Ensuring Safety with Unarmed Security Guards In Toronto

Keeping people and property safe is a top priority for any business whether its school, retail store, construction site or any other community business. Unarmed security guards are quite common yet effective for the security of a business. They act as a protective layer. They deter trespassers, manage access, provide customer service and prevent the issue from escalating by identifying it on time.

This following guide explains what an unarmed security guard can or cannot do in Toronto, the legal and training requirements in Ontario, key tips on how to choose and manage a good security guard, and check points you can use while hiring plus some real world tips that will help you drive value from unarmed security all the while keeping the community safe.

Why Unarmed Security guards are a common choice in Toronto:

Unarmed security guards are widely used in retail stores, construction sites, residential properties or any event and corporate settings for following reasons:

• Acts as a visible deterrent that reduces theft, vandalism and trespassing.
• Controls access (visitors check, IDs verification and signs in/out).
• While contacting police or emergency services, it provides first response and communication.
• Offer customer service, provide direction and manage conflict calmly.

In many cases the visible presence of a trained, licensed security guard acts as a deterrent against crimes. It reduces incidents without the high risk or liability that comes along with an armed security guard. For many Toronto sites, these advantages make unarmed security guards a cost effective and practical option.

What trained Unarmed guards are Allowed to do and what they aren’t:

Unarmed security guards are typically allowed to do:

• Patrol property as agreed (by foot or vehicle).
• Monitor CCTVs or alarm systems.
• Perform access control by (check IDs, manage visitor logs, enforce site rules).
• Report any suspicious activity and call the authorities.
• Conduct crowd management and direct traffic(if trained).
• Provide customer service.
• Write incident reports, preserve evidence and assist police investigation as much as needed.

What Unarmed security guards are not allowed to do (should not do):

• They cannot carry or use weapons such as tasers, firearms etc.(unless authorised or separately licensed).
• They should not perform duties outside their training (invasive searches, physical intervention) unless specifically trained, licensed and until the action is lawful and documented.
• They can’t make arrests, it is only the duty of a police officer.
• They must not use unjustified force. Use of force is only limited to what a private citizen can lawfully do.

If your site needs enforcement power beyond what an unarmed guard can provide, discuss alternatives. These boundaries are in place to ensure professional conduct and reduce liability.

How Unarmed guards add value:

When their roles are tailored to the site, unarmed guards work the best. Such as:

Construction Sites:

Theft of tools and materials is a common issue at Toronto development sites. On such sites guards prevent this issue by removing trespassers, controlling site access, and logging deliveries.

Retail and Shopping Centers:

They not only deter shoplifting, manage loitering but also respond quickly to disorder. For police and loss prevention teams, they document all the incidents.

Residential and Gated Communities:

They provide a reliable and reassuring presence to the residents. By handling visitor access, monitoring CCTV and providing support to the building management.

Event and Crowd control:

Experienced unarmed security manages entrances, helps enforce the venue rules, and directs attendees during the case of emergency.

Business Complexes:

Patrols around the property reduce vandalism and alarm activation.

What to ask before hiring a security guard service in Toronto:

Use the following checklist when reviewing quotes and interviewing security providers:

License verification:

Confirm the business license if applicable. You can and should ask to see the guards Ontario security guard license and training certificate.

Insurance:

Request proof of liability insurance.

Training and Certifications:

Confirm completion of the mandatory training.

Experience:

Ask for their local references and examples of the similar sites they protect. Local experience matters a lot for knowledge of municipal processes.

Supervision and Reporting:

How are the security guards supervised?. What incident reporting format will they be using? Will you be receiving daily logs, incident reports and photos if necessary?.

Shift coverages:

How do the guards handle last minute replacements, absences, or peak events. It is a very important question to ask while hiring security for your business.

Contract terms and Costs:

Ask about the hourly rate, overtime, notice periods and cancellation terms.

Above mentioned are some of the many things you can look for while hiring security guards service in Toronto. Getting clear, documented answers avoids unnecessary misunderstandings, and helps to create
enforceable working relationships.

Technology and Unarmed Guards;

Nowadays, it is not only necessary but also quite helpful to combine technology with physical security for the better security of your business

CCTV and Remote Monitoring;

By actively watching the cameras and receiving alerts from remote monitoring. Guards can minimize incidents and direct patrols when needed.

Alarms integration:

Alarm triggers can be linked to guards dispatch protocols.

Mobile patrol apps:

Many firms nowadays, use apps to verify patrol checkpoints, upload photos, and file reports in real time. This helps to improve accountability.

Access Control system:

Keycard or biometric verification system along with guards oversight reduces unauthorized access.

Technology doesn’t replace trained security guards nor does undermine their value. When used well, it lets guards act better and faster while reducing the risk of incidents.

Cost consideration and value budgeting:

Cost may vary by shift lengths, guards experience and contract length.Following are the factors that affect cost:

Hourly rate:

It varies by provider and the time of day. Overnight shifts usually cost more. It also depends on added duties such as vehicle patrol, crowd control, alarm response etc.

Specialized training fees:

First aid, or any on site specific certifications might also increase rate.

Equipment and supervision costs:

If the firm provides security supplies and supervision staff, it also reflects on the costs.

To control costs while preserving safety, prioritise high risk areas and time for live guard coverage. On the other hand, schedule patrols and use remote monitoring for low risk time.

Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re managing a business or residential property, having professional support is necessary. Licensed and trained unarmed security guards in Toronto can provide you with not only peace of mind but also protect your people, property and reputation. Start creating your security plan today. Connect with trusted security providers, ask the right questions, and hire security
guards for the safety of the place that matters to you the most. At Tactical security guards, we provide unarmed guards that are trained to handle conflicts calmly and professionally. We provide security tailored to the needs of your business.