If you’re looking for a rewarding career, you may want to consider a job in the security sector. Security guards get to face new challenges each day and interact with a variety of interesting people.

Becoming a professional security guard requires hard work and commitment. Here are just some of the duties that guards are expected to perform:

• Secure premises and personnel by regularly patrolling the property
• Monitor building entry points and allows or refuse access
• Complete reports by accurately reporting observations, incidents, and surveillance activities

That being said, it might feel like a daunting task to begin the process of becoming licensed security professional. Condor Security is here to help answer some questions you may have as you begin your exploration into this process. If becoming a security guard seems like an exciting endeavor, here are some tips to keep in mind before getting licensed in this field.

• Timeline

The average length of time to get licensed is roughly 3-4 weeks. Within these weeks there are important steps to take, and assuming there are no snags along the way, things should go fairly quickly once you get started.

The first step is to check whether you meet the requirements for an Ontario Security License. Once you can confirm you qualify, you must then register for and complete the appropriate training program — both in-person and online options are available. Condor Security’s 40 hour course assists you in attaining the knowledge and prerequisites necessary for your security license. When the course has been passed and you have acquired a training completion number, you then register for and pass the security guard test.

The final step is to apply for your Ontario Security License; this can be done online or through regular mail. Once you’ve obtained your license, you can then apply for jobs in the industry.

• Cost

While some companies do charge a small fee for security training, Condor Security does it completely free of charge for those who qualify for the position.

It is important to note that the complementary training does not cover the necessary first aid and CPR certifications that qualify you for the security license. These have to be completed on your own and are mandatory, so do not forget to schedule them.

Furthermore, there are costs associated with the Ontario Security Guard Exam. After taxes, the total for the test is $75.15 — ($66.50 plus HST). If you need to retake the test for any reason, you must pay the fee again.

• Job Hunting is Still Required

It is important to keep in mind that getting a security guard license does not guarantee a career at Condor Security, or even with any security company in the industry. There are many factors that could influence a future in the field such as the availability of positions, and whether you’ll be the right match for the team. At Condor Security, you need to have the right work ethic and professionalism; though each company has their own culture, Condor believes in providing top quality service through its well-trained and professional team.

However, don’t get discouraged! If you are not the right fit for one team, it doesn’t mean that you won’t find a better-suited position elsewhere. A job won’t be handed to you following completion of the license; it’s up to you to take the initiative and make it happen.

• You Need More Training

As a security guard, you’ll need to be able to professionally and appropriately respond to a multitude of different scenarios. Because of this, you’ll find that the 40 hours of training mandated by the government is not sufficient. Beyond the basic training, you need to have stellar communication skills, fire alarm response, medical emergency response, customer service, and more if you want a long and successful career in a security position.

Recognizing right away that your learning doesn’t stop at the initial course is the first step in becoming a well-rounded and fully certified licensed security professional.

Click Here To See More Training Options

• It’s Only the Start of Your Journey!

As you move forward from considering stages to actively becoming a licensed security professional, you will see more and more each day how this is only the first step on your journey. For some people, this may even be a step through the doorway to your career.

With some work, you can get promoted, earn more, work in more challenging locations, and even advance into positions of greater responsibility such as supervision and management. You may network and connect with people who open the door to a related field.

Start your career with Condor Security today. For more information, give us a call at 416 665 1500 or click here to apply now!

Security guards are responsible for ensuring the safety of facilities and their occupants. Whether these officers are stationed in a condo lobby or an airport terminal, they must remain vigilant about protecting their clientele. All security agencies must be cautious about who they hire for these important roles.

In Ontario, security guards must hold a valid security license. This is obtained after successfully completing 40 hours of formal training and passing a government-issued exam. But simply acquiring a security license does not necessarily mean an individual will be an effective guard. They must possess good character, specific skillsets, and the strong will to solve problems. Let’s explore the 5 key attributes of a great security officer.

