Explore the fundamentals of the security industry in Ontario. This introductory section covers the essential duties and legal aspects of being a security guard. Learn about the various roles within the industry, including private investigation and patrol services, and understand the unique responsibilities and challenges faced by security professionals. Gain insight into the key differences between private security roles and police officers, setting the stage for a comprehensive understanding of your future career in security.

Duration: 2 hour(s) in class , 2 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Topics:

Overview of security industry jobs and responsibilities

Detailed knowledge of a security guard’s role and requirements

Comparison between private security and law enforcement

Introduction to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA)

Teaching Methods:

Pre-reading materials

Engaging lectures and videos

Interactive discussions

Learning journal activities

Assessment:

Quiz on PSISA and security guard Code of Conduct

Gain in-depth knowledge of the legal framework governing Ontario's security industry. This crucial section of our Security Guard Licensing course focuses on the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA), which is pivotal for every security professional. Understand the Act's regulations, including the essential Code of Conduct, and learn about your responsibilities and standards as a licensed security guard.

Duration: 2 hour(s) in class , 3 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Learning Outcomes:

Comprehend the PSISA and the responsibilities it entails for security guards.

Explore the licensing process, mandatory requirements, and general duties.

Understand the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct and recognize the consequences of non-compliance.

Familiarize yourself with complaint procedures and the authority associated with being a security guard.

Teaching Methods:

Detailed pre-reading of PSISA and the Code of Conduct.

Lectures focusing on the Act's elements and the Code.

Group discussions for clarification and practical understanding.

Utilization of a learning journal for reflective insights.

Assessment:

A comprehensive quiz covering the PSISA and the Code of Conduct.

Mastering Core Security Skills

In this critical section, you’ll develop a deep understanding of fundamental security procedures essential for every security guard in Ontario. The training focuses on enhancing your observational skills, situational awareness, and ability to respond effectively to various environmental changes and security challenges.

Duration: 3 hour(s) in class , 5 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Areas of Focus:

Surveillance Techniques

Learn the art of meticulous surveillance, including observing physical environments, situational awareness, and decision-making. Enhance your skills in detecting anomalies and improvising responses to ensure security and safety.

Understanding Security Elements

Dive into the basics of security such as access and crowd control, vehicle management, and shift handover procedures. Gain practical insights into the legal authority and responsibilities in various security situations.

Recognizing and Handling Drug Effects

Become adept at identifying signs of substance abuse and understanding its impact on behavior. Learn strategies for safely managing situations involving individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Training Methods:

Comprehensive pre-reading materials

Interactive lectures and role-playing scenarios

Group discussions and learning journal activities

Practical video demonstrations

Assessment:

A detailed quiz covering surveillance methods, basic security elements, and handling drug-related situations in security settings.

Learn the Art of Professional Reporting

This section is dedicated to mastering report writing skills, a critical aspect of a security guard's responsibilities. Security guards must be adept at documenting occurrences, duties, and observations with precision and objectivity. This training will guide you through the process of creating clear, standardized, and legally compliant reports.

Duration: 2 hour(s) in class , 2 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Learning Components:

Foundations of Report Writing

Understand how to record factual data accurately, including the use of a notebook for real-time note-taking and the fundamental structure of various report types.

Legal and Confidentiality Aspects

Grasp the legal implications of report writing, focusing on confidentiality and the importance of unbiased, factual documentation.

Effective Communication in Reports

Learn how to incorporate essential details (who, what, where, when, why, and how) into your reports and understand the most effective methods to communicate and distribute these reports.

Training Methods:

Engage with pre-reading materials featuring sample reports.

Participate in interactive lectures on report writing techniques and templates.

Collaborate in group exercises to analyze report content, identify biases, and suggest improvements.

Reflect and document learnings in a personal journal.

Assessment:

Craft a one-page report summarizing a work-related incident, focusing on clarity, objectivity, and adherence to standard reporting formats.

Prioritizing Safety in Every Aspect of Security Work

This section delves into the crucial aspects of health and safety for security guards, aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Learn the essentials of managing risks and hazards in various security settings and understand the importance of immediate and appropriate responses to emergency situations.

Duration: 1 hour(s) in class , 1 hour(s) Independent Study

Core Topics Covered:

Overview of OHSA and WHMIS

Gain a working knowledge of these key safety regulations and understand their application in the security industry, ensuring the well-being of both security personnel and the public.

