The Ministry of Justice in Ontario has made a number of modifications to the legislation that affects private investigators and security guards. The establishment of a required training requirement for all certified Security Guards in the province is one of these improvements. The purpose is to expand the individual security guard’s knowledge base, hence boosting the level of safety experienced by both the guard and the public while facing private security.
In accordance with the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s syllabus, our course trains candidates for work in the field of security. Students must complete 40 hours of training to be eligible for a security license, according to Ministry requirements.
You must be familiar with the fundamentals in order to operate safely and professionally. This course covers all of the necessary topics for this basic training. It was created to assist you in passing the provincial exam and earning your Security Guard license.
When you begin working as a guard, you will get valuable on-the-job experience. Other courses, such as Private Investigation, Use of Force, or Smart Serve Training, may be of interest to you if you wish to improve your abilities and protect yourself and others while doing your job.
This training will outline the general tasks and responsibilities of a Security Guard. It is intended that students will become familiar enough with the subject to not only write (and pass) an examination, but also to remember the content of this course when it is called upon in the execution of their tasks on a daily basis.
This Security Guard Course is designed to give you with the occupational and behavioural skills and attitudes required to work professionally as a Security Guard as required by provincial acts, laws, and other legislation. The topics presented are designed to provide Security Guards with a solid foundation for dealing with a wide range of on-the-job tasks in an acceptable way. Many of the jobs done are quasi-law enforcement in nature, where solid public relations and an understanding of the limits of legal authorities and the use of force are critical. Security Guard applicants who successfully complete this program should be able to:
(a) Deal with the public in a professional and ethical manner
(b) Arrest people within the limits specified under the Criminal Code (Canada) and be aware of the rights and freedoms of individuals
(c) Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
(d) Present verbal and material evidence in Court
(e) Write reports, protect evidence and conduct themselves appropriately in court
(f) Direct traffic
(g) Detect or prevent thefts and vandalism
(h) Report and deal appropriately with perimeter protection systems, intrusion, fire, carbon dioxide, water, smoke, alarms, etc.
(i) React and take appropriate measures in all emergency situations
(j) Respond to bomb threats
(k) Perform other duties as required of Security Guards
Serco DES
Serco DES is a subsidiary of the Serco Group, which has activities in over 30 countries across the world. Serco DES was granted the contract to implement the tests for Security Guards and Private Investigators. Applicants should be aware of the following information:
- Serco is NOT a government-run organization. They are a private contractor who competed for and was granted the contract. The Ministry testing is where Serco’s involvement in the licensing procedure begins and concludes. They are unable to provide information on the licensing procedure or the Application to Act as a Security Guard or Private Investigator.
- The testing will take place at Ministry of Transportation Drive Test Facilities. Employees of the Ministry of Transportation are unable to answer questions about the testing since they are not aware of the license criteria.
- Testing MUST be scheduled using their online booking system or by phone. At book your exam, call Serco at 1-866-248-2555 or go online to ontariosecuritytesting.com. To schedule your test, you will need:
- Your Full Name and Date of Birth
- Your Training Completion Number
- A Credit Card
Payments may only be made with a credit card or a money order. Using a Money Order to pay for testing can cause testing, and hence licensing, to be significantly delayed. Applicants are urged to pay with credit cards and pre-paid credit cards.
Ministry of Solicitor General and Service Ontario
To obtain more information on the Licensing process, application forms, and the application checklist visit the Ministry website at: www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca
Application Form (Service Ontario):
https://www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator-licence-individuals
