Becoming a Security Guard in Saskatchewan is similar to a lot of other provinces: you need to meet basic license requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Saskatchewan, you need to take a government approved Sask Security Guard licensing course:
Saskatchewan Justice Approved Security Guard Training Course.
Unlike other provinces, in Sask you will need a security company to sponsor your license application. They will actually be the one to submit the license application.
In SK, the government body that controls a Saskatchewan Security Guard's license is the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program.
So, it is the PISGP that will have a list of approved SK Security Guard licensing courses.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements and completion of the SK security training course to the PISGP, you will get your Saskatchewan Security Guard license.
Sask 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 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.
Canadian Citizen: You need to be a Canadian citizen or be legally allowed to work in Sask. You will have to submit a copy of government ID to the PISGP.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Character References: You need three references that are not related to you.
Saskatchewan Government Approved Security License Course: You will need to complete a security license course approved by the PISGP and submit proof of completion. Contact the PISGP office for a list of approved courses.
Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a SK security company. Your security employer will actually be the one completing and submitting your security license application.
Notary: You will need to get the security application notarized.
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 $25CAD.
Submitting: The documents you submit can be sent to the PISGP office via mail.
Private Investigators and Security Guards
Ministry of Corrections and Policing
2nd Floor, 515 Henderson Drive
Regina, SK S4N 5X1
What Does a Saskatchewan Security Guard Do?
Saskatchewan Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Saskatchewan Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Saskatchewan Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Saskatchewan Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Saskatchewan Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Saskatchewan document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Saskatchewan security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Saskatchewan Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Saskatchewan Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Saskatchewan 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.
Saskatchewan Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Saskatchewan 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.
Saskatchewan Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Saskatchewan Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Saskatchewan 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, Saskatchewan Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Saskatchewan Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Saskatchewan security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Saskatchewan Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Saskatchewan Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan Security Guard in a site with customers.
Saskatchewan Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Saskatchewan Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Saskatchewan EMS vehicles.
Saskatchewan Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Saskatchewan security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Saskatchewan Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Saskatchewan EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Saskatchewan Security Guards.
The Saskatchewan Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Saskatchewan Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Saskatchewan Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Saskatchewan 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.