Basic Training

The private security industry in Canada offers broad and diverse employment opportunities. From becoming a specialist in personal protection/body guarding to through to commercial loss prevention; special events security to routine security patrols, the industry offers unlimited potential for personal and professional growth, reward and opportunity. This section will help introduce students to some of the important employment avenues available within the industry.

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, is Ontario’s primary legislation regulating the private security industry and and its employees. Every competent guard must be familiar with this governing legislation and the regulations it imposes, from uniform requirements to standards of Conduct; license maintenance to use of force reports will be emphasised during this portion of the program.

Security professionals are responsible for the protection of client property and for the safety of those who live, work or do business there. To meet the challenge, security guards must be well trained, knowledgeable and highly competent. Developing familiarity with the security environment allows guards to identify irregularities. This entails maintaining situational awareness, gaining a familiarity with basic surveillance procedures and understanding the technology which can assist. It also includes understanding the importance of access control and the potential threats which can emanate from the buildup of crowds. Also important is developing an understanding of the effects drug use can have in a secure environment, from concerns over health of users to the safety of those around them, security guards learn the signs and symptoms of drug impairment and the possible consequences

Effective documentation is an essential task for a professional security guard to maintain. Everyone concerned with site security must posses a clear understanding of events and identify relevant evidence quickly. A security guard must be familiar with the basics of professional note-taking and maintain excellent report writing skills. As well, the security guard must be able to create accurate and timely incident and occurrence reports. Finally, security guards must be aware of and familiar with issues surrounding the evidentiary value of legal documentation.

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act seeks to ensure employers provide a safe and secure work environment while employees work safely. Security guard must develop a general familiarity with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Additionally, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is aligned in Canada with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This system helps ensure that potentially hazardous chemicals are clearly identified along with additional provisions. Security guards should be familiar with WHMIS as part of health and safety training.

Fires, bomb threats, weapon emergencies, suspicious packages, explosives, natural disasters — these are some of the constant threats security professionals guard against. Security guards must be familiar with appropriate responses to any given threat so that risk exposure can be minimised. And if an unexpected event should occur, the guard must be capable of isolating and securing a crime scene so that vital evidence can be preserved for examination. This section of the course will focus on emergency response preparation to help provide the guard with confidence while facing emergencies. The training will help instil an understanding of the guard’s role while interacting with emergency first response personnel.

Canada’s legal system is made up of various laws, guidelines and procedures derived from myriad sources. Different levels of government pass different types of laws regulating expected standards of conduct within those aspects of social interaction over which they maintain jurisdiction. Criminal laws passed by the Federal Government apply equally throughout the nation, while provincial laws passed by any particular province apply only within its own borders. Finally, municipalities create by-laws to establish requirements within the particular city. These laws work together to help keep Canadians safe and secure. When necessary Canada’s criminal and civil courts address violations under the law. This section of the course will help guards understand the nature of Canada’s legal system and the origins of some of the laws guards are expected to help enforce.

Students will be introduced to some key areas of law essential to effectively providing security services. Students will learn about the Canadian Criminal Code and the different levels of offences it creates; the course will help explore the Trespass to Property Act, Employment Standards Act, federal and provincial privacy legislation, and other statutes of great importance to the guard. Students will also be exposed to the nature of tort law in Canada and how torts differ from criminal acts, along with the anticipated consequences faced by anyone who commits a civil wrong.

Canada is made up of a broad and diverse population. Canadians have come to this country from virtually every corner of the world, and reflect every level of ability. Diversity is part of the Canadian fabric, hence security guards must be capable of interacting professionally with everyone, regardless of ability, education or knowledge of Canada’s official languages. Avoiding bias and discrimination should be the goal and commitment of every professional guard, and this section of the course will provide a strong foundation in doing so.

The Canadian Criminal Code is very specific as to conditions under which force might be applied and the ramifications surrounding the use of excessive force. Canada’s National Use of Force Framework provides an important guideline surrounding use of force options in critical circumstances. A security guard should be familiar with these provisions as part of developing a general understanding related to use of force theory. This section of the course discusses crucial issues surrounding use of force, as well as helping students understand important matters such as Excited Delirium and its potential impact in provision of security services.

Every security guard must be in a position to help provide emergency first aid where circumstances require it. Not only is emergency first aid training mandatory for security guards, but it’s something every Canadian should know, especially those who work on the front lines, interacting with a wide range of people on a daily basis. This program will certify students in emergency level first aid and will be an important component in adding skill and confidence to the individual guard’s ability to provide effective security services.