anyone
Intoxicated persons have reduced capacity and unpredictable behaviour: speak slowly, use simple words, do not challenge or argue, and prioritise safety
Last updated: August 2026
De-Escalation Principles
De-escalation is the set of techniques a guard uses to reduce a person's arousal and gain cooperation without force. The core principles:
Stay calm — Your calm is contagious. Lower your pitch, slow your pace, keep your voice even.
Maintain distance — Keep at least an arm's length (the social zone, 1.2 m or more if possible). Distance gives reaction time and reduces the person's feeling of being cornered.
Use a non-threatening posture — Open hands visible, stance bladed slightly sideways (smaller target), weight balanced, no sudden movements.
Do not argue — Arguing with an agitated person validates their anger and escalates. Acknowledge the feeling; do not debate the facts in the moment.
Set clear limits — State what is and is not acceptable: "You can stay and talk, but you cannot shout at my staff." Limits must be reasonable and enforceable.
Offer choices — Giving a person a choice restores a sense of control and often ends the standoff. "Would you prefer to wait here or step into the office while we sort this out?"
Recognising Escalation Cues
A person rarely becomes violent without warning. The guard's job is to read the cues early and adjust distance, tone, and posture before the situation crosses the line. Common escalation cues :
- Clenched fists or jaw
- Raised voice, rapid speech, profanity
- Pacing, rocking, or restless movement
- Fixed staring, refusal to break eye contact
- Invading the guard's personal space
- Removing items of clothing (jacket, hat) — a pre-fight cue
- White-knuckling an object
When you see two or more cues together, treat the situation as high-risk: increase distance, adopt a defensive posture, and prepare to disengage.
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Personal Trigger Management
A trigger is a behaviour that makes you personally angry or reactive — being sworn at, being called a name, someone invading your space, or a tone of voice that reminds you of a past conflict. Triggers are individual: what sets one guard off may not affect another.
The professional standard is to know your own triggers and stay professional regardless of provocation. Practical steps:
Identify your triggers in advance (self-reflection, post-incident debriefs).
Notice the physical signs that you are being triggered — heart rate up, jaw tight, heat in the face.
When triggered, slow your breathing, lower your pitch, and shorten what you say (less talking = less chance of saying something unprofessional).
If you cannot manage the trigger, hand off to a partner or supervisor if possible.
A guard who reacts to being sworn at by swearing back has lost the interaction and created evidence that can be used against them in a complaint.
When to Disengage and Call Police
A security guard is not expected to absorb violence. Disengagement — breaking off the interaction and withdrawing — is the correct response when:
The person issues a credible threat of physical harm.
The person produces or appears to produce a weapon.
The person charges or strikes.
Multiple aggressors are present and outnumber the guard.
The person's behaviour indicates they cannot be reasoned with (severe intoxication, mental health crisis with aggression).
When you disengage:
Create distance — move to at least the public zone (> 3.6 m) or behind a barrier.
Maintain an escape route — never let yourself be cornered, and never corner the other person; a cornered person is far more likely to fight.
Call police (911) and provide location, number of persons, weapons if any, and injuries.
Observe and record from a safe distance for your notebook and the police arrival.
Intoxicated Persons
An intoxicated person — whether by alcohol, drugs, or both — has reduced capacity : impaired judgment, slurred or slow speech, poor balance, and unpredictable behaviour. They are not fully in control of their reactions, and the guard must adjust accordingly.
Approach for intoxicated persons:
Speak slowly and use simple words , one idea at a time.
Do not challenge or argue — reasoning with an intoxicated person rarely works and often provokes.
Keep distance greater than normal; intoxication affects balance and the person may lunge or fall toward you.
Do not shine lights in their face or make sudden loud noises.
Offer a safe, sober option where possible — a taxi, a friend to call, a place to sit and sober up (if site policy allows).
If the person is a danger to themselves or others, or is unable to care for themselves, call police. Guards generally do not transport intoxicated persons.
Safety First
Every principle in this section folds into one rule: safety first. Property can be replaced; a complaint can be answered; a person who leaves can be followed up with later. A guard who is injured or cornered cannot help anyone. Prioritise distance, escape routes, and police support over any short-term win.