The security guard is a professional that is to safeguard, protect people, patrol, and monitor any theft or violence in the premises, where his/her duty has been assigned. For larger organizations, these duties are directed by a higher security director. In any case, the security guard is responsible for serving his employer by providing safety against law violators, and determining disturbances, which may incur any sort of physical or financial losses. The job duties and responsibilities of a security guard are not the same as a peace officer or police officer. Instead, security guards are in the prevention. It is their job to act as a deterrent to crime, to watch for impending danger and to report crimes they may encounter. Security guards should remain visible as a deterrent to criminals. Thefts, damage and injuries can be avoided when the perpetrators see a security guard.

 

Depending on the kind of the premise that a security guard protects, the nature of his work can be broadly categorized into two types. Patrol oriented and static oriented. A patrol oriented guard is continuously on the move, patrolling his premises constantly, and ensuring that everything is under control. On the other hand, a staticoriented guard keeps a watch on the premises from a fixed location, such as a gatehouse or a lobby of a building. However, a guard's duty might involve both, patrolling as well as static functions.
Security guards must remain alert to watch for abnormal activity or hear any unusual sounds. Instead of rushing into a dangerous situation, security guards are required to record events, take down license plate numbers and remember features to report the findings to the authorities. Security guards should have access to a phone or radio to report suspicious activity or crimes in progress. On some posts, security guards are required to check visitors' badges and access authority. They may be asked to check bags of visitors leaving a facility.

 

A private investigator (PI) is a person who is paid for assembling facts, and separating them from fiction. He deciphers the mysteries behind financial or personal matters, identifies thefts and crimes, and carries out investigations on unlawful activities. Their job may vary from collecting clues and proofs about a cheating spouse, providing assistance in frauds, and anything that is illegal according to law.
Private investigators are licensed, and may or may not reveal their actual identity. Many ex-officers, and law enforcements take up the job of a private investigator, and are hired by individuals or groups to carry out investigations.
They're skilled professionals, bringing technology into use in order to recover deleted e-mails and chats, obtaining information which isn't accessible to ordinary people, acquiring records, memberships, photographs, etc. for fulfilling their clients' requirements.
 

The security guard and private investigator may be exposed to extreme dangerous situations so much care and vigilance is needed.

Experienced security guard and private investigator may advance to supervisory positions, or set up their own small businesses. Many private investigators are self-employed. 

 

Industry Changes

The security guard and private investigator are employed in varied work environments such as offices, residential buildings, retail stores, banks, rail, air, and sea terminals, museums, parks, theaters, hospitals, industrial premises, events, federal government agencies, educational institutions, and much more.

With experience, a security guard may achieve a higher position, like security supervisor or director. At times, the job profile of a security guard may involve some risks, especially if altercations arise.

 

Private investigators usually work by themselves and are self employed but may work for bigger corporations.
 

Over the next ten years, the employment outlook is considered to be excellent. The lack of trained and qualified Security Guards and Private Investigators and the expected increased retirement rate in these trades over the next decade highlight the opportunities within the industry for good potential jobs. Keeping informed with newer technological instrumentation will benefit their careers.

 

Safety

Safe working practices and accident prevention are the primary importance to the health and safety of all person(s) at any or all work place environments. All person(s) including employee, employer and government, share this responsibility in order to keep everyone free of any dangers or accidents that may cause an individual(s) serious bodily harm or death.

The Occupational Health and Safety Acts and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations, should be consistently reviewed and enforced in every work place environment. Educating and understanding these regulations is everyone’s responsibility in order to keep a safe work place environment.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) has contributed to a safer work place environment. Health and safety has become a high priority in the workplace due to increased awareness of dangers and the identifications of hazardous materials.

Practicing health and safety is a tremendous contribution to a safe and accident free work place environment.

​

Required Qualifications

 

• The minimum requirement for becoming a security guard and private investigators is a high school diploma or a Security guard and private investigators training certificate from a recognized training facility.

• Establishments needing heavy security expect their guards to be trained in the use of firearms.

• Armed security guards need to be high school graduates, with a preliminary knowledge of criminal justice.

• In some cases, on-the-job training is also provided, but this depends solely on the employer.

• All the security guards and P.I., irrespective of where they are employed, have to be at least 18 years old.

• Many companies require security guards and private investigators to have valid licenses. Added to this, they are often required to pass a drug test.

• Armed guards need to have a license for their weapons, and also need to undergo criminal and background checks.

• Some employers also require their guards and investigators to have valid driving licenses.

