Introduction to the Security Industry and Security Roles
What private security is
Private security is a client-funded service whose core purpose is protecting people, property and information. Unlike police, security officers are not peace officers. Their authority comes from only two sources: the powers every citizen has under the Criminal Code, and the authority the owner or lawful occupier of the property delegates to them (conditions of entry, access rules, contract, posted policy).
Where guards work
Contract guarding (guards supplied to a client site), in-house/proprietary security, institutional (hospitals, schools, government), retail and commercial, industrial and construction, event and crowd management, mobile patrol, residential/concierge, alarm response - plus allied roles such as loss prevention, private investigation, locksmithing and alarm monitoring. Careers run from concierge/front desk to patrol officer, control-room operator, supervisor and site manager.
What the job actually is
Deter, detect, delay, report, respond, document. Professionalism - appearance, punctuality, honesty, confidentiality, clear communication, staying inside your authority - is tested constantly in exam scenarios.
Licensing in BC
You need a security worker licence issued through the Security Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; the company needs a security business licence. The usual entry path is completion of Basic Security Training (BST), a criminal record check, and meeting age, work-authorization and good-character requirements. Confirm current categories, fees and documentation with the Regulation rather than guessing.
Trap: questions that assume guards may detain, search, seize property or use force simply because they are 'security'. They may not. Also expect confusion between the business licence and the worker licence, and assumptions that the industry is federally regulated.
Rule of thumb: you have no more legal authority than the person beside you on the street, plus whatever the property owner lends you - and that loan can be withdrawn.