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It is a requirement to complete a total of 40 hours of security training in order to be eligible to apply for your security guard license. ****

• Emergency Level First Aid IS REQUIRED ****

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The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, regulates the private security industry. ****

Individuals are required to have a security guard license if they perform work for remuneration that consists primarily of protecting people or property. This includes but is not limited to bodyguards, bouncers, Concierge, security guards, and loss prevention personnel. More generally speaking, the security guard license is required form individuals who patrol premises with the intention to provide security. ****

Security guards, perform a vital function in numerous industries worldwide. Whether armed or unarmed, mobile or stationary, uniformed or plain clothed, security guards help their employers protect property, people, and information. They do this while also supplementing the crime-detection and deter efforts of traditional law enforcement agencies. As a result, they are frequently best situated and equipped to identify potential criminal Acts. ****

Most of the time a security guard’s job is to act as a deterrent to crime, watch for impending danger and report crimes they may encounter.
Security guards do not work as peace officers or police officers. Instead, security guards are in the prevention business. ****

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Concierge definition:
1: “a resident in an apartment building especially in France who serves as doorkeeper, landlord’s representative, and janitor.
2 : “a usually multilingual hotel staff member who handles luggage and mail, makes reservations, and arranges tours”
The role of a concierge is to present a friendly customer service attitude towards patrons and members of the establishment as well as:
Controlling access points
Assist in reporting hazards
serving as a visual deterant for minor incidents


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What is a Security Guard

A security officer (or security guard) is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. They are usually privately and formally employed civilian personnel. Security officers are generally uniformed and act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and reporting any incidents to their client and emergency services as appropriate.

What is a Loss prevention Guard

Loss prevention security officers (LPO) work covertly in retail locations to identify suspicious behavior and apprehend anyone attempting to steal. However, unlike security guards, loss prevention security officers blend in with the crowd and don’t wear uniforms. Loss prevention security officers work closely with law enforcement. They also write daily reports and conduct store opening and closing procedures.

What is a Private investigator

A private investigator (often abbreviated to PI and informally called a private eye), a private detective or inquiry agent, is a person who can be hired by individuals or groups to undertake investigatory law services.

Private investigators play an important role in assisting individuals, law enforcement agencies and corporations. Some of the duties involve helping to find missing persons or performing research for legal, financial or criminal investigations.

One of the major responsibilities of a private investigator is research. You could be researching legal records, family history, conducting a computer search to research a crime or conduct a background check on a job candidate. After your research, you will analyze the facts to find pertinent information for solving a case.

In short, the private investigator is hired to provide information, such as:

The actions of a person
the business or occupation of a person
the whereabouts of a person or property



The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) regulates the private security industry?
a) True

Who from the options below require a security license? (Select all that apply)
a) Security Guard
b) Private Investigator
c) Bouncer
d) Bodyguard

Security Guards protect which of the following?
a) Information
b) Property
c) People

Security guards are also police officers.
b) False

A security guard’s job is to ________. (Select the options that apply)
a) Detect crime
c) Deter crime
d) Report incidents

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The following are general duties and responsibilities of a security guard:

Observe and report any unusual incidents and behavior
Deter and detect crime
Keep good public relations
Respond to emergencies
Control access points and use alarm systems
Patrol and direct Traffic
Find and report safety hazards

Security Guards can closely monitor their assigned location with a surveillance method that is static, patrolled, visible or deterrent. ****
This allows security guards to spot suspicious behavior and prevent problems and potential illegal activity.

Security guards are required to patrols industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion, and to ensure security of doors, windows, fence, and gates.  ****

Use verbal warning: Warn the individual of rule infractions or violations. ****
Apprehend or evict violators from premises: Use force only when necessary.****

mergencies

In cases of emergencies, security guards are often responsible for:

Directing the public to an area of safety ****
Contacting emergency responders ****
Attempting to determine the source of the problem ****
Containing the threat ****

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Please answer the questions below and document them in your Learning Journal.   This will assist you in your final exam. We will answer the following questions together.
Security guards can conduct surveillance from both, static or patrolled postings?
a) True

