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64410 – Security guards and related security service occupations

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 private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

Profile

Example titles

Alarm investigator
Armed security guard
Armoured car guard
Bodyguard (except police)
Commissionaire
Corporate security officer
House detective
Night guard
Postal inspection officer
Private investigator
Private security officer
Screening officer
Security gate attendant
Store detective
Theft prevention officer

Air courier guard
Airport security guard
Alarm investigator
Armed security guard
Armoured car driver
Armoured car 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
Private detective
Private investigator
Private investigators supervisor
Private security officer
Residential alarm system specialist
Retail investigator
Retail loss investigator
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 - 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

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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 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

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.

Additional information

Exclusions

Correctional service officers (43201)
Police investigators and other investigative occupations (41310)
Private investigation and security service manager; security service manager (in 10029 Other business services managers)
Security guard supervisor (in 62029 Other services supervisors)

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category: 6 – Sales and service occupations
TEER: 4 – Occupations usually require a secondary school diploma; or several weeks of on-the-job training
Major group: 64 – Sales and service representatives and other customer and personal services occupations
Sub-major group: 644 – Occupations in customer, information and protective services
Minor group: 6441 – Security guards and related security service occupations
Version: NOC 2021 Version 1.0