Security Guard Positions
The following are some of the opportunities available to people interested in working in the Security Guard Industry (e.g. private investigation, law enforcement, security services, loss prevention, patrol services, bouncer, and bodyguard).
There are several job possibilities and jobs available for security guards. They consist of, but are not limited to:
- Bouncer
- Bodyguard
- Private Investigator
- Parking Control (By-Law Enforcement)
- Loss Prevention
- Security Patrol
- Mobile Patrol Services
- Foot Patrol Services
- Concierge (Gatekeeper)
Bouncer
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act clearly mentions the role or position of bouncer. A bouncer is in charge of guaranteeing and maintaining the orderly conduct of people attending various places. These places or functions may be open to the public or by invitation only. Furthermore, these establishments may be operating under a permit that allows the sale of beer, wine, and spirits. In all of these scenarios, the security guard working as a bouncer is responsible for ensuring that individuals in attendance are acting orderly and following the rules of the venue. If anyone attending fails to follow the regulations, the bouncer is responsible for restoring order and, if necessary, removing any offending individual from the location.
Bodyguard
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act clearly mentions this job. A bodyguard is a security guard who is responsible for safeguarding the security and safety of people who have hired him or her for that duty. The security guard guarantees that people who are not welcome do not make physical contact with the employer and, ultimately, that no assaultive contact occurs.
Private Investigators
According to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, a private investigator is a person who conducts labour for remuneration that essentially consists of conducting investigations in order to offer information. This information includes:
- A person’s character or behaviours
- A person’s business or occupation
- The location of humans or property
Parking Control (By-Law Enforcement)
A security guard in charge of parking may be required to complete a local Parking ByLaw Enforcement Program. This responsibility is frequently in addition to the security guard’s other obligations. Those in charge of parking enforcement are confined to parking enforcement on private property belonging to or assigned to the security guard’s employer.
Loss Prevention
Retail shops who sell a variety of goods use security guards to manage loss prevention. The Loss Prevention security guard is in charge of preventing the theft of these products as well as apprehending and/or arresting individuals guilty for the loss.
Security Patrol
Security Patrol refers to how a security guard does his or her duties in order to watch, prevent, and report security-related issues. Security patrols are typically carried out in the following areas:
- Mobile Control
- Foot Patrol
Mobile Patrol
Mobile patrol is carried out while driving a marked security vehicle. The strategy is commonly used in big, outside venues, as well as when an employer has multiple locations that need to be patrolled. In most cases, the security guard works alone and responds to a central dispatch and/or a supervisor. Aside from the fundamental duties, a security guard on mobile patrol will respond to alarms on the employer’s premises.
Foot Patrol
Foot Patrol is exactly what it says. A security guard on active foot patrol usually walks inside, outdoors, or around the perimeter of a company’s property. Again, this duty may be carried out while the security guard is alone. A radio may be supplied to the security guard, who will reply to the direction of a supervisor or a central dispatch. The security guard’s duties will include searching for open windows, doors, and other insecure entry points. The security guard will also keep an eye out for any unauthorized people or unlawful conduct.
Concierge (Gatekeeper)
A concierge (gatekeeper) security guard will be stationed in a condominium, apartment building, office complex, or help desk in a shopping mall or commercial facility. The security guard’s responsibilities may include directing anyone who enters the site. The security guard may also be called to respond to alarms or any other situation that may be causing disruption in the surroundings.
Knowledge and Abilities Skills
Security guards must have specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) in order to do their duties effectively. These KS are also required to assure the security guard’s safety and well-being, as well as to help grow and enhance his/her abilities. KSAs are personal attributes required to carry out duties that are often acquired through performance, experience, training, and education. Knowledge is the acquired data or knowledge related to the performance of a task. A skill is the quantitative capacity to carry out a task. The ability to do a task is referred to as capability.
Bouncer
Because most Bouncers will be overseeing activities in an area that provides booze, wine, or spirits, a thorough understanding of the Liquor License Act is required.