When conducting inspections and patrols of premises, security guards should ensure security of doors, windows, fences, and gates.
a) True

How can a security guard enforce the rules of an establishment? (Select all that apply)
a) Verbal warning
b) Apprehend or evict violators from premises

Security guards are not policemen. Therefore in the case of emergency, security guards are NOT permitted to direct people to safety nor determine the source of the emergency.
b) False

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You must also remember that you are representing the client, and that you are expected to act in a professional and respectful manner. ****

Security guards are expected to act professionally?
a)True

Security guards should be to be fair and just in dealings with people in spite of their personal prejudice.
a)True

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Freedom of religion is the concept that everyone has the right to hold the religious belief of his/her choice without fear of discrimination, reprisal or interference. ****


Which section in Canada’s constitution refers to Canadians’ rights of basic freedoms?
b) Section 2

All Canadians have freedom of
b) Peaceful assembly

he concept that everyone has the right to hold the religious belief of his/her choice without fear of discrimination, reprisal or interference is
b) Freedom of Religion

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Section 1 – Introduction to the Security Industry

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) regulates the private security industry. The PSISA was proclaimed into force on August 23, 2007 to help professionalize the security industry, increase public safety and ensure practitioners receive proper training and are qualified to provide protective services. The PSISA and its regulations govern the way the private security industry operates in Ontario.

The Training and Testing Regulation made under the PSISA came into force on April 15, 2010. All security guards must fulfill the mandatory requirements of the Training and Testing Regulation in order to be eligible to apply for a licence.

Who needs a security guard licence?

 Individuals are required to have a security guard licence if they perform work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of protecting persons or property. This includes but is not limited to bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention personnel, and more generally speaking, individuals who patrol premises.

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html

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Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms

Marginal note:Rights and freedoms in Canada

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

Fundamental Freedoms

Marginal note:Fundamental freedoms

2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:

(a) freedom of conscience and religion;

(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and

(d) freedom of association.

Mobility Rights

Marginal note:Mobility of citizens

6. (1) Every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada.

Marginal note:Rights to move and gain livelihood

(2) Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada has the right

(a) to move to and take up residence in any province; and

(b) to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.

Marginal note:Limitation

(3) The rights specified in subsection (2) are subject to

(a) any laws or practices of general application in force in a province other than those that discriminate among persons primarily on the basis of province of present or previous residence; and

(b) any laws providing for reasonable residency requirements as a qualification for the receipt of publicly provided social services.

Marginal note:Affirmative action programs

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration in a province of conditions of individuals in that province who are socially or economically disadvantaged if the rate of employment in that province is below the rate of employment in Canada.

Legal Rights

Marginal note:Life, liberty and security of person

7. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.

Marginal note:Search or seizure

8. Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.

Marginal note:Detention or imprisonment

9. Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.

Marginal note:Arrest or detention

10. Everyone has the right on arrest or detention

(a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor;

(b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and

(c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released if the detention is not lawful.

Marginal note:Proceedings in criminal and penal matters

11. Any person charged with an offence has the right

(a) to be informed without unreasonable delay of the specific offence;

(b) to be tried within a reasonable time;

(c) not to be compelled to be a witness in proceedings against that person in respect of the offence;

(d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal;

(e) not to be denied reasonable bail without just cause;

(f) except in the case of an offence under military law tried before a military tribunal, to the benefit of trial by jury where the maximum punishment for the offence is imprisonment for five years or a more severe punishment;

(g) not to be found guilty on account of any act or omission unless, at the time of the act or omission, it constituted an offence under Canadian or international law or was criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations;

(h) if finally acquitted of the offence, not to be tried for it again and, if finally found guilty and punished for the offence, not to be tried or punished for it again; and

(i) if found guilty of the offence and if the punishment for the offence has been varied between the time of commission and the time of sentencing, to the benefit of the lesser punishment.

Marginal note:Treatment or punishment

12. Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

Marginal note:Self-crimination

13. A witness who testifies in any proceedings has the right not to have any incriminating evidence so given used to incriminate that witness in any other proceedings, except in a prosecution for perjury or for the giving of contradictory evidence.

