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Security Guards and Related Security Service Occupations

NOC 6541

Description

This unit group includes workers who guard and implement security measures to protect property against theft, vandalism and fire, control access to establishments, maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments, conduct private investigations for clients or employers and provide other protective services not elsewhere classified. They are employed by public or private security agencies, residential complexes, educational, cultural, financial and health institutions, retail establishments, businesses and industry, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organizations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

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 resolve conflicts and monitor establishment activities
  • Ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed
  • Issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas, check age identification of patrons, and perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports.

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.

Other Titles

  • automatic teller machine (ATM) guard
  • bodyguard (except police)
  • theft prevention officer
  • alarm investigator
  • house detective
  • commissionaire
  • gate attendant – security
  • postal inspection officer
  • private investigator
  • corporate security office

(Government of Canada National Occupation Classification)

Skills

  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict resolution
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina
  • OrganizationOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
    • Completion of secondary school is usually required

    Post-secondary diploma/degree

    • A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required

    Certification

    • Security guards carrying firearms require a license
    • Armoured car drivers require a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms
    • Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer.
    • Private investigators require provincial licensure
    • Responsible beverage service certification is usually required for security staff in establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

Education/Training Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required

Post-secondary diploma/degree

  • A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required

Certification

  • Security guards carrying firearms require a license
  • Armoured car drivers require a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms
  • Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer.
  • Private investigators require provincial licensure
  • Responsible beverage service certification is usually required for security staff in establishments serving alcoholic beverages.

Potential Earnings in Durham Region

The average and median wages and salaries for individuals employed as security guards and related security service occupations are as follows. Place of Residence (POR) is defined as individuals who reside within the Durham Region. Place of Work (POW) is defined as individuals who are employed within the Durham Region.

Median Wages and Salaries (POR) Average Wages and Salaries (POR) Median Wages and Salaries (POW) Average Wages and Salaries (POW)
$24,101 $31,055 $39,194 $36,659

Employment Prospects

Industry (NAICS) Jobs in Durham Region (POW) Durham Region Residents Employed (POR)
2211 Electric power generation, transmission and distribution 270 185
9130 Local, municipal and regional public administration 185 190

(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2016 data in Durham Workforce Authority’s 2017 Sector Report)

Additional Resources

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