#1: Alert

A good security guard is constantly aware of his or her surroundings. They are alert, focused, and not easily distracted. These qualities are important as security officers must always be on the lookout for suspicious activity or unusual behavior. An unobservant person may miss something or overlook a detail that could put people’s lives in jeopardy. A security guard’s alertness is reflected in how quickly and how accurately they can respond in a critical high-pressure situation, for example, a fire alarm, or a trespasser. An admirable security guard will be able to analyze the details quickly, so they can decide the next course of action. They have the mind to act sensibly and responsibly no matter the circumstances.

#2: Trustworthy

A security guard is often in possession of special access codes, master keys, and sensitive data. That’s why they must be trustworthy. This is why security companies take care when hiring for security positions to ensure there’s no criminal history or malicious activity. An honest security guard is also crucial for a company to maintain its good reputation among customers. Because they are often the face of the organization, an upstanding character is a must.

#3: Physically Fit

An unhealthy individual may not be able to perform the duties required of an effective security officer. Because the job can be physically demanding, a good security guard must be fit. Whatever the task, it is necessary to stay healthy and exercise regularly. Security officers are also required to wear uniforms, so they can represent the client in the best way possible. Since they are interacting with the general public, a high-quality guard must always portray a professional image.

#4: Good Communicator

Effective communication skills are necessary, especially in high-risk situations. Security officers are expected to calm the public and defuse volatile situations. Clear, courteous communication can be the deciding factor in how a tricky situation plays out. A good security officer should also possess strong written skills. This will allow him or her to document each incident in a concise and accurate manner. Meanwhile, the majority of a guard’s interactions will be with the employees and customers of the company they’ve hired to protect. So a friendly attitude and cheerful disposition are also key.

#5: Team Player & Leader

It’s very rare that you will see guards gathered in large groups. But in most cases, they are working as part of larger teams to ensure a business parameter is completely secure. This is why a security guard must be a team player. They must be able to collaborate with others and respect the ideas and opinions of colleagues. A good security officer will also know when to follow orders, and when it’s appropriate to assert him/herself. They are willing to step up for their teammates in times of need, whether on the job such as helping to deal with a trespasser, or whether working an extra shift because a teammate has an important family function to attend.

A reputable security services firm will ensure that its officers have the above attributes. Although the strength of character is very important, it’s also crucial that security guards have the formal training necessary to perform the job effectively.

Protecting your business and customers should always be the top priority. So if you’re interested in hiring a security officer, always use the services of a licensed company. By allowing a third party to handle security concerns, you can focus on other areas of your company like customer service and marketing.

For more information about hiring security guards, please call Condor Security at 416-665-1500 or contact us here.

If you are responsible for a commercial property, keeping the property secure should be your top priority. In today’s climate, you have responsibilities that include keeping your property safe, protecting your assets and the safety of your staff.

The Occupier’s Liability Act of Ontario declares that any “person who has responsibility for and control over the condition of premises or the activities there carried on” has a duty to “take such care as in all the circumstances of the case is reasonable to see that persons entering on the premises, and the property brought on the premises by those persons are reasonably safe while on the premises.”

Here are six key points to effective security and safety for your commercial property.

• Security Guards

Having security guards onsite is one of the best ways to keep a commercial property secure. This is especially important if your site holds valuable information or goods, and if a large volume of persons flow through the property each day. The larger the site, the more important the presence of security guards, as despite all other security efforts, large properties tend to have more vulnerable areas for intrusion. Security guards also help to provide a sense of safety in facilities where staff might feel vulnerable, as well as being able to identify staff as they enter the premises. They are also the first response team should an alarm be triggered and can be there to ensure the building and property are secure while waiting for the police or fire department to arrive. Last, but not least, security guards can also provide customer service, help with directions and information, and other matters to upgrade the professional appeal and overall status of the property.

•  Mobile Patrol

Mobile Patrol Security Services are an option if security guards onsite 24/7 is not an option. If you do have 24/7 security guards onsite, mobile patrol will assist with support to those guards. Mobile Patrol consists of trained security supervisors who are properly equipped to respond quickly should an alarm be triggered or an emergency situation unfold. They can then coordinate and exchange information with you in real time.