Marginal note:Interpreter

14. A party or witness in any proceedings who does not understand or speak the language in which the proceedings are conducted or who is deaf has the right to the assistance of an interpreter.

Equality Rights

Marginal note:Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law

15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

Marginal note:Affirmative action programs

(2) Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. (84)

Enforcement

Marginal note:Enforcement of guaranteed rights and freedoms

24. (1) Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by this Charter, have been infringed or denied may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain such remedy as the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances.

Marginal note:Exclusion of evidence bringing administration of justice into disrepute

(2) Where, in proceedings under subsection (1), a court concludes that evidence was obtained in a manner that infringed or denied any rights or freedoms guaranteed by this Charter, the evidence shall be excluded if it is established that, having regard to all the circumstances, the admission of it in the proceedings would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

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The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, regulates the private security industry. ****

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The Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA) was created in August 23, 2007 and its objective is to regulates the security industry.

Under this Act, new requirements for licensing, equipment, uniforms, vehicles, training and testing standards came were developed.****

“No person shall act as a private investigator or a security guard or hold himself or herself out as one, unless the person holds the appropriate License under the Act”. ****

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To apply for a security licence, an applicant must meet the following mandatory requirements:

Posses a clean criminal record
18 year old or older
Entitled to work in Canada
Successfully completed all prescribed training and testing


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Racism, discrimination and the use of unnecessary force will not be tolerated. ****

Under the PSISA regulations, a security guard must:

Act honestly and with integrity
Comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws ****
Treat all persons equally (without discrimination)
Avoid using profanity or abusive language
Avoid using excessive force ****
Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty ****
Conduct oneself in a respectful manner at all times

Penalty charges include fines up to $25,000 for individuals and up to $250,000 for businesses.

A person acting as a Security Guard must be carrying a license on request at all times and must identify himself or herself as a security guard.****

Your security guard license may be suspended for 3 months should you violate any provision of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act under the Code of Conduct. ****

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Racism, discrimination and the use of unnecessary force cannot be regulated.
b) False

Security guards must __________. (Select all that apply)
a) Comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws
b) Avoid using excessive force
c) Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.

A conviction for breaching the Ministry Code of Conduct or any other provision of the Act could potentially expose one to imprisonment and/or fines.
a) True

A person acting as a Security Guard must be carrying a license, and must identify himself/herself as a security guard upon request.
a) True

 www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/BasicTesting/SecurityGuardStudyGuide/TheActandCodeofConduct/SG_act_conduct.html

http://www.elaws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_05p34_e.htm

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A security guard should always maintain a professional manner ****, have a professional appearance and exhibit a positive attitude.

Security guards need to respond to changes in their environment, which include actions such as:

Traffic movement
Ensuring the safety of persons between and within locations
Monitoring and managing the access and departure of persons and vehicles
Observing and monitoring people

What are the duties required for a Security Guard?

•Protect property, employees, visitors, facilities, equipment, supplies, records, etc.
•Take prompt emergency or protective action to preserve life or property
•Obey established rules and regulations
•Enforce security policies and practices
•Prevent offences of all types
•Detect, Identify, and report all violations
•Conduct patrols
•Seek out and take action against all safety and security hazards
•Handle lost and found articles
•Direct traffic when authorized
•Control Access
•Provide assistance and information
•Maintain order
•Observe Professional standards of Performance
•Perform any duties requested of him/her

This objective is typically achieved by conducting an in-person or remote surveillance of the physical environment. It is important to document any suspicious activity. ****

Security guards may be required to observe and keep a record of individuals that enter and exit a site. ****


A security guard should always maintain a _______________ manner, and exhibit a positive attitude.
c) Professional


Security guards may be required to observe and keep a record of individuals that enter and exit a site.
a) True


Security guards are not expected to document in their notebook any suspicious activity. Security guards are only allowed to document in their notebook when an occurrence occurs.
b) False

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Access control can be regulated in the following two methods:

Through a Security Guard
Through mechanical/electronic device

Minimum Access Control:  ****

This type is used at sites that allow general admission, such as shopping malls. People are only denied entry by the security guard if rules are not followed or the law is broken.