• Self defense training 

 

 

Job Tasks

• Ensures that the building/premise assigned to him is safe and secured from any sort of contingencies and acts of violence.

• Keenly observes each and every person(s) entering the premise and to keep an eye on intruders.

• Checks the luggage/belongings of any new person entering the premise, in order to ensure safety of the premise as well of the people.

• Prevents the entry of unauthorized people and prohibited articles into restricted areas.

• Surveillance and following

• Maintains a log book with details of the names, purpose of visit, and entry and exit times of each and every individual who enters the building.

• Conducts routine checks inside the building each day.

• Monitors the premise through closed-circuit TV cameras, and check for any sort of criminal activity.

• Reports all the suspicious acts happening in the premises to the local police.

• Helps the local police in case of emergencies such as thefts or violence.

• In case of a commercial premise, to check each and every office and make sure that all the possible entrances and exits are closed, and all the lights/electric equipment are switched off.

• Answers the emergency alarms with immediate effect, and to inform the respective department (such as fire department in case of fire) right away.

• Answers telephone calls of the people occupying the premise and to solve their queries, even during the non-business hours.

• Makes detailed notes of damages to the premise or assets or of unusual occurrences.

• Enforces and adheres to all the rules and regulations, and to warn the violators regarding possible consequences.

• Constantly inspects and monitors all the security devices and equipment and to ensure that they are not tampered with.

• Inspects and adjusts controls such as furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning, so that the entire building is properly regulated.

• Directs vehicles in and around the building and to make sure that all the vehicles are safe, while inside the premises.

• Guards and sometimes, drives armored vehicles in order to safely transport valuables and money from one place to the other.

• …and much more

 

Tools

• Communication radios

• Cell phones

• Cameras and surveillance equipment

• Computers

• Binoculars

• Log book and pens

• Fire arms along with proper Credentials

• Kevlar vests

• Flash lights

• First aid kits

• Drivers license

• Whistle

• Watch

• …and much more

 

Skills

• Critical Thinking

• Decision Making

• Politeness and courteoous

• Ability to handle and resolve conflict

• Attention to detail

• Knowledge and ability to secure premises

• Honesty, dedication and sincerity

• Ability to act fast in case of an emergency

• First aid knowledge

• Ability to use firearms and other security equipment

• Ability to judge and detect possible threats and act accordingly

• Analytical Thinking

• Numerical

• Oral Communication

• Problem Solving

• Writing

• Computer Knowledge

• Manual dexterity

• …and much more

 

General Wages

• Average -   $16.57

• Minimum -  $11.70

• Maximum - $25.62

​

Sample Q&A

 

1. What does MFIPPA stand for?

a. Major Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

b. Major Freedom of Intelligence and Protection of Privacy Act

c. Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

d. Municipal Freedom of Information and Private or Personal Association

Ans. C

 

2. What is the "10" Code for Subject In Custody?

a. 10-75

b. 10-24

c. 10-9

d. 10-95

Ans. D

 

3. The private investigator's client would like him to obtain information prior to conducting an interview.

Which of the following statements is true?

a. private investigator should use interviewing techniques.

b. private investigator should use industry specific equipment to preserve evidence.

c. private investigator should use surveillance techniques

d. private investigator should use research techniques

Ans. C

 

4. What is the main purpose of security systems and procedures in a controlled area?

a. require proper documentation and witnesses to all potential security violation in a facility

b. guarantee that secure areas are protected by at least two security personnel at all times

c. prohibits access to sensitive materials by unauthorized personnel

d. assures that visitors are never admitted without an escort

Ans. C

 

5. How should notebooks be used in a court situation?

a. Notebooks should not be used while testifying as it indicates you do not have an independent memory of the events.

b. Only signed witness statements in notebooks can be used for court purposes.

c. Notes should be referred to only to refresh memories, and to provide specific information that cannot be clearly remembered (such as specific times).

d. Entries in notebooks should be read in their entirety in place of testimony or independent recall.

Ans. C

 

6. The three types of criminal offences in Canada are?

a. Capital Offences, Summary Offences and Minor Offences.

b. Indictable Offences, Corporal Offences and capital Offences.

c. Indictable Offences, Summary Conviction Offences and Dual Procedure (or Hybrid) Offences.

d. Federal Offences, Provincial Offences and Municipal Offences.

Ans. C

 

7. Which of the following is required to justify the “Use of Force” under the Criminal Code of Canada?

a. You are authorized to use whatever force you feel is appropriate.

b. You must be acting on reasonable grounds.

c. You must be a police officer, or person employed in private security.

d. All of the above

Ans. B