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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…

Introduction   Given the nature of their role, and the role of private security in general, security guards may be required to use force from time to time. It may be required to protect themselves or others, protect property, prevent crimes, and apprehend offenders. However, it is crucial that security professionals exercise their authority judiciously,…

In today’s fast-paced world conflict is inevitable. It’s present in our personal relationships, with our co-workers and even some of our brief public interactions. Our ability to navigate these conflicts effectively is a crucial skill for nurturing these relationships, while still achieving our goals. De-escalation is a series of strategies and techniques, often used by…