Medium Access Control: ****

This type of control is often used at offices or residential buildings.

Maximum Access Control: ****

This type of control is used at sites of potentially high-risk security, such as government offices, laboratories, military bases, software companies, etc.

The client’s needs determine the level of access control mechanism required at a job site. At any client’s site, if physical access control is also in place, security guards are expected to conduct it in a professional manner, while escorting people in the building from one access point to another. Guards are expected to follow all clients procedures of security SOP’s.

The list below should be kept in mind while on crowd control:

Observe your situation; observe if there is any present risk to people’s life and property. And observe any “danger spots”.
Know the facts; be sure to know why the crowd is gathering, their purpose of grouping and the size of the crowd.
Assess the personal risk to the Security Guard in the event of break-out or uncontrolled crowd. ****
Observe any crowd movement before they get out of control.
Know and understand the instruction of the guard’s supervisor or the client.
Observe the risk posed by leaving the post.
Be aware of the availability of support or backup.
Be aware of the development of tactics or plans for dealing with the situation.

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Foot Patrol

Foot patrol is the most common method of patrol in the security industry. It is normally utilized when it is not possible to provide the same protective coverage through other methods such as motorized patrol or electronic surveillance. Virtually, all the senses of the security guard (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) may conceivably be used during foot patrol.

Advantages:

High visibility  ****
Knowledge of patterns and characteristics of an area (which helps in anticipating an incident before it becomes more difficult to control)
Use of all senses
Ability to access smaller spaces such as stairwell ****


Security guards are not normally empowered to issue traffic violations under provincial legislation. However by municipal by-laws, security guards and security guard companies may acquire that provision. ****

If you are working on shift rotations where you have to relief another security guard, you must abide by the handover procedure. The security company you are working for defines all shift handover procedures.

Follow the procedures carefully, and take note of those rules.

Document in your notebook the name of the person that relieved you from your post, as well as location and time in which it took place.

During the course of your career as a security guard, you will be responsible for a variety of duties. However, your main duties in all situations are to observe, deter, record and report.****

Although a Security Guard’s role may vary, one thing will never change. A security guard’s primary responsibility is to provide protection to personnel, property and information. ****

Observe

•In the commission of your duties, you will be constantly be observing things. You will need to be aware of the people, property and hazards around the are of patrol. In other words “Changes in the Environment”



Deter

•Proactive Patrolling: By conducting patrols and being active in uniform within the public. Your presence will deter any potential criminal activity because a uniform is a form of authority and when people see a uniform they tend to feel safe. Those who attempt to do any illegal activity think twice before doing it.



Record

•When on duty you will be continuously writing in a note book and writing reports.
•Reports will be used as a form of access control.
•Reports will also be used as a form of referrals and most of the time reasoning of your actions.



Report

•When you record daily reports it informs the employer and the clients of situations that need to be looked at or things that may have been resolved.
•When you record an occurrence it can be used to inform the police or medical personnel of situations that have happened and you have dealt with.

Fixed Posts

The fixed post is usually located at a point where both pedestrians and vehicles can be checked before they are allowed to enter or leave a facility.

Other duties for a fixed post may include the following:

Guarding a vulnerable point
Control of access
Surveillance of the apparatus or certain installations
Identification control

Patrol Post



If a security guard is assigned to a Patrol Post, he/she will be required to perform the patrol of a designated area and return to the post or fixed location when finished. This is known as “double duty”.

To carry out this type of patrol, the guard must move about normally, following a prescribed frequency in covering the points to be checked.

The security guard will be required to provide a detailed report of these rounds, drawing attention to abnormal events and actions noted in each patrol.

And on a Static Site Patrol , a security guard is assigned to a specific site for protection, but will also be able to patrol around the property. ****

Roving Patrol

This mobile form of patrol allows a security guard to be more flexible when covering a large area.

Security Guards performing this function may be on foot, on bicycles, or in a motor vehicle.

The theory is that, while assigned responsibility for a given area, security guards are not normally required to be in a specific part of that area at a specific time.

