Introduction to the security industry

DIFFERENT JOB POSITIONS:
There are different jobs in the private security industry, such as loss prevention officers, security guard services, patrol services and private investigators. This course reflects the main roles of security guards. Security guards are typically uniformed security that are identified as such with a uniform that displays this on the front and back of the uniform.

SECURITY SERVICES:
Security guards work in many different environments. This includes construction sites in order to deter theft and vandalism from clients, control access to private and sometimes public property in order to document who enters and leaves certain areas at certain times. Hotels, grocery stores, and apartment buildings for example all have specific roles and duties for security guards to enforce.

Event Security: At some site’s security guards will work in event environments that will include checking for the age of people which will determine if they will be allowed entry into establishments. The legal age o consume alcohol in Ontario for example is 19 years of age. Other event security duties include maintaining the legal allotted capacity of a facility so that there are not too many people inside a building or designated area. Handling and defusing altercations between guests may also be one of the roles of the security guard. This must be done professionally and safely. We will discuss the use of force in Ontario in a later chapter.

Loss prevention Services is a type of security that is performed mainly to deter or limit how much product or goods are stolen from a customer or client of a security company. They are used in grocery stores, malls, retail stores etc. Loss prevention security guards do not necessarily need to use a security guard uniform that identifies them as a security guard. This is one of the exceptions in the private security industry that allows security guards to use “plain clothes” so that they blend in and are not noticed by the public or potential thieves and offenders. This is called a covert approach “or undercover”. A uniformed approach is referred to as an overt approach, which is easily identified. Loss prevention officers should be looking for thieves by doing the following: Watching for people who avoid contact with employees. Areas with empty coat hangers. People carrying large bags etc.

Bodyguard services or close protection guard also do not necessarily need to wear a security uniform. This will be determined by the client and the management of the security company. The duty of a close protection guard is to work closely with a client by protecting a specific person or group of people from physical harm or threats.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NEEDED TO PERFORM WELL:
Security guards must be trained on specific sites in order to perform efficiently. They must have knowledge of the Canadian legal system, report writing, shift lengths, use of force, emergency preparation and fire procedures etc.

DEMANDS OF SECURITY GUARDS:
TRAVEL: Depending on where security guards work or are posted by their employer, they may need to travel to different locations. This may require the use of public transit or your own personal vehicle.
OFF HOURS: Much of the private security guard industry requires that guards work off hours. This means shift work and many night shifts. This may require you to balance out many things in your daily routine in order to perform your job efficiently. If you are a part time student, you may need to work night shifts and attend classes during the day.
STRESS: The roles that security guards play during their day to day duties can be stressful. You may have to deal with upset members of the public. Enforcing rules do not always please people that have to follow them. You may need to hand out parking tickets or disallow someone from entering an establishment. This is combination with shift work can lead to stress.

RISKS AND DANGERS:
The risks and dangers of being a security guard can include many different factors. You may have to deal with angry, violent and intoxicated people. At times verbal de-escalation and use of force may be required in order to maintain your safety and members of the public. Being trained on how to handle these situations will determine your safety and ultimately your success working in the industry. Other dangers that can occur are dealing with fire calls, alarms and electricity etc. Depending on where you are working you may be in a high-risk environment. Learning and understanding fire procedures, electricity guidelines and evacuation plans is very important for your safety.

PRIVATE SECURITY AND POLICE OFFICERS:
It is very important to distinguish the differences of your role as a security guard and a police officer. Police officers always have more power than a security guard. Security guards act on behalf of property owners and have the same criminal law enforcement powers of any other ordinary citizen and can legally make an arrest and detain an individual.