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The tragic death of 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh at an apartment complex in Edmonton on December 6, 2024, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of situational awareness and personal safety skills for security professionals. Singh, a business administration student at NorQuest College with aspirations of becoming a police officer, was working his…

In the fast-paced world of security, effective communication is key.  As a security guard, you are often the first point of contact in various highly sensitive situations.  Whether you are interacting with the public, coordinating with local law enforcement, or de-escalating an agitated person, strong communication skills are essential.  A crucial, but often overlooked communication…

In a recent incident that has sparked widespread media attention, a security guard in Toronto was charged with assault following a confrontation with a customer at a local Dollarama store.    Not only did this incident result in legal and reputational consequences, it has also helped shine a light on an ongoing discussion about the…

What is Situational Awareness?   Have you ever had a feeling that something specific was about to happen, and then it did? That wasn’t clairvoyance. It was your situational awareness kicking in!    If you are working in an industry like security and loss prevention, situational awareness is an essential skill. The ability to perceive…

Private security guards are critical to maintaining the safety of people and the protection of property in a variety of settings, from retail malls, to office buildings, and more. With such responsibility, it is no surprise that this is a role bound by strict regulations. Presently, the role of security guards and private investigators in…

Security guards play an essential role in the protection of people, property, information and assets.  They are often the front-line of defense in various settings such as shopping malls, industrial sites, corporate and residential buildings. As crime rates fluctuate and public policing resources become stretched, the need for private security guards continues to increase.  For…

The ability to skillfully observe and assess their surroundings is what sets the great loss prevention officers (LPOs) from the mediocre ones. If you yourself are an aspiring LPO, developing strong observation skills is paramount. This goes beyond just keeping a watchful eye out for suspicious behaviour; it involves understanding your environment, recognizing patterns, and…

The process for becoming a Security Guard or Private Investigator is highly regulated in Ontario, and much of Canada.  There are several crucial steps involved in obtaining your license.  One of the most significant steps is passing a criminal record check. Both roles involve a high level of trust, and are highly focused on integrity…

Conflict management and de-escalation are critical skills for security professionals in Canada and around the world. On top of the many challenges related to ensuring safety and gaining compliance, there are significant potential legal issues to consider. In this article we will explore liabilities related to criminal law, civil justice, and human rights legislation, as…

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, particularly in professional settings where diverse personalities, external pressures and competing agendas converge. Effectively managing conflict and finding the best solutions requires an understanding of the psychology underpinning people’s confrontational and sometimes aggressive behavior. This article explores the different types and forms of aggression, how “triggers” motivate…