Mobile Patrol

Advantages of mobile patrols:

Motor patrol is highly visible
Larger areas can be covered in a shorter period of time
Increased in speed when responding to other areas
Additional equipment may be carried with you
Protection from inclement weather – rain, snow, temperature extremes.
Disadvantages:

The vehicle may be restricted to particular areas, such as roads or paths
Vision may be partially restricted inside a vehicle
Inclement weather may prevent or curtail some activities
The engine noise may mask external noises or alert others of the presence of security

When asked to escort valuable information, money or important shipments to outside locations, a security guard must know the security company’s policy in this regard.

Most Security firms will stay away from escorting money and valuables, as they may not carry the required insurance to cover this activity or potential loss of property.

This matter must be predetermined by the client and the Security Company, and made known via Post Orders to the Security Guard.

 Surveillance and Non-mobile Patrol

Surveillance and non-mobile patrol are also known as visual or fixed patrols.

With the assistance of technology, surveillance enables a security guard to remain stationary but keep a constant watch over a specific area. For example, an entrance/exit point may be kept under continuous observation, or an entire complex could be kept under guard with the assistance of mirrors, security cameras and fences.

Advantages

Entry and exit of the site readily controlled
Difficult for individuals to enter the premises and physically attack the guard
Guard station or highly-visible camera placement act to deter would-be perpetrators
Lower number of guards required to contain the area
Disadvantages

Cameras and fences may be circumvented or defeated
All areas cannot be kept under continuous observation – blind spots will exist despite careful planning
Reliance on equipment that may fail, especially in adverse weather conditions
Personnel must concentrate on one area for long periods of time
Reliance on only one sense – vision
Response may be restricted to calling police or internal personnel, especially if the guard is not on site but is monitoring from a different location

Standing Order

Standing orders are instructions that are of permanent nature and apply to a specific site. Standing orders provide the Security Guard with direction regarding company policies. ****



Post Orders

The post order is a document that delegates the task of security from the property owner to the Security Guard. ****

The delegated authority includes not only the functions that the Security Guard is to carry out, but also supplies the methods to be used in executing these functions.

Post orders contain procedures, directives or instructions that are likely to be altered, deleted, or reviewed as required.

Any instructions or directives that are dated must be adhered to.

Outdated orders should be brought to the attention of the security supervisor or manager.

www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/BasicTesting/SecurityGuardStudyGuide/BasicSecurityProcedures/SG_procedures.html

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Security guards are required to complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed and comprehensive descriptions of their tasks/observances. ****

The notebook is ultimately the property of the security guard’s employer. Therefore entries should be as legible as possible, with an emphasis on accurate spelling of names and locations. Make sure you write clearly, and use proper grammar.****

Who? – Names of suspects, victims, complainants, witnesses, etc.
What? – Description of what happened, what each person involved did, what evidence is available.
When? – Time, date, sequential account of what happened from start to finish.
Where? – Location of incident, where each person involved, where evidence was located.
Why? – Statement provided by the suspect.

An occurrence report is a point-by-point narration by the security guard indicating what had happened in a given situation.****

Separate from your notebook, where you had documented the basic key points during your investigation, in your report, you are to lay out occurrences in detail.

A report must be filled out in such a way that allows a reader to paints a clear and detailed picture in their mind of what had exactly happened. That is why it is extremely important that you stick to the facts when filling out a report.

It is required that the Use of Force Report be completed by the security guard and his/her employer, in the event of physical force used by the security guard. ****

The use of force report is to be completed and submitted within 24hrs of any incident, and should then be provided to the PSISA.

The document includes the name of the security guard, date and time of the offence, type of force used and any injuries to the guards or suspect.

It is important that all information is accurate, as any report or document you complete will be used in court.

Security guards may also be required to fill out the following documents:  ****

Incident reports
Use Of Force Reports
Witness Statements

Although statement protocols vary from company to company, you should always aim to have the following information included in your statements:

Witness’ full name, date of birth and identification
Contact information and employment of the witness
Address of the witness and location of statement
Date of interview
Time commenced and concluded
Name of security guard and company who took the statement
An introduction paragraph including the day’s events and observations
Verbatim (word for word) transcription of the witness’ recollection of the events ****
Closing paragraph that ends the statement

It is good practice to place this statement at the completion of every statement that you take from a witness or suspect.

