Becoming a Security Guard in Manitoba is similar to a lot of other provinces: you need to meet basic security licensing requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Manitoba, you need to take a government approved MB Security Guard licensing course.
In Manitoba, the government body that controls a MB Security Guard's license is the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program governed under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.
So, it is the PISGP that will have a list of approved Manitoba Security Guard licensing courses available on their website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements and completion of the MB security training course to the PISGP, you will get your Manitoba Security Guard license.
Manitoba Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. You will need to submit a criminal records check to the Manitoba PISGP. You can obtain a criminal records check via the RCMP. This records check will be called "Employment Police Information Check" and will need to include 1. CPIC, 2. Vulnerable Sector, and 3. Local Database.
Child Abuse Registry Check: You will need to get this records check by going to the Child and Family Services website.
Canadian Citizen: You need to be a Canadian citizen or be legally allowed to work in Manitoba. You will have to submit a copy of government ID to the PISGP.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
MB Government Approved Security License Course: You will need to complete a security license course approved by the PISGP and submit proof of completion. View a list of approved security training providers on the PISGP website.
Passport Photo: You will have to provide the PISGP with a certified passport photo. Most passport photo services can often certify a passport photo.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $30CAD.
Submitting: The documents you submit can be sent to the PISGP office via mail or online uploading.
Mail application to:
Manitoba Justice Private Investigators and Security Guards Program
1800 –155 Carlton
Winnipeg
MB R3C 3H8
What Does a Manitoba Security Guard Do?
Manitoba Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Manitoba Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Manitoba Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Manitoba Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Manitoba Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Manitoba document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Manitoba security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Manitoba Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Manitoba Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Manitoba Security Guards will respond to alarms and act accordingly as per the Emergency Response plan set in place by supervisors. This may include,
Evacuation of the security site.
Checking alarm system on the way out for information about where the problem is occurring.
Contacting supervisors.
Responding to incidents and completing all reports as necessary.
Manitoba Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Manitoba Security Guard is working in a team environment, they will usually meet for a pre-shift briefing at a set location. Once the meeting has been completed the Manitoba Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Manitoba security site locations with customers, Guards will do a lot of patrolling. This can be in a building or outside in places such as parking lots.
Manitoba Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Manitoba Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Manitoba Security Guard’s job. This will be on a continuous basis with follow ups on issues seen.
When it comes to security sites in the service industry, Manitoba Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Manitoba Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Manitoba security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Manitoba Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Manitoba Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Manitoba security site is a residence, responding to noise complaints will be a big part of the job.
Of course, catching shoplifters will be a constant for a Manitoba Security Guard in a site with customers.
Manitoba Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Manitoba Security Guards will patrol parking areas to make sure vehicles are registered at that security site.
Every person entering through the security gate will produce valid photo ID to the Manitoba Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Manitoba Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Manitoba EMS vehicles.
Manitoba Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Manitoba security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Manitoba Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Manitoba EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Manitoba Security Guards.
The Manitoba Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Manitoba Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Manitoba Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Manitoba Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter Sandru is an Instructor & Co-Founder of NDIL with over 15 years working in Canadian security, including Manitoba. Peter has spent more than a decade conducting security operations throughout the world, primarily for corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Peter has assisted in the creation of numerous security training programs in various capacities. Peter has personally trained many Canadian Security Guards.