Canadian Security/Protective Services & Private Investigations
In British Columbia Private Investigators and Security Personnel
are governed by the Security Agencies Act, through the Ministry of Public
Safety and Solicitor General - Security Programs Division.
All personnel must be licensed by Security Programs.
It is an offence to work without a license.
Generally, applicants must:
- be at least 19 years of age
- be a Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant
- be bondable, with no criminal record for the past 10 years (exceptions are made, however, this is solely at the discretion of the Registrar and will be determined on an individual basis)
- have taken the appropriate training
- be sufficiently proficient in English to converse during predictable conditions of employment and understand course materials
Please see website: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/pisa/index.htm
When individuals meet the requirements applications are submitted through an employer. A criminal record search and fingerprints are conducted by the R.C.M.P. and forwarded to Security Programs.
The field has experienced (and is still experiencing) significant growth. This trend is expected to continue.
Between 1971 and 1991 an increase of 126% was recorded
In 1996 the ratio of public police vs. private was 1- 2.5
In 2001 it was 1 - 5.5
(Source: "Closing the Gap" - Use of Non-Police Personnel Excerpts,
The Honourable Mr. Justice Wallace T. Oppal)
It is becoming increasingly important to train and keep current in the field and educational requirements are being implemented constantly.
In 1996 the training for Security Personnel became mandatory in BC. The Justice Institute of B.C. developed BST 1 and BST 2 (Basic Standards Training). The course meets Canadian General Standards. Numerous schools and instructors were approved to offer the training to make it accessible throughout the province.
Upon successful completion of the course certification is provided by the Justice Institute. A minimum grade of 60% is required.
BC was the first province where Basic Security Patrol training was mandatory. Recently legislation for mandatory training was passed in Ontario and Quebec.
It is fair to say that individuals looking for work in other provinces who have this certificate have a definite edge over those who don't.
Loss Prevention is also a growing field as business owners and managers are becoming more and more aware of the impact losses have on their business.
The retail Council of Canada reported loss rate of between 1.75 - 2.09%!
30% of businesses that fail do so because of employee dishonesty.
The yearly cost of embezzlement and pilferage alone exceeds the loss from burglary and robbery by several hundred million.
As the level of business owners' awareness increases, so does their motivation to decrease these losses, thus increasing demand for highly trained loss prevention officers.
The demand for well trained Private Investigators is increasing as well.
Private investigators conduct surveillance, background checks, skip tracing and provide accident reconstruction and polygraph services, just to name a few.
With rapidly changing technology the demand for well trained, competent and flexible individuals will continue to increase.
Policies with respect to training have been developed by Security Programs.
New investigators are required to be "under supervision" by an unrestricted investigator for a period of a minimum of two years (2400 hours). A maximum of 4 years is acceptable to complete these hours. When evidence is provided by the supervising investigator, along with the required courses the "under supervision" restriction will be removed.
Once an investigator has obtained an unrestricted license he/she may start their own company and supervise a maximum of two "under supervision" investigators.
Investigators are allowed to work for up to 3 employers at a time for licensing requirement, however ultimately it is at the discretion of the employer.
Employees may also be licensed in more than one category, e.g. security/loss prevention and investigations, however security and/or investigations combined with a locksmith license are not permitted.
As education is now becoming more accessible, employers are now usually more receptive to hiring "new" candidates, i.e. without actual experience but with the right attitude and education.
As with other industry sectors, "lifelong learning" is extremely important and candidates should be prepared to constantly learn about the relevant law, the lawful use of methods and technology .
Business Computer Skills
Whether you are a beginner in need of computer skills for the world of work or your personal home computer, we can design a course to meet your needs.
Our computer courses:
- are targeted to your individual needs
- consist of small classes allowing for more individual attention and a comfortable learning atmosphere
- are "hands-on"
- utilize Microsoft Office approved courseware
Business Administration Skills
The Canadian office is a dynamic and diverse environment in which to work and build a career so it is not surprising that it takes keen technical and transferable skills, as well as a positive attitude, to be successful in this challenging workplace.
This 15-week Diploma program is specifically geared to adults of all ages who already have transferable skills and need to complete or update their skill set with the latest office/administrative technology and procedures.
The program covers business math and communication, office procedures, bookkeeping, public speaking and computer software applications for the modern office.
Safety
As a worker in British Columbia, it is your right - and your responsibility – to work as safely as possible. If a worker thinks that dangerous or unhealthy conditions exist in his/her workplace, talk to the supervisor or a safety committee representative.
Training and education is part of this responsibility. The courses listed here address these rights and responsibilities.
English as a Second Language
Our language training offers students a unique combination of ESL and immersion. Classroom instruction as well as interaction with Canadian people, organizations or businesses keeps students interested and interactive.
It also affords students the opportunity to get to know Canadian people, business and culture. When people are interested – they learn. This method of instruction also accommodates various learning styles resulting in a well-rounded, dynamic, learning environment.
Upon arrival at the school, students’ English level will be assessed and they will commence their English grammar, vocabulary, listening/speaking, reading and writing at the appropriate level.
They will also be interviewed about their personal and/or professional goals. Within certain guidelines students’ study plans are customized according to their individual objectives and needs.
Students will also receive instruction in the following areas:
- Kelowna/Canadian history
- Keeping safe “Streetsmart”
- Computer classes
- The Canadian Labour Market
- Interviewing
- How to Volunteer
- Interest Inventory
- Skills and skill shortages for the Canadian Market
- The Canadian/BC Court Systems
- Public Speaking/Presentation Skills
Private or Semi-private Tutoring is also available.
As students achieve proficiency in their English skills, they will progress from one level to the next and will be introduced to an increasing variety of interactive learning opportunities.
We are open from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.
All students must speak English only on school grounds. Students who break this rule might be dismissed for the remainder of the day.
Students must be punctual and be on time for classes. Any student who is more than 5 minutes late will have to wait until break time to enter the class.
Students must also maintain a minimum of 80% attendance. Any student not meeting the attendance requirement risks not receiving a certificate.
Medical insurance while studying in Canada is mandatory. Students may either purchase medical insurance in their country of origin or in Canada. Please ask the staff for assistance.
Project Management
under revision
|
