National Occupation Code (NOC): 64410

Security guards and workers in related security service occupations guard and implement security measures to protect property against theft, vandalism and fire; to control access to establishments; to maintain order and enforce regulations at public events and within establishments; to perform screening of passengers, luggage or cargo; to conduct private investigations for clients or employers and to 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, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organizations throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.

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Job Duties for Security guards and related security service occupations

• 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 maintain order and resolve conflicts and to monitor establishment activities
  • Ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed
  • Issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas and check age identification of patrons.

• Screening officers

• • Inspect and screen luggage or cargo using equipment or hands
  • Perform searches of passengers with tools or by hand
  • Monitor and screen passengers through screening checkpoints and other procedures.

• 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.

Employment Requirements for Security guards and related security service occupations

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• A college diploma in law and security or police technology may be required.
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) certification is required for screening officers.
• Security guards carrying firearms require a licence.
• Armoured car drivers require a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for both restricted and non-restricted firearms.
• In Quebec, a permit issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP) is required to work as a private detective or security officer.
• Corporate security officers may require experience as a police officer.
• Private investigators require provincial licensure.
• Certification for responsible beverage service is mandatory for security staff in establishments serving alcoholic beverages in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island.

Alternate Job Titles

• Air Courier Guard
• Airport Security Guard
• Alarm Investigator
• Armed Security Guard
• Armoured Car Driver
• Armoured Car Guard
• Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Guard
• Bodyguard (except Police)
• Bouncer
• Business Establishment Investigator
• Cabin Baggage Inspector
• Carry-on Baggage Inspector
• Commissionaire
• Convoy Guard
• Corporate Security Officer
• Escort - Security Services
• Gateman/woman
• Hand Baggage Inspector
• Hand Luggage Inspector
• House Detective
• Investigations Officer - Postal Service
• Lie Detector Examiner
• Loss Prevention Officers Supervisor
• Night Guard
• Night Watchman/woman
• Patrol Officer - Security
• Patrolman/woman - Security
• Plant Gatekeeper
• Plant Guard
• Polygraph Examiner
• Polygraph Operator
• Polygraphist
• Postal Inspection Officer
• Postal Service Inspector
• Preboarding Security Guard
• Private Detective
• Private Investigator
• Private Investigators Supervisor
• Private Security Officer
• Residential Alarm System Specialist
• Retail Investigator
• Retail Loss Investigator
• Retail Loss Prevention Officer
• Screening Officer
• Security Agent
• Security Alarm System Consultant
• Security Analysis Officer - Postal Service
• Security And Investigations Officer
• Security Consultant (except Computer Systems)
• Security Gate Attendant
• Security Guard
• Security Guard - Explosives
• Security Investigator
• Security Officer
• Security Screening Guard
• Security Screening Officer
• Security Specialist (except Computer Systems)
• Shopping Investigator
• Store Detective
• Surveillance Operator - Casino
• Theft Prevention Officer
• Vault Custodian
• Private Police Agents And Investigators Supervisor
• Private Policemen/women And Investigators Supervisor
• Shopping Investigator - Security
• Overnight Security Officer
• Security Officer
• Security Officer Part Time
• Uniformed Asset Protection Personnel
• Uniformed Asset Protection Personnel-2
• (can) Asset Protection Associate
• Security Guard
• Asset Protection Associate
• Private Investigator (surveillance)
• Private Investigator
• Private Investigator - Full Time
• Armed Driver Cash Transport
• Asset Protection Representative
• Mobile Patrol Security
• Surveillance Investigator
• Doorman/ Night Club Security
• Guard, Security
• Part Time Armed Guard
• Loss Prevention Store Investigator
• Loss Prevention Officer - Retail
• Part Time Security
• Security Personnel
• Armed Guard
• Uniformed Guard & Loss Prevention
• Mobile - Patrol Officer
• Mobile Security Professional
• Mobile Guard - Part-time
• Mobile Patrol Guard
• Part-time Parking Enforcement