A Security Crisis in the Works (part 1).
There are, inherently, many deficiencies in the Security Industry in Canada. While technological leaps abound, the quality of human equity is as low as I have seen it in the past 25 years.
There are several causes to this problem. The first one everybody rushes to is the low paying wages argument.
We recently ran a hiring campaign in British Columbia. We essentially ran several ads on various platforms, with a total of 106 (and still counting) resumes. Out of the first 32 applicants, 24 made the primary interview, of which 21 made the short list for our assessment and orientation. Out of 21, 9 showed up (3 on time). Out of those 9, 2 were caucasian, 7 from overseas (most on student visas). Out of those, none could communicate without a significant accent. Some were completely unintelligible. 3 passed the assessment and went on through with their orientation. Out of those 3, 2 were no-shows for their first shift. 48 more to go. We repeated a similar process a second time, with very similar results. Our partners also suffer from this issue.
We are willing to pay what the employee is worth.
There is an elephant in the room, but between labour laws, HR best practices and human right codes, no one wants to talk about it. We have a huge respect and dedication to our employees, and recognize that they are our strength- but our commitment is to the safety and protection of our clients and their assets. We cannot, in good conscience, deploy individuals that do not pass our assessments.
This elephant is systemic. Various rules and regulations require a minimum number of licensed guards deployed to various theatres. Sadly licensing does not guarantee quality. In fact, it only ensure that the individual passes a criminal record check. The training required by licensing is so devoid of substance, that it only ensures people can read English, and can show up on time for their in-person exam. It doesn't teach any specific skills, develop attributes, or prepare the guards for various realities and aspects of the industry. It is also a money-maker for the only authority managing, developing and setting the standard, and delivering the course. The quality of students that come out of an institution is the best reflection of the quality of the institution. We just cannot turn rotting apples into a quality product.
We understand why.
Most security work in Canada appears fairly easy and peaceful. But times are changing- requirements, culture, legalities, liability, criminality, mental illness, substance abuse and much more are making interactions of all security personnel of so much more importance. The second aspect is to remember that security personnel in Canada cannot be armed, as such, there is even more of a need to have security personnel trained and prepared accordingly. We know that many positions are essentially just a body, with a license- no skills attached- but wouldn't you want to know that everybody in uniform is trained and capable? Especially if you are paying for them?
There are plenty more systemic issues at play, but it appears we are caught in a catch 22. Below average workers mean below average pay. Below average pay results in poor quality people applying in the industry. And so on.
Our solution at JTFSecurity is to focus on a slow and continual growth of our human equity with a focus on acquiring quality talent, who recognize security as a profession, not a summer job. We draw from non licensed personnel: individuals who show strong traits and attributes in different fields. If interested, and a good fit, we help them secure a license. We are fortunate to have our own rigorous in-house training. Our C.A.S.T. (Comprehensive and Applied Security Training) certification is a requirement for all our full-time personnel/team leaders. All our Protective Specialists need to go thru the CAST training and further undergo our rigorous and demanding EPST (Executive Protective Security Services Training) Levels 1 and 2. We are constantly working on improving our personnel, giving them the tools to ensure positive outcomes for their daily encounters. We are also careful in our growth and planning, and can easily adapt to the current industry needs and trends.
We proudly continue to grow and offer quality services to our all clients, despite the challenges and the crisis brewing in the province.
Stayed tune for part 2.
Technon Cyber is now protecting manufacturing facilites and critical infrastructure in Latin America.
6yGood points Vali! Same story here in the US... I think as an industry we also have to figure out how to educate our clients. At the end, most security guard companies are not providing/requiring proper training to their licensed guards because that is a cost that will put them at a disadvantage vis-a-vis a company that doesn’t provide such training in a price driven competitive industry. In other words, at the end of the day, many clients here will give the contract to the company that offered guards for $0.50 cheaper hourly rate than the competition and not to the one offering professionalism and properly trained security guards. That’s the sad reality. Time to get better at educating the clients and also explaining the complex calculations of their ROIs in the field of security (which often become evident after a serious incident, where negligence is found and the same client is sued for millions of dollars).
Experienced Trainer, Leader and Dignitary Close Protection Officer.
6yPersonally I believe the major issue is the industry as a whole is not viewed as a profession. There is little info/marketing out there that shows how one can have a very successful career in the field of security. Despite the fact that there are opportunities for a progressive and lucrative career path. As industry leaders we need to get better at mentoring and showing others the way to success in the industry.
Risk Management and Consulting- >CEO at JTFSecurity Group Inc. >Deputy Fire Chief, Operations >Founder, RootsDojo
6yAJ Walia Taina Uitto
Fmr Paralegal Wood Law Office
6yThen security guards would earn $25 / hour instead of $10...