Risk Control and Emergency Response

Learn techniques for identifying and controlling workplace risks and hazards. Understand how to effectively respond to emergencies, prioritizing safety at all times.

Rights and Responsibilities

Understand a security guard’s right to refuse unsafe work and the responsibility to communicate workplace safety requirements clearly.

Teaching Methods:

Engaging lectures and discussions.

Real-world examples and scenarios where OHSA and WHMIS are applicable.

Interactive learning focused on practical application in security settings.

Assessment:

A quiz testing your ability to apply OHSA and WHMIS knowledge to typical security guard scenarios, reinforcing your understanding of health and safety principles.

Navigating Emergency Situations with Expertise

In this essential section of our Security Guard course, you will learn how to effectively handle a variety of emergency situations. This training is crucial in preparing you to respond promptly and minimize the impact of emergencies at a worksite. You’ll gain an understanding of the vital roles security guards play during emergencies and how to manage these scenarios effectively.

Duration: 4 hour(s) in class , 4 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Topics of Study:

Recognizing Emergency Scenarios

Identify and assess risks associated with fire, bomb threats, weapon emergencies, suspicious packages, and explosive devices. Learn how to respond appropriately to protect individuals and property.

Emergency Response Procedures

Understand various emergency response protocols, including First Aid and CPR, use of common emergency tools, and evacuation protocols. Learn the importance of evidence preservation and coordinating with emergency services.

Security Guard Roles in Emergencies

Explore the diverse roles a security guard may assume during emergencies, from leading responses to supporting police, fire, and ambulance personnel. Understand the limits of your role and when to seek additional assistance.

Duty of Care and Crime Scene Management

Learn about the concept of duty of care in securing a crime scene and the legal responsibilities involved in protecting evidence until the arrival of appropriate personnel.

Training Methods:

Engaging lectures complemented by practical discussions.

Case studies and real-life scenario analyses.

Comprehensive pre-reading materials on emergency situations and response protocols.

Interactive learning journal activities to reinforce knowledge.

Assessment:

A quiz testing knowledge on various types of emergencies, appropriate response procedures, and the security guard’s role in these situations.

Understanding Your Role within the Canadian Legal System

This essential module of our Security Guard course equips you with a fundamental understanding of the Canadian legal system, focusing on aspects critical to security work. Learn about the criminal court system, evidence handling, and municipal by-laws, ensuring the information and evidence you gather is admissible in court.

Duration: 3 hour(s) in class , 6 hour(s) Independent Study

Core Learning Areas:

Canadian Criminal Court System

Explore the structure of the Canadian criminal court system, including the hierarchy and protocols. Understand how to prepare for legal proceedings and present evidence effectively.

Evidence Handling Techniques

Gain detailed knowledge of collecting, preserving, and presenting evidence. Learn the six core steps for evidence containment and the guidelines under the Ontario Evidence Act and Canada Evidence Act.

Municipal By-Laws

Familiarize yourself with common municipal by-laws relevant to security work. Understand where to find this information and how it applies to your role as a security guard.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures with visual aids depicting the court system.

Practical exercises, including mock trials and witness preparation simulations.

Engaging discussions on evidence handling and municipal by-laws.

Interactive learning journal activities to reinforce knowledge.

Assessment:

A comprehensive quiz testing your understanding of the Canadian criminal system, evidence handling techniques, and municipal by-laws.

Navigating the Legal Landscape in Security Work

This intensive section prepares you to understand the legal context within which security guards operate. It covers various laws and acts that are essential knowledge for a security professional, ensuring that you perform your duties within legal boundaries and with a full understanding of your rights and limitations.

Duration: 7.5 hour(s) in class , 10 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Learning Outcomes:

Handling Information and PIPEDA

Learn the best practices for handling personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Additional Legislation

Gain an overview of relevant laws including the Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Liquor Licence Act, and more, understanding their implications in security settings.

Criminal Code of Canada

Delve into the Criminal Code, learning to differentiate between types of offences and understand the principles behind citizen’s arrests, defense of property, and personal defense.

Tort Law in Security

Understand the common elements of tort law and how it applies to security work, ensuring your actions are within lawful authority.

Educational Approach:

Engage in detailed discussions and lectures on PIPEDA and other key legislations.

Participate in case studies, role-playing, and multimedia exercises to apply legal concepts to real-life scenarios.

Utilize a learning journal for reflective understanding and application of legal knowledge.

