Occupational Profiles

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
 

Security guards

• Control access to establishments, operate security control-room equipment and patrol assigned areas to guard against theft, vandalism and fire
• Enforce regulations to maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities
• Ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed
• Issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas and check age identification of patrons.

Screening officers

• Inspect and screen luggage or cargo using equipment or hands
• Perform searches of passengers with tools or by hand
• Monitor and screen passengers through screening checkpoints and other procedures.

Armoured car guards

• Drive and guard armoured trucks, pick-up and deliver cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments.

Corporate security officers

• Investigate unlawful acts of employees or patrons of establishments
• Recommend security systems such as electronic detection devices and access devices.

Private investigators

• Conduct investigations to locate missing persons
• Obtain information for use in civil and criminal litigation matters or for other purposes
• May also conduct polygraph tests (integrity surveys) for clients.

Retail loss prevention officers

• Prevent and detect shoplifting and theft in retail establishments.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required.
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) certification is required for screening officers.
• Security guards carrying firearms require a licence.
• Armoured car drivers require a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms.
• In Quebec, a permit issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP) is required to work as a private detective or security officer.
• Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer.
• Private investigators require provincial licensure.
• Certification for responsible beverage service is mandatory for security staff in establishments serving alcoholic beverages in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.