Does a store manager have the right to open your bag and check your personal stuff?

Question

i am a security guard and was recently assigned to oversee the job of a few contractors inside a Guess store. the job was done overnight and thats why they hired my company to provide security. in the morning when the store manager came i was about to leave but then he asked me to open my bag and show him i havent stolen anything!

it was done in canada, ontario.

1-is it legal for someone to search through your personal stuff , given the fact that no prior notice was given as if the bags will be checked?

i think it violates my privacy .

2-dont they need to have reasonable proof to doubt before they can go ahead with any such action?

3-can it be a store policy to do so?

Answer 1

1. Yes.

2. No.

3.  Were you not in the store?  Were you not hired by the store?  Therefore, it is there policy to search.

Answer 2

I would remind him that you are bonded as is the company you work for. If he wants to search your bag, you will do so under the supervision of your supervisor to make sure he doesn't a) wrongfully accuse you and b) make sure he does not steal anything from you. This has the effect of 1) saying it works both ways and 2) it bugs your company so they may not do business with the jerk in the future.

Answer 3

yes they do

they can search

You are not forced to be there