Canada CP?

Hi everyone.

Been reading the posts for a while now and would like to say that the camaraderie in these forums is amazing.

I worked with a Canadian Police Service for 11 years, and left about a year ago to start a dream of mine, which was owning my own restaurant. Before the police, I worked for a security company for 7 years and left in a management position.

Why did I leave a good paying/secure job like the police department. It’s important to me to accomplish things that I feel strong about as life is short. In addition, the Police changed about the same time it went from a Police Force to Service. Politics is crazy, true blue means barely nothing anymore…it is just not the same anymore. On a regular basis, good officers are being suspended and investigated for year(s) over ridiculous things and then given their jobs back like nothing happened, while during that time there entire family suffered. I was lucky to leave without problems but a few friends of mine were not so lucky, which really made up my mind.

The restaurant has been successful, however I miss the industry but not the police service. So I am toying with the idea of opening a Corporate Security/Close Protection Company in Toronto Canada. I have an entrepreneurial bug, and would love to combine the two things I enjoy.

Before I do this, I have decided to take a CP course and have somewhat settled on The Ronan Course in SA, unless someone knows a good one closer to me like Goose.

So my question is…
Are there any CP companies in Canada? I have had a difficult time finding any. I’ve seen one or two that due Security officer stuff but that’s not what I’m interested in or what I want my company to be about.

Also have any of you done any corporate stuff like Banks, Oil companies, etc? If so what courses would you recommend?

Any other advise or comments would be gratefully appreciated.

Thank you all and be safe!

If Canada is like America, in terms of requirements- I would recommend courses from ESI and also R.L. Oatmans school EPI. Both deal with the corporate side of things and will stand you in good stead.

As for CP companies in Canada- I was looking about 6 months ago and found that most of the CP companies are also guarding companies. However I would suggest asking the same questions on Secure Aspects.com - High Risk Civilian Security Contractor Community and Resource which is a site with more US and Canadians on.

Good Day Gentlemen:

In regard to NeedaHolidays question on CP training in Canada, there is only one company that has UK sia approval for all North America. It’s called Globe Risk based out of Toronto. They run their courses out of Mohawk College, Ontario. Their website is www.globerisk.com The head shed is Alan Bell a former member of the British Special Forces Community. If you need any other info you are welcome to PM me.

Stay Safe

HALO61

P.S. When I say I am going to start my own company I don't mean I will be teaching any courses. Just in case anyone got the wrong idea.

I plan on hiring some skilled men and women to work for various clients. I already have my foot in the door with two private airline companies and some other good contacts to start.

Just beat me to it Halo61-I was just going to mention Globe Risk-running out of Toronto Canada,Knew the guys name was Allen,but couldn't remember his surname..So yeah,totally agree with Halo61.... Go for it Buddy,Best of luck,with what or who ever you decide to go with.

Would be interested to know if there are any companies in Canada who will take on brits. Any help appreciated.
Cheers the old one

Ageing CP

I am sorry to tell you this, but Canada’s attitude to private security is very poor at best… Let alone CP employment. The Average security officers wage can vary but on the whole is $9 to 12 Canadian an hour = £4.50 to 6 Pounds Sterling. Yes CP operators get more but in comparison to UK, US no where near as much.

This is primarily due to the Canadian attitude toward security, the majority of the general publics perception believe they are some how beloved by people of the world brought about by their peace keeping missions in the UN hot spots, and the number of immigrants wanting to come to Canada, they believe the Police Services, are the experts for such matters of security.

Private/Commercial security in Canada is 5 to 10 years behind the rest of the world a damning statement I know, but it’s trying to address that problem. The current general perception of commercial security is, “Rent a Cop” Seen by all, either a stepping stone into Police or as a retirement swan song for former Police and Military. The Canadian security companies out there are so desperate to get contracts they under bid to obtain a contract and cut out the opposition, that it leave little to money for wages hence the low wage. The problem with it, goes too multiple levels of Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government, Unions (Civil service, Police & Security), and Law Enforcement (LE)/Security Learning institutions etc… All wanting to establish, keep, and or gain their piece of the financial and power LE Security pie. With this free for all bun fight, it’s amazing anything gets done at all and what is getting done is so painfully slow. One just has to shake your head in disbelief.

Additionally God forbid if anyone attempt to point out the problems, then all the parties involved blame each other for the problem rather than address the problems. An example of what I have written was mentioned during the last couple of days, the Security Experts saying that there will not be enough Security personnel to cover the Olympic Games in British Columbia (BC) in 2010, yet the BC Olympic committee says there will be.

The only thing that will change attitudes, is after a major incident happens, closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, rather than being pro active, they are reactive in Canada. Some would say that’s the same all over the world, I beg to differ and point out 2 examples, Singapore and Israel.

Sorry to be the bucket of cold water...

Stay Safe

HALO61

Check out Maluco Tactical in canada, Maluco Tactical Training. They are based in canada :-)

Bye
Dirk

Halo, having only ever been on exercise in Canada I've no idea at all about the security industry there. However, on reading your post, don't you think there's an opening for a professional organisation? Just a thought!

Commercially, there's always going to be high value clients and through connections, networking and providing a top class CP service and facilitation maybe we could change the Canadians perception!

All the best, Andy.

Andy,
The sad thing is there is a professional body, whose members are the same people are causing this mess. For them to agree on anything takes 3-4 years…

Rgds

HALO61