• Parking Enforcement

Mobile Patrol services team members are licenced Municipal Law Enforcement Officers with authority to provide official municipal parking enforcement. This includes documentation and record-keeping to resolve disputes. This can help you deal with constant issues with unauthorized parking on your property which can interfere with your business from issues such as customer service parking availability to security issues posed by an unidentified vehicle. Parking enforcement services can deal with parking infraction notices, including:

• Parking in a fire route.
• Parking on private property without a valid permit.
• Parking in a non-designated area on private property.
• Parking in a designated disabled space without a valid disabled parking permit.

• Access Control

Access Control helps to monitor and control the people visiting your property. This is extremely important for the protection of critical assets as well as your staff. Combining state of the art security systems with a security guard provides you with the perfect balance of security. It provides you with a strong capability to monitor, classify, and have a historical record of anyone entering the property. You can determine if you require a concierge or security guard to suit your needs. Access Control systems can be customized to any property, including doors and locks, fobs or key cards, programmable and user operated access control software, barriers and gates, turnstiles, and more. Both manual and automated control of the system is available.
There are many benefits to access control including:

• Maintaining a professional and welcoming environment with a strong security presence.
• Providing a visual deterrence that can lessen criminal activity.
• Customizable solutions to suit your needs, whether it is a strong presence for optics or a welcoming addition to security such as a concierge.
• Accurate maintenance of access records to protect against liability as well as to record who has entered and left the building.
• Protection of assets by limiting access to sensitive areas based on staff clearance protocols.

• Commercial Alarm Response Services

An alarm service provides the perfect groundwork for your security plan. It keeps your property secure and protects your staff and assets from intrusion, fire and the threat of carbon dioxide poisoning. Your system works in tandem with patrols and security guards and can notify you and your security team when an issue is detected. If you cannot afford 24/7 patrols or security guards, an alarm service will give you have peace of mind that your property is secure. It also helps deploy the appropriate emergency service in case of intrusion or the threat of fire.

• Customized Security Systems

Whether you are managing a massive facility or a local boutique, security systems always become more effective when they are customized to meet your specific needs. Customized solutions, such as those provided by our team of certified professionals, provide you with a comprehensive assessment of security system infrastructure. This assessment then allows us to make the right recommendations for upgrades, improvements, and new installations.
Customized solutions are designed to leverage and maximize existing systems by not only improving security, but also making them more cost effective as well. We can also help you create an entirely new security system, whether you are just opening a business, have moved to a new facility or want a complete replacement.

We will identify vulnerabilities unique to your property and business and can also offer a Threat and Risk Assessment or Security Audit to ensure you have all the protection required. New alarm systems are designed to meet the needs of today’s changing industries, operations and assets from intellectual property to manufacturing inventory. It is built for your individual needs to identify vulnerable points on your property.

A thorough audit will pinpoint your physical security needs while looking for the most cost effective solutions to integrate your existing equipment. We will test performance and functionality of an existing system and when necessary we will recommend upgrades to ensure we can establish best practices.

Finding the right security for your commercial property includes many elements to ensure you have 24/7 monitoring, Mobile Response capabilities, and authorized access with the proper access controls in place. All of these elements will provide peace of mind and protect your assets, customers and staff.

If you would like to set up a consultation with the Condor team today, please visit our website here or call 416 665 1500.

A job as a security guard can provide you with a dynamic workplace, career advancement opportunity, and depending on the employer can include advantages like paid vacation and full medical benefits. There are companies hiring entry-level job seekers with no experience in the field, providing that you complete the required training.

A more seasoned job seeker can branch out into related career paths such as security management (both in a security company but also in corporate security), a private investigator, a police officer, corrections personnel, RCMP, CSIS, and more.

In a world where asset protection is increasingly important, the market for security guards in Canada is quite robust. Professionals with the right training are in high demand. Security guards play a significant role in many aspects of modern life, such as guarding an office building, construction site, shopping malls, transportation centres, trade shows, warehouses, educational institutes, religious centres, event venues, supermarkets, banks, and government buildings.

On a daily basis, our eyes may skim over security personnel, as part of the job is to blend in rather than stick out. But the next time you’re out and about, take a look at what an integral role security guards play in keeping things running smoothly. In a crisis, people look to security staff for guidance and reassurance that things are being handled.

