To become a Security Guard in Newfoundland does not require a Newfoundland Security Guard license.
Security Guard licenses in NL do not exist.
However, regulation does exist but it will be through a Newfoundland security company that employs you.
Furthermore, to become a Security Guard in Newfoundland, you need to take a government approved NL Security Guard course.
In Newfoundland, the government body that controls a NL Security Guard is the Newfoundland Consumer Affairs Division.
So, it is the NCAD that will have a list of approved NL Security Guard courses.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements and completion of the Newfoundland security training course to your security employer, you will be a Newfoundland Security Guard.
Newfoundland Security Guard License Requirements
Employment Eligibility: You must be able to legally work in Newfoundland.
NL Government Approved Security Course: You will need to complete a security course approved by Newfoundland and submit proof of completion to your security employer. Contact NCAD for a list of approved security course providers.
Sponsor: You will need to be employed by a Newfoundland security company. This company will register you as a NL Security Guard with NCAD.
Consumer Affairs Division
Digital Government and Service NL
149 Smallwood Drive
Motor Registration Building
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6
Tel: (709) 729-2600
Fax: (709) 729-6998
Toll Free: 1-877-968-2600
What Does a Newfoundland Security Guard Do?
Newfoundland Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Newfoundland Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Newfoundland Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Newfoundland Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Newfoundland Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Newfoundland document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Newfoundland security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Newfoundland Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Newfoundland Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Newfoundland 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.
Newfoundland Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Newfoundland 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.
Newfoundland Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Newfoundland Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Newfoundland 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, Newfoundland Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Newfoundland Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Newfoundland security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Newfoundland Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Newfoundland Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland Security Guard in a site with customers.
Newfoundland Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Newfoundland Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Newfoundland EMS vehicles.
Newfoundland Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Newfoundland security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Newfoundland Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Newfoundland EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Newfoundland Security Guards.
The Newfoundland Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Newfoundland Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Newfoundland Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Newfoundland 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. 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.