Bodyguard
As previously stated, a security guard working as a bodyguard is responsible for safeguarding the security and safety of individuals who have hired him or her for that job. As a result, it goes without saying that the bodyguard should be skilled in self-defence and have a thorough awareness of the Criminal Code of Canada, particularly the portions dealing with self-defence. Furthermore, they should have excellent communication skills.
Private Investigator
A Private Investigator should have excellent observation abilities as well as an amazing attention to detail. The Private Investigator should also be well organized and have above-average writing skills. It is critical that the Private Investigator is well-versed on the following statutes:
- The Canada Evidence Act
- The Ontario Evidence Act
- The Criminal Code of Canada
Parking Control (By-Law Enforcement)
A security guard who is in charge of parking enforcement on private property must complete and pass a local Parking Enforcement Officer Program.
Loss Prevention
As a loss prevention officer, your responsibilities may include apprehending and arresting persons who are detected stealing items from the property to which you have been assigned. It is critical that you have a thorough understanding of Canada’s Criminal Code. Section 494, in particular, establishes a person’s authority to arrest. Along with Section 25 of Canada’s Criminal Code and your employer’s policy on arrest and use of force. Because a Loss Prevention officer may be forced to capture a person, it is critical that you are aware of the person’s guaranteed rights as provided in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Mobile Patrol
Security guards who are in charge of Mobile Patrol must have a full class, Ontario Class “G” driver’s license. Depending on where you work and what additional restrictions exist, such as the insurance policy or the employer’s mandatory conditions, you may be required to have a clean driving record with no convictions and/or to have reached a specific age.
Foot Patrol
A security guard doing foot patrol tasks may come into contact with customers, workers, and/or other persons visiting or residing at the facility to which they are assigned. The security guard may be relied upon at any moment for help and, as such, is regarded an official or a representative of the place. Because this encounter is possible, customer service skills, as well as a thorough comprehension of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Trespass to Property Act, are required.
Concierge (Gatekeeper)
A concierge security guard will most likely be stationed at a set place within a condominium, apartment complex, or commercial complex. This position’s responsibilities include providing direction and, in many situations, responding to alarms and other problems. Once again, more customer service capacity is advantageous and required. The security guard must also be knowledgeable with residential and commercial tenancy legislation. The Residential Tenancy Act and the Commercial Tenancy Act are included. It is also necessary to be familiar with the Trespass to Property Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. The concierge may also be needed to police the parking facilities, which may include passing a local Parking By-Law Enforcement Program.
General Responsibilities
Regardless of the precise job or duty given to a security guard, the key activities are to watch (detect), prevent, and report all instances relevant to an employer’s security concerns. These activities take place while the employer’s security personnel monitor the site. Patrols are carried out on foot, by vehicle, or as an addition to a stationary job. If assigned to a concierge role, the security guard is nonetheless responsible for keeping an eye on his or her immediate surroundings.
The security guard will visually evaluate the designated area while on patrol, evaluating the state of the area and looking for criminal activities, property damage, and missing property. When confronted with any of these scenarios, the security guard is expected to act in some way. This might include arresting or removing offenders, serving trespass (barring) notices, or notifying the police. The security guard will be needed to fill out the necessary documentation and report on their patrol. Any of these scenarios might necessitate the security guard attending court or a formal hearing where they will be forced to testify.
The security guard is continuously dealing with members of the public as well as coworkers. This engagement necessitates excellent communication skills. Security guards must also be courteous and professional. They are not only representing themselves. They are there to represent their coworkers, their security business, and their customer.
A security guard’s tasks can be carried out in either a uniform or in plainclothes. The settings may alter from day to day, offering new and distinct difficulties that need ongoing learning. This necessitates self-assurance and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.
As a security guard, you will work a variety of rotating shifts that span the whole 24-hour period, seven days a week. The many problems, paired with the constantly shifting shifts, can be stressful.
While carrying out their duty, security guards have certain authorities. A security guard is accountable for his or her conduct, and any abuse may result in legal or criminal punishment.