“I, (witness name), have read the above six-page statement and find it to be accurate to the best of my recollection. I have been advised that I could omit, delete or change any part of the statement prior to signing it.”

As this example indicates, the security guard should give the witness the opportunity to review the statement and ask for changes to be made before they agree to sign it.

If a change is requested, a line should be drawn through the item being removed, and should include the initials of both the witness and the security guard at the beginning of the correction and the end.

The notebook is ultimately the property of the security guard’s employer?

a) True


It is required that the Use of Force Report be completed by the security guard and his/her employer, in the event of physical force used by the security guard.

a) True


The key purpose of taking a statement is to ensure an accurate record of the recollection of an event or occurrence by the witness.

a) True

http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/BasicTesting/SecurityGuardStudyGuide/ReportWriting/SG_report.html

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It sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. ****

It is mandatory that employers provide safety equipment and materials at the workplace as required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. It is also required that safety measures and procedures prescribed in the Act are carried out in the workplace.****



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Section 6 – Emergency Response Preparation

Security guards are expected to respond to emergency situations and to minimize the impact caused where the security guard is working. They may be required to perform a variety of duties during emergency procedures and should understand the importance of scene management.

Emergency Situations

It is important for security guards to know how to identify potential emergencies and what procedures to follow.

Emergencies may involve fire, bombs, weapons, suspicious packages or explosive devices. The extent of personal injury or property damage that arises from an emergency situation can vary.

Emergency Response Procedures

Security guards should be familiar with any emergency response procedures shared with them by their employer to ensure an effective response during an emergency. These procedures provide a course of action for preparing and responding to an emergency.

Security guards should be aware of any plans that are in place to respond to any sudden, unexpected action that may cause personal injury or property damage. Plans would be based on the best available information as to the type of emergencies that may arise and the extent of personal injury and property damage that may occur. These plans would determine what equipment should be acquired and what training should be provided in order to respond effectively and quickly to any emergency.

Potential Roles of a Security Guard During an Emergency

A security guard’s role in certain emergency situations is determined by the employer or client and should be documented before the security guard begins to work on the site.

For example, the expected response to an intrusion alarm will vary depending on the employer. In some cases, the security guard will be expected to call the clients and the police and await their arrival. In other cases, security guards may be asked to investigate the cause of the alarm and secure the scene.

In the case of a fire, the security guard may be expected to activate the fire alarm and contact the fire department. The security guard may also be expected to assist with the evacuation of the premises, including crowd control, and provide direction to emergency personnel when they arrive.

Prevention and Detection of Fires

The detection and prevention of fires is an essential part of the duties of a security guard.

Whether on patrol or operating a fixed point, a security guard should be constantly on the lookout for fire hazards. Watching for the common things that are likely to generate a fire (for example, electrical equipment that produces heat or sparks when it shouldn’t, combustibles placed near sources of heat, or routinely scanning for evidence that a fire has already started such as alarms that have been activated or smoke and heat in places where they shouldn’t be found) is likely to assist security guards in the performance of their duties.

Some basic things to watch for:

explosives or flammables should not be stored near potential sources of ignition
corridors, particularly those that are likely to be used in an emergency evacuation, should always remain free of obstructions or impediments, and combustible or flammable materials should not be stored there
exit doors, including the floor area on both sides of the exit door, should be kept clear and accessible at all times
damage or deterioration of fire suppressors
fire alarm systems must be operative.
Alarm Response

Security guards respond to alarms, and should have a basic understanding of the principles of protective and fire alarm systems that they are likely to encounter, with some information on the functioning of such systems.

