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On July 18, 2025, a 26-year old male was arrested for theft by security guards at a Sault Ste. Marie business. This in itself is not overly news worthy. Private security guards have been arresting people for theft for decades. What makes this situation noteworthy is that during the arrest, one of the security guards…

On June 5, 2025, Ontario’s Bill 10: Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act received Royal Assent. One of the purposes of this act is to address the ongoing problem with illicit drug activities in public and private spaces, including event venues such as night clubs and concert venues. It does this by…

Security work is rarely glamorous. It doesn’t come with flashing lights and sirens, or high profile news coverage. Most of the time the shifts are pretty quiet. You do your rounds, make sure doors are locked, provide some customer service, etc. A security guard’s version of an exciting day might be helping find a lost…

Security guards regularly find themselves interacting with people who are angry, hostile, and even violent (or potentially so). These situations are stressful and fraught with safety and liability risks. In these moments, strong communication and conflict management skills are crucial. Underpinning these skills and strategies is something inherently human…empathy. Empathy allows you to genuinely understand…

Retail theft continues to be a huge issue across Canada. How retailers and loss prevention professionals (LPPs) are responding to it has seen significant changes in recent years. As criminals become more sophisticated, so too have the tools used by loss prevention to combat retail theft. Something else that has been increasing in popularity is…

On April 23, 2025, a Bush concert at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC made headlines for all the wrong reasons. During the performance, event security guards were involved in several physical altercations with concertgoers. According to news reports from agencies such as Global News and Oak Bay News, some witnesses felt that the security guards…

On April 10, 2025, in downtown Vancouver, every security guard’s worst fear happened.  While performing his duties, an experienced 62-year old security guard was attacked and seriously injured by a man who bit off the tip of his finger.  While it could have certainly been much worse, having part of one’s finger bitten off by…

Security guards regularly encounter individuals who refuse to comply with reasonable, lawful requests.  Whether they are a trespasser, are intoxicated, or simply being disruptive or abusive towards others, it is a security guard’s job to intervene and resolve the issue. Much of the time, good verbal and non-verbal communication skills can lead to voluntary cooperation. Unfortunately,…

A recent incident at a Brentwood Calgary Co-Op grocery store has ignited yet another conversation about the role of security guards in Canada, the use of force, and how public perception can, and in some ways should, help guide policies and procedures.  A video circulating online showing a security guard forcibly detaining an alleged shoplifter…

What is Kinesics and Why Does it Matter?   Kinesics is the study of body language, and how it influences the perceptions and behaviour of others. This includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, and movements. Given the role that security guards play, a strong understanding of kinesics is critical for being a strong communicator. How a…