If you’re highly motivated, have a strong work ethic and desire a career with the potential for advancement, being a security guard could be a promising future for you. Before embarking on a new career as a security guard, it’s important to know what it entails and what it takes to excel.

Eligibility, Licence, and Certifications

A valid and up-to-date security licence is a prerequisite to be certified to work as security personnel across Canada. Requirements vary depending on the province. To start with, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, legally permitted to work in the country and pass a criminal background screening.

To advance your career from a standard security guard position to a specialized position, you must pursue additional certifications. This demonstrates to potential employers that you value your career path and continually strive to be the best security professional that you can be.

Types of Security Personnel

Choosing your niche within the security profession gives you a lot to consider. You can begin with an assessment of the daily duties the job requires and the environment in which the job takes place.

Standard Security Guards

This position is the most common type of security staff. In this type of job, you may be hired directly by the company that owns the premises and items being guarded, or more commonly you would be employed by a private security company that serves multiple clients. At different times, you may be assigned to different locations, such as a bank or a construction site.

Specialized Security Guards

Some types of security require advanced, specialized training, such as guarding of a private art collection, an airport, an exotic animal sanctuary, a scientific research facility, chemical plant, or other location with specialized security needs. The possibilities are virtually endless for a career as a specialized security guard.

Crowd Control Guards

For large public events and festivals, crowd control guards are needed to help guide, inform, patrol, and supervise the crowd. Often in situations of overcrowding or high tension, such as following a big loss for a local sports team, crowd control guards are responsible for managing the situation by providing clear instructions, preventing scuffles and keeping a level head.

A Truly Dynamic Career

A career in the security industry provides the opportunity to find a vocation that works for you. For example, if you feel a strong sense of duty, enjoy helping and protecting vulnerable people, and are detail-oriented, you may be stationed at the front and centre of a building. It will be your responsibility to screen and greet everyone upon arrival and to ensure that everyone entering the building is authorized to be there. This is an excellent option if you are an outgoing, extroverted person who enjoys developing a cordial rapport with the regulars.

Those who identify as introverts can also excel as a security professional, such as the night shift where you would patrol the vicinity rather than greet and admit people. It would be your responsibility to protect and guard against threats to property, such as theft and vandalism.

Pursuing a career as a security guard can be a great option for students in college or university since the flexible hours are helpful to suit your study schedule. Even if your career path is eventually headed in a different direction, a security job can provide your resume with years of experience that shows a commitment to professionalism and work ethic.

Skills Required in the Security Industry

To be successful as a security guard, there is a wide range of skills necessary. Communication is integral to this position, both in terms of listening and speaking. One of the basic tasks of your role is to follow the given protocol. Typically this is handed over via a list of instructions, or it may be your job to write notes given verbally by your supervisor. Similarly, communicating directions to the public is a basic task. This becomes incredibly necessary when working with a large crowd or with the general public to ensure their safety. Giving clear, strong verbal directions to the crowd is a must to avoid confusion and panic.

Quick, flexible thinking is a skill required. Your initial assessment of a situation may need to shift rapidly to address a new aspect. In some incidents, the need for security guards to use common sense and quick thinking is imperative, before a situation gets out of control. Always rely on your training and follow the steps outlined to implement security and crowd control measures.

Being a security guard is more than just patrolling your surroundings—you have to be adaptable. Being able to adapt to a number of different conditions and demands are required to successfully perform your job. You should cultivate calming techniques and stress-reducing measures into your routine, which will help when you need to quickly pivot and adapt on the spot.

Finally, the skill of continuous learning is key to be a security guard. Today, technology is ever-changing, so there is a need for security guards to be highly trained on an ongoing basis. Personnel must be tech-savvy, including training on many devices and systems. Continuous professional training is necessary for today’s security guards to meet industry requirements, and to excel throughout their career.

For more information, please call Condor Security at 416 665 1500 or contact us here.

Security is a field that requires a lot of thought before entering. Security professionals provide a necessary function in many aspects of modern business, from different businesses and retail to personal safety. It’s not always for everyone, so here are some things you need to consider before putting on that security guard uniform.

