Security guards

Overview

Security guards

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.

Job titles

  • air courier guard
  • airport security guard
  • alarm investigator
  • armed security guard
  • armoured car driver
  • armoured car guard

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Security guards and related security service occupations

Annual salary

Low

$36,289

Median

$43,798

High

$65,175

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

2,105

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

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.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.