Legislation, Regulations & Codes of Conduct Overview

Legislation, Regulations & Codes of Conduct Overview

Structure and Role of Police and Private Security

  • Public Police Responsibilities:

    • Crime Prevention: Proactive actions to prevent crime.

    • Crime Detection: Investigating to gather evidence of crimes.

    • Catch Perpetrators: Identifying and apprehending offenders.

    • Enforce Laws: Upkeeping and ensuring compliance with laws.

    • Maintain Public Order: Ensuring peace in communities.

    • Protect People & Property: Safeguarding citizens and belongings.

  • Main Role of Police: Enforcing laws.

  • Types of Police Forces in Canada:

    1. Federal Police: e.g., Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

    2. Provincial Police: e.g., Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)

    3. Municipal Police: e.g., Toronto Police Service

Private Security vs Public Police
Private Security Officer:

  • Role: Protection against harm or loss.

  • Enforcement: No legal duty to enforce laws.

  • Service: Serves employer or client rather than the public at large.

  • Employee Status: Private employees with no special legal status.

Career Paths in Private Security Include:

  • Director of Security

  • Airport Security

  • Body Guard

  • Private Investigator

  • Door Personnel (bouncer)

  • Mobile Alarm Response

Licensing Requirements for Security Personnel

  • Minimum Age: 18 years or older.

  • Legal Eligibility: Must legally work in Canada.

  • Training: Completion of 40 hours of prescribed training including First Aid.

  • Criminal Record: No existing convictions or outstanding fines.

  • Testing: Must pass Ministry tests.

General Duties of Security Personnel

  • Observation: Monitor for security issues and conduct inspections.

  • Interventions: Conduct arrests and removals when necessary.

  • Deter Threats: Present a visible deterrent to illegal activities.

  • Representation: Reflect a positive image on behalf of their employer.

Codes of Conduct for Security Guards
Key Requirements:

  • Honesty and Reliability: Punctuality and attendance are crucial.

  • Obedience: Follow orders from supervisors diligently.

  • Confidentiality: Maintain the privacy of sensitive information.

  • Compliance: Adhere to all relevant laws.

Definitions and Classifications

  • Security Guard: Uniformed individual responsible for protecting property and reporting illegal activities.

  • In-house/Proprietary Security: Directly employed by the organization being protected.

  • Contract Security: Employed by private firms serving multiple locations.

Professionalism and Ethics
Key Principles of Professionalism:

  1. Positive and professional demeanor.

  2. High standards of appearance.

  3. Respectful interactions.

  4. Knowledgeable of laws and regulations.

  5. Commitment to ongoing development.

Essential Note-Taking Practices for Security
Importance of Notes:

  1. Memory Aid: Helps remember detailed incidents.

  2. Duty Requirement: Security personnel are obligated to maintain logs.

  3. Evidence for Court: Accurate notes are essential for legal evidence.

Rules for Effective Note Taking

  • Use black ink only; no blank spaces.

  • Record time in 24-hour format.

  • Notes should be neat, factual, and free from personal opinion.

  • Do not tear out pages or show the memo book to unauthorized individuals.

Security Procedures:

  • Duties include conducting patrols, access control, and responding to emergency situations.

  • Must be prepared for various incidents, including criminal activities and public disturbances.

Understanding the Law
Overview of the Criminal Justice System

  • Purpose of Laws: Ensure safety, protect rights, uphold justice.

  • Types of Laws: Includes public (criminal) vs private (civil) law.

Responsibilities of Government

  • Conducted at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, focusing on different responsibilities such as public safety, crime management, and emergency response.

Evidence and Its Types in Court

  • Direct Evidence: Eyewitness accounts, typically more compelling.

  • Circumstantial Evidence: Indirectly implies facts through inferences.

  • Documentary Evidence: Written documents as proof.

Privacy Laws in Ontario

  • Governed by acts meant to protect personal information.

Use of Force Policies

  • Security personnel must understand when and how to apply force, ensuring compliance with legal standards and organizational policies.

Conclusion

  • Understanding these frameworks equips security personnel to perform their duties effectively, ensuring legal compliance and ethical behavior.

Note-Taking Summary

Legislation, regulations, and codes of conduct in security highlight the responsibilities and limitations of both public police and private security. Understanding the roles, legal obligations, and professional standards is essential for effective performance and public safety.