Time and Experience

It doesn’t take long to train to become a security guard; basic security training takes only about 8 – 16 hours. Once you complete the course and training you can start working anywhere right away. Unlike other career options, some private security companies will hire you with little to no experience and train you on the job. There are steps you can take immediately to increase your value as a worker and earn a higher income. You have the option of obtaining more training, or even obtain a permit to carry a firearm.

What Skills are Needed?

Certain skill sets are necessary, such as the ability to accurately observe and document incidents. Most of the time, the job is to prevent incidents from happening, however, things are out of our control. Having the ability to be observant and accurate when documenting incidents will be a great asset.

Having good judgement and common sense are also imperative. You need to be able to decide quickly what to do in a situation or emergency and what steps to take when approaching the issue. At times, you might need to use physical force and other times you might need to contact the police. Being able to make the best decision quickly is key when going into a security career.

Future

Being a security guard is a good step towards a future career. You can be a security guard quickly and use the money you make to pay your way through school. You can even use your experience as a stepping stone towards a career in law enforcement. Being a security guard can open many doors to future careers. Many companies and businesses don’t take just anyone. If you have a few years of experience, you will most likely catch their attention compared to someone who hasn’t had any experience at all. Here are some options you might consider:

• Personal bodyguard – It’s not easy being a personal bodyguard but having a few years of experience of security is appealing for those who want one. During your experience you learn basics like threat assessment and observation skills which can land you that new career as a personal guard. You are responsible for protecting individuals like celebrities, politicians and their family members.

• Police Officer – Becoming a police officer doesn’t necessarily require any experience. As long as you have a high school diploma and pass a background check you can enroll. However, becoming a police officer is not for everyone and being a security guard first will give you a good idea of what it’s like to defend people and private property on a daily basis. You will gain knowledge that will be beneficial to you in your police career such as knowing how to use pepper spray, handcuffs, batons and on-officer cameras.

• Private Investigator (PI) – Although becoming a PI requires its own licence, having experience as a security guard will aid you in obtaining your PI licence. Some private investigator licences require a certain amount of experience before you can apply. Having experience as a security guard can give you the requirements you need to apply as a PI. You can work just about anywhere, whether you work for a company or start your own business. Some cases can vary from theft protection, child custody cases, and more.

Physical Activity

If you are someone who loves physical activity or dreads the thought of being stuck in a cubicle all day, a security job might be for you. Most security guards have to patrol and be on their feet most of the day. As a security guard, you will have to perform a variety of tasks which will not only keep you busy but also keep you in shape and focused on the job.

Be Proud

Being a security guard means that you will protect the people and property of the company you work for. You can take pride in your work and the fact that people are depending on you. This will bring you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you are doing something good for your community and will make your job much more enjoyable.

Responsibility

Being a security guard comes with a lot of responsibility. You are meant to protect the people and property of the business. You must be personally accountable for your work and if you like working independently, then security might be for you. Most of the time you will not have a supervisor, so the job gives you independence and reliability.

Always an Option

It’s up to you what you want to do with your life, but you will always have your experience as a security guard to depend on. If you lose your job or don’t like it anymore, you can easily renew your security guard licence and find a job quickly. Companies and businesses are always in need of security.

Whether you want to stay in security or move up in your career, security is a fun and fulfilling career to start out in.

If you want to learn more about becoming a security guard, contact Condor Security at (416) 410-4035 or contact us here

Have you ever thought of ways to secure your home or office? Are you concerned that your home or office could be at risk of robbery or invasion?

Realistically, almost any home is at risk for robberies and are home invasions. Any home that does not have a defense system in place. It is important that you make sure you have some type of defense system at home in order to protect yourself from home invasions or robbery.

According to Nationsearch.com, every 4 seconds a property-related crime occurs in the United States. Hence, it is very important that you make sure you have a security system of some kind in place.

Technology to protect your family and your home

Having a security system in place will protect you from a robbery or home invasion. You never know when anything will happen. You need to be able to rely on some type of defense system. Camera systems and alarm systems work very well as a way to defend your home or property.

