How security guarding is being transformed into policing

The security guard industry has come a long way over the years, and now the role of a security guard has some commonalities with that of a police officer.

The perception of security guards has changed too: long gone are those rather archaic images of bouncers, doormen, and control officers with bulging biceps and a walkie-talkie.

Today’s security guards are required to be trained at different levels depending on the requirements of their work sites. They perform not only traditional customer service, security desk and foot patrol duties but are increasingly required to professionally de-escalate situations and engage physically with unwanted people. As such, they are equipped with full personal protective equipment, potentially having to arrest violators until the police arrive..

Guarding is an increasingly popular industry for people to obtain employment. The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) reports that there were over 1,000,000 private security officers in the USA, which outnumbered law enforcement personnel by more than two-to-one in 2020. This reality is mirrored here at home on a smaller scale of course (based on population and the number of businesses and organizations compared to that of the USA). Statistics Canada has reported that private security personnel greatly outnumber police officers. A case in point: in 2019, Statista reported that there were 25,340 police officers in Ontario, while the Ministry of the Solicitor General of Ontario shows that there were over 80,000 guards employed across the province, with this number approaching 100,000.

A CLOSER LOOK AT GUARDING AND POLICING

For many, security guards and police are becoming more difficult to differentiate in certain settings, which was never the case a decade ago, showing how the industry has advanced with licensing, training, mobility, and technology.

Guards wear uniforms, drive in marked vehicles, and often utilize some common equipment as police. Additionally, guards have powers granted by provincial laws to serve as the “agent of the owner,” giving them powers through their contract or agreement with the client they work for. This means that guards now can investigate, question, and find solutions during incidents, and they also have the authority to use force if needed. They can also apprehend suspects and they assist police and other emergency personnel during serious incidents or emergencies. They are required to undergo special training and ongoing training to maintain their role as the “agent of the owner.”

Security guards are now involved with more technology, just as the police are: Security monitoring and surveillance and assisting the police is a mainstay in our world filled with more uncertainties.

THE EXPANDING ROLE OF GUARDING IN 2024 AND BEYOND

Guarding is taking on a new role beyond protecting the public.

You see, guards are now also viewed as “strategic corporals,” or “brand ambassadors.” They are the first people shoppers meet when they enter stores; the voice to wish holidaymakers a “safe flight” at the airport; and the first welcoming smiles flashed at visitors flooding into businesses, condos, apartments, arenas, art galleries, and museums.

What’s more interesting is that while guards have been tasked with helping protect physical assets, along with people, their roles have pivoted in a big way in 2020, since the world began combatting the worst pandemic in over a century. Guards are now involved in emergency preparedness plans, and risk assessments, and they even help oversee health-related concerns and procedures, like health screening at businesses and hospitals.

The changing role of security will continue as our world changes.