In a heart-wrenching incident on Dec-06-2024, a young security guard, reportedly a student, was tragically shot and killed while on duty at a site in Edmonton. The guard, who was working alone and unarmed, was attacked in circumstances that highlight the vulnerabilities faced by those in the security profession. This devastating event underscores the glaring deficiencies in the training, resources, and support provided to security personnel by employers and regulatory bodies. It is a preventable tragedy that demands urgent action from the Government of Alberta, Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, and security companies.
Under the Alberta Security and Investigators Act, the process to become a licensed security guard is alarmingly insufficient. Prospective guards are only required to attend a basic class and pass a written exam. Upon payment of a fee, they are issued a license and can start working immediately. There is no mandatory practical training, no focus on self-defence, and no requirement for companies to provide proper safety equipment. This lax approach to licensing and preparedness puts guards in dangerous situations, often ill-equipped to protect themselves or others.
The uniform and tools provided to security guards are often substandard, with little emphasis on safety or professionalism. Many guards are dispatched to sites without any prior training specific to the location, leaving them vulnerable and underprepared. This lack of site-specific training is particularly egregious as security personnel are frequently placed in high-risk environments, often working alone and with no means of effective communication or defense.
The responsibility for this tragedy lies squarely with the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, and security companies. The government’s failure to enforce stringent training and safety requirements has created an environment where security guards are little more than expendable workers. Security companies, in turn, prioritize cost-cutting over the welfare of their employees, offering no self-defence training, inadequate uniforms, and no safety equipment. This negligence not only jeopardizes the lives of security guards but also compromises public safety.
What Needs to Change
To prevent further loss of life, immediate reforms are needed:
Comprehensive Training Programs: Security guards must undergo extensive training that includes self-defence, de-escalation techniques, and site-specific protocols before being allowed to work.
Mandatory Safety Equipment: Employers must provide guards with safety gear, including bulletproof vests, reliable uniforms, and self-defence tools.
Improved Communication Systems: Security companies must supply guards with walkie-talkies or similar devices to ensure they can quickly and efficiently contact their headquarters. Reliance on 911 alone is insufficient and often time-consuming.
Site-Specific Orientation: Security personnel should receive mandatory training tailored to the specific risks and requirements of their assigned sites.
Accountability Measures: The Alberta Security and Investigators Act must be revised to hold security companies accountable for neglecting their duty to protect employees.
This tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call to the Government of Alberta and all stakeholders involved in the security industry. Without immediate action to address these systemic issues, more lives will undoubtedly be lost. Security guards play a crucial role in maintaining public safety, and it is high time they are given the respect, training, and resources they deserve to perform their duties safely and effectively.
The death of this Edmonton security guard is a preventable tragedy that must not be in vain. It’s time for the government and security companies to take responsibility and implement the necessary changes to ensure the safety and well-being of those who risk their lives to protect others.
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