Private security services are designed to help individuals, families, and businesses protect people, property, and operations from a wide range of threats, without relying solely on public law enforcement. If you’re considering hiring private security but aren’t sure what’s included, who it’s for, or how it actually works, you’re not alone. This guide breaks down the most common types of services and answers the key questions clients in Vancouver and across Canada ask when weighing their options.
Why the Demand for Private Security Keeps Growing in Canada
In British Columbia, private security plays a significant role in the province’s protective infrastructure. Though the province accounts for only 13% of the national population, it supports nearly 20% of Canada’s security firms. That number continues to rise, with consistent growth in licensing, demand, and specialization.
Nationwide, Canada’s physical security market—including private security—reached US$13.9 billion in 2023, with an expected 7–8% CAGR through 2030. In Vancouver alone, reported shoplifting incidents increased by 12% in 2024, highlighting broader concerns about safety, particularly in retail, hospitality, and residential settings.
Types of Private Security Services (And Who They’re For)
Depending on your needs, routine patrols, executive protection, or one-off event support, the exemplary service might be long-term or temporary. Here’s what most clients consider:
- On-Site Security Guards
Uniformed or plainclothes security staff stationed at a property often act as gatekeepers and deterrents.
Ideal for: Commercial buildings, strata properties, medical clinics, residential towers.
Includes: Access control, conflict de-escalation, perimeter monitoring, and report writing.
- Mobile Patrol Services
Marked vehicles and trained personnel conduct scheduled or randomized patrols across multiple sites.
Ideal for: Construction sites, warehouses, parking facilities, and retail plazas after-hours.
Includes: Lockup checks, alarm response, visible deterrence, and incident logging.
- Executive Protection (Close Protection)
Professionals with advanced training provide personal security for high-profile individuals and at-risk clients.
Ideal for: Public figures, CEOs, legal teams, visiting dignitaries.
Includes: Route planning, threat assessments, discreet presence, and travel escorting.
- Event Security
Short-term, high-visibility deployments focused on access control, guest safety, and venue security.
Ideal for: Corporate events, trade shows, galas, film shoots, or high-capacity private gatherings.
- Security Consulting
Before deploying staff, a review of your environment, risk profile, and procedures is conducted.
Ideal for: Organizations unsure where to start or requiring layered, long-term planning.
How Do You Know If You Need Private Security?
You might need professional support if:
- You’ve recently experienced theft, trespassing, or unwanted attention.
- You manage a property or facility with valuable assets or high foot traffic.
- You or your family has a public presence or is facing specific risks.
- You’re planning an event that requires secure entry and controlled access.
- You feel vulnerable or unsupported by existing systems or personnel.
Private security isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s increasingly utilized by small business owners, nonprofits, real estate groups, and families seeking a practical response to modern security challenges.
A Snapshot of the Private Security Landscape
- Vancouver’s combination of high-density housing, tourism, and retail makes it a key city for private protection services.
- ORC (Organized Retail Crime) continues to challenge mall operators and storefronts, while high-net-worth individuals and developers seek EP and consulting support.
- BC’s Security Services Act governs licensing and training standards. Reputable firms ensure their staff are certified, insured, and background-checked under these provincial guidelines.
What Private Security Can Do That Police Can’t
This is a common area of confusion. While law enforcement plays a public safety role, private security is:
- Client-focused – operating on private property under your direction.
- Proactive – not waiting for an