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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…

Security guards play an important role in maintaining safety, enforcing policies and managing conflict in a variety of settings.  Dealing with conflict is an unavoidable part of the job, whether it means dealing with an aggressive shoplifter, de-escalating a confrontation between customers, or mediating disagreements between employees or management.   The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)…

Retail businesses in Canada rely on their Loss Prevention Professionals (LPP’s) to protect their property and inventory from theft. This is done through a combination of observation, deterrence, and the apprehension of offenders.  Before an LPP makes an arrest for theft, they must ensure they are in compliance with the Criminal Code of Canada.  Failure…

Security guards play a crucial role in maintaining safety and order in a variety of settings. Be it retail, corporate, healthcare, or private events, their contributions are essential for protecting both people and property. Private security guards vastly outnumber police in Canada.   For example, as of March 2023 there were 132,419 licenced security guards…

While conflict is a part of everyone’s life, for security guards it is a daily reality.  Whether they are handling disputes in a retail environment, reducing tensions at public gatherings, or engaging in challenging interactions in private spaces, the way conflict is managed can dictate whether the situation escalates or gets resolved peacefully.   A…

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…