There are several types of alarm systems:

infrared (most common) – detects motion in large areas by picking up infrared (heat) changes
physical contact – detects a door or window being opened when the two parts of a sensor come apart
photo-electric beams – detects a visible or infrared beam being broken, like garage doors use
seismic – detects physical shocks in certain frequency ranges like glass breaking
vibration – detects movement using very sensitive sensors mounted on fences or other structures
ultrasonic (rare) – detects motion like bats, using bouncing sound waves we can’t hear
microwave (rare) – detects motion using bouncing microwaves
electric fields (rare) – detects presence using electrical wires, measuring changes in amplitude
trip wires (rare) – detects intrusion when someone physically bumps a tightly strung wire.
During alarm response, guards should stay in touch with the dispatcher, a supervisor, or another guard when possible. The guard’s own safety is the priority. If a crime is witnessed or confirmed from the findings, the guard should call police immediately and back off, observing the area from a safe distance.

Duty of Care

Security guards need to be familiar with the concept of duty of care (what a reasonable person should do in a particular situation) and be capable of securing and protecting a crime scene until the appropriate personnel arrive.

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Public and private Law

Public law: governs the relationship between persons (individuals and corporations) and the state, and includes such areas of law as municipal law, immigration and refugee law, environmental law, constitutional law, criminal law, and tax law

Private law: governs the relationship between persons, and includes areas such as contracts, family law, property law, real estate, torts, and wills and estates.

The Code states that all private citizens who enforce the law are protected if:

They act on reasonable grounds (unless ‘found committing’ the offense) ****
They are justified
They only use as much force as it is necessary
All three of these points must be met – otherwise you may be charged with a criminal offence or held liable.
Security guards require a basic understanding of the Canadian legal system, including the following:
Individuals’ right
Powers that may be exercised and impact individuals’ rights
Responsibilities and consequences that accompany when exercising those powers

The Court can be satisfied in one of two ways: ****

The accused person admitting guilt (a guilty plea)
Finding the person guilty after trial

Canada Evidence Act:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-5/

Ontario Evidence Act:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90e23_e.htm

Provincial Offences Act:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p33_e.htm

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PIPEDA is designed to help protect the privacy of individuals in Canada.  This is done by setting limits and rules for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information collected in the course of commercial activities.

Subjects covered under the ESA include: ****

Posting Requirements Hours of work
Eating Periods
Rest Periods
Wages and overtime
Minimum Wage
Pregnancy and Parental Leave
Personal Emergency Leave
Family Medical Leave
Public Holidays
Vacation
Termination and Severance of Employment
Enforcement and Compliance


Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/P-8.6/

Criminal Code (Canada):
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/C-46/

Trespass to Property Act:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90t21_e.htm

Employment Standards Act, 2000:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_00e41_e.htm

Labour Relations Act, 1995:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_95l01_e.htm

Liquor Licence Act:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90l19_e.htm

Provincial Offences Act:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90p33_e.htm

Residential Tenancies Act, 2006:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_06r17_e.htm

Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

•The Residential Tenancies Act, RTA, came into force January 31, 2007.

•RTA replaces the Tenant Protection Act, which had governed residential tenancies in Ontario since June 17, 1998.

•Since June 17, 1998, landlord and tenant disputes had been heard by a specialized board/tribunal called the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal. (the ORHT)

(Prior to that time- heard by the courts)
•Effective January 31, 2007, the ORHT was renamed the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Website: www.ltb.gov.on.ca







Section 8 Overview – Legal Authorities

The section focuses on the broader legal context of private security including the rights and limitations when performing duties as a security guard.  This includes understanding where a security guard derives his/her authority to carry out job functions.  An understanding of legislation in addition to the PSISA that impacts a security guard on the job is recommended.

Handling Information and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

PIPEDA is a law designed to protect personal information.  If while performing duties as a security guard you are handling personal information, you should not use or disclose it.  There may be other privacy legislation that relates to the handling of information by a security guard, such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

Additional Legislation

Trespass to Property Act ****

This Ontario law allows occupiers of private premises to determine who is or isn’t allowed on these premises.  An occupier may also designate individuals who are authorized to act on the occupier’s behalf when it comes to allowing individuals on their premises.  By nature, security guards often fill this role, as it is usually their responsibility to control access to a specific location.

According to subsection 2(1) of the Act, a person may be found guilty of a trespass offence if:

They enter a location where entry is prohibited
They engage in an activity that is forbidden on the premises
They refuse to leave when asked to do so by the occupier or an authorized person (e.g. a security guard)
If entry is prohibited or restricted, notice must be given to the individual, either verbally, in writing, or with the aid of signs or markings.