Assessment:

A comprehensive quiz testing your understanding of the legalities in security work, including contraventions of acts and understanding of tort laws.

Developing Interpersonal and Communication Skills

In this vital section, you will learn the art of effective communication, a key skill for any security guard. We cover various aspects of both verbal and non-verbal communication, emphasizing the ability to adapt to different scenarios and individuals. The focus is on professional interaction, de-escalation techniques, and conveying information accurately and clearly.

Duration: 4 hour(s) in class , 3 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Learning Areas:

Oral and Written Communication Skills

Enhance your ability to communicate in diverse situations, focusing on adjusting communication styles, giving and receiving feedback, and using appropriate language. Learn effective report writing and note-taking skills.

Principles of Communication

Understand the nuances of body language, tone, assertiveness, and spatial distance. Grasp the importance of maintaining composure and adapting behavior to suit different interactions.

Interpersonal Skills

Develop skills to build trust and rapport with various people, manage difficult relationships, and handle potential conflicts assertively yet professionally.

Educational Approach:

Interactive lectures on communication principles.

Role-playing exercises to practice communication techniques and receive feedback.

Use of a learning journal for reflection and application of communication strategies.

Assessment:

Students will be asked to organize facts of a given situation into a coherent report.

Role-playing different scenarios to demonstrate communication and de-escalation techniques.

Enhancing Interactions with Diverse Populations

This section is crucial for developing the interpersonal skills needed to interact respectfully and effectively with the public. Security guards frequently engage with individuals from varied backgrounds and walks of life. Our sensitivity training focuses on recognizing and managing personal biases and understanding the impact of cultural, mental, physical, and sexual differences.

Duration: 3 hour(s) in class , 2 hour(s) Independent Study

Key Learning Components:

Understanding and Managing Biases

Recognize personal biases and learn how they can influence interactions. Understand the importance of self-reflection in improving professional conduct.

Navigating Diversity

Learn to navigate and respect differences in mental, physical, cultural, and sexual identities. Gain insights into effective communication techniques that minimize misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

Training Methods:

Engage in self-assessment exercises to identify and understand personal biases.

Participate in lectures that focus on the impact of biases on behavior.

Utilize a learning journal to reflect on personal biases and strategies for maintaining professional objectivity.

Assessment:

Complete a quiz that tests understanding of human biases and their influence on behavior and situational dynamics in security settings.

Balancing Responsibility with Effective Response

In this critical section, we delve into the complexities of the use of force theory as it applies to security guards. The training covers the legal and practical aspects of using force, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in high-stress situations.

Duration: 2 hour(s) in class , 2 hour(s) Independent Study

Core Learning Outcomes:

Legal Authority and Use of Force Model

Explore the authority to use force under the Criminal Code and understand the components of the National Use of Force Model, modified for security guards.

Decision-Making and Composure

Learn to select appropriate use of force options, justify actions, and maintain composure under stress. Discuss how to handle challenging interactions and manage personal stress and health.

Health and Safety Considerations

Gain knowledge on positional asphyxia and excited delirium, important for ensuring the safety and well-being of both the security guard and the individuals involved.

Educational Approach:

Comprehensive pre-reading on use of force models and theories.

Lectures and case studies to illustrate practical applications.

Role-playing exercises to practice decision-making in simulated scenarios.

Reflective learning through journaling.

Assessment:

A focused quiz testing knowledge on use of force situations, appropriate responses, and the legal framework guiding these actions.

A Crucial Component of Security Guard Training

This section is a mandatory requirement for those without current, valid emergency-level first aid training and certification. Understanding and being able to administer first aid is a vital skill for security guards, preparing you to respond effectively to medical emergencies until professional medical help arrives.

Note:

This training is conducted separately by accredited first aid trainers, such as St. John Ambulance certified instructors or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario) approved trainers.

Certification Requirement:

Before completion of this training, students must obtain emergency-level first aid certification. This certification is crucial for fulfilling the requirements of the basic training program for security guards.

Duration: 6.5 hour(s) in class

Key First Aid Topics Covered:

Emergency scene management techniques.

Handling shock, unconsciousness, and fainting.

Responding to choking incidents in adults.

Managing severe bleeding situations.

Conducting one-rescuer CPR for adults.

Educational Approach:

Practical, hands-on training delivered by certified first aid instructors.

Focus on real-world scenarios relevant to security work.

Assessment:

Students are required to complete the training and obtain certification from an accredited first aid training provider.