There is also newer technology on the market that is capable of doing a lot more, like motion-detection triggered recording and notifications. For example, smart doorbells are effective because when there is motion detected outside of your home, the doorbell will go send you a notification or a live feed of your porch, if you have one equipped with a camera.

Nothing is better than a real security guard

Although technology has proven to decrease robbery in home invasions, you may want to consider actual human beings patrolling your property. Nothing is better than having actual humans provide the security you need.

There are security companies all over the country that offers security services to provide you with the best protection. There are security companies that offer property patrol, that require security officers to physically walk the property and observe and report.

There are also mobile patrols, where security officers will constantly patrol the property and observe and report. Their goal is to deter suspicious activity. In addition to deterring suspicious activity on the property, mobile patrol may also be responsible for other duties that may include inspections, light inspections, parking lot inspection, and general security.

Do your research and choose wisely

There are so many security companies to choose from. It is recommended that you do your research first and find the best security company to offer you the best services for your mobile patrol.

To learn more, call Condor Security today at 416-410-4035 or contact us here.

As a security officer, your first goal at your job is to keep your post and the people inside of it safe. You may not think that good customer service is one of the attributes that a security guard ought to have. No matter whether your post is at a plant, office building, or in a retail store, as a security guard, you are regularly thought of as “the face of the institution’s brand.” You are usually the first and last person that people coming and going see.

Given your visible role, providing good customer service is essential for your job and the company that you represent. Instead of being the security guard that is remembered for all the wrong reasons, being the one who does all you can to help will create a good reputation for the security company and create a welcoming environment. The following tips will help you improve how your customer service while on duty as well as improve skills required to be a good security officer.

Having Contact With Customers and Employees

If the end of your workday at your post is quickly approaching, it is very likely that you are ready to get your stuff together so you can leave when your shift is over. At this time, a customer arrives. No matter how that makes you feel, do not ignore them. It is a good idea for you to make a habit of talking to everyone that comes and goes from your post. You should always acknowledge their presence, even if it is with only a nod or a smile.

Effective Communication is Essential

As a security officer, you need to be able to effectively communicate no matter whether it is with the people that work at your post or with people that are visiting it. Courtesy and respect is the first principle. Your tone of voice, attempts at making conversation, and a smile can go a long way. If the employees or visitors of your post need to ask you something or you have to question them, take the time to listen open-mindedly to what they have to say. Watch your body language as well-eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice are all part of the effective communication skills that are essential to have as a security officer.

Get to Know People

Learning the names of the customers and employees at your post can be very beneficial. For example, if you work in an office building, learning the names of the people that work there will help you create a professional relationship with them. This will also help you find them in the company’s email and telephone directories when you need to. Of course, it will also make the employees feel that you value them as a person if you call them by their name.

Small Talk is Significant

Along with remembering the names of regular customers and employees, you should do your best to remember what you talk about with them. When the need arises, that information can be helpful to you when you are starting a conversation with them. For example, if an employee tells you they are going to go to a special event, you can ask them how it went the next time you see them. It makes people feel good that you remember things they told you about.

Be Able to Assist

When a problem arises at your job site, you need to do your best to be the solution. Help your customers when you are able to. An example of this is if you are a security officer at a store and you see someone with their hands full, offer to get them a buggy. If a visitor in an office building is lost, tell them how to get to where they need to be. If part of your job is to identify a person’s identity and looking through the items that they bring to your job post, do so in a pleasant and timely manner. If you are working at a store overnight and the employees are headed to their homes, you can offer to escort them to their car to ensure that they get there safely. If part of your job is to answer the phone and taking incoming calls, be sure to do so in a polite and professional tone.

As a security officer, your job first consists of protecting people, property, and information. You will have to find a balance between doing that and providing good customer service. Your tasks as a security officer must be your first priority, while finding ways to weave in good customer service. Implementing these simple tips will make you the best security officer that you could ever strive to be.

Why Us?

Condor security officers work at a variety of different sites with the goal of preventing people from stealing, damaging property, or hurting people. They protect the people, property, equipment, and valuables that are on the property of their job site. To learn more about Condor Security you can call them at 1-416-665-1500 or contact us here