Persons in violation of section 2 of the Act may be arrested without a warrant.  A security guard who arrests a person under the authority of the Trespass to Property Act must contact the police as soon as possible and deliver the individual to a police officer.

Security guards may also want to familiarize themselves with the following legislation:

Employment Standards Act, 2000
Labour Relations Act, 1995
Liquor Licence Act
Provincial Offences Act
Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
Criminal Code of Canada

Security guards may encounter situations in which they need to deal with indictable or summary offences.  They need to be able to accurately identify and categorize offences when on duty and understand when they are able to conduct a citizen’s arrest according to the Criminal Code of Canada.

Powers of Arrest

Security guards have neither police nor peace officer powers.  They have the same powers as any member of the public under the Criminal Code.  Specifically, section 494 of the Criminal Code describes when it is appropriate for a member of the public to make an arrest.

If a security guard is guarding property and is authorized by the owner of the property or the person in lawful possession of the property, they may make an arrest for ANY criminal offence that is committed on or in relation to the property, as long as the security guard witnessed the offence being committed.

If the offence is an indictable offence, they may make the arrest, even if the offence is not committed on or in relation to the property they are guarding, so long as the security guard has witnessed the offence.  Security guards should therefore understand the distinction between an indictable offence and a summary offence.  Typically, indictable offences are more serious; a lot of the offences that security guards normally encounter are indictable, e.g. theft.

Once an arrest has been performed, the security guard must deliver the individual to a peace officer as soon as possible.

10-0, Radio Check
10-1, Receiving poorly
10-2, Receiving clearly
10-3, Stop radio communication (silence)
10-4, ‘OK’ or ‘understood’
10-6, Busy, please stand by
10-7, Out of Service
10-9, Repeat Transmission
10-10, Request to change channel
10-19, Return to station
10-20, What is your location?
10-21, Call by phone
10-35, Major crime alert
10-100, Bomb threat


Section 9 Overview – Effective Communication

Security guards encounter a wide range of situations and are required to act professionally under all circumstances. Effective communication is an essential skill for security guards in order to adapt to different scenarios and defuse situations when required.

Communication Skills

There are many different mediums for communication, including writing (reports, company policies), in-person, by phone, by e-mail, through two-way radios, and by video recording.

Security guards must be able to communicate with a wide array of individuals both verbally and in writing to obtain information. Information provided by a security guard, whether verbally or in writing, should always be clear and concise, and must use appropriate language.  Information should be conveyed accurately and without personal bias or opinion.

Communication also uses non-verbal cues, such as body language.  A security guard’s posture, gestures, facial expression and eye contact can all convey information.

Security guards should check with their employers about communication protocols for specific situations, such as fire alarms, and the use of special communications equipment like two-way radios (See Appendix B for Association of Public Safety Communication “10” Codes).

Some general rules applicable to all communications are:

Be brief.
Be explicit.
Be concise.
Make sure you are understood.
Do not be antagonistic.
Tactical Communication

It is important to adjust a communication style to accommodate a situation or an audience.  Security guards should be able to adjust their behaviour and demeanour accordingly.  Assisting an injured individual will not require the same communication tactics as controlling a rowdy crowd.  Effective communication also ensures that security guards can be assertive without being confrontational.

In any situation, it is important to communicate in a clear and concise manner. The tone, volume, and cadence with which a message is presented can have a significant outcome on how it is received by its audience.  Tone, volume, and cadence are especially important when dealing with people over the telephone where nonverbal cues are not available to help them interpret your reaction to the situation.

Interpersonal Skills

Security guards must frequently interact with others, whether it is their employers, peers, clients, or the public.  Being courteous and professional are always essential and help establish rapport and build trusting relationships.  Strong interpersonal skills also allow security guards to relate well to others and prevent or defuse difficult situations.

Code of Conduct Regulation under the PSISA:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_070363_e.htm

Ontario Human Rights Code:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h19_e.htm

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005:
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_05a11_e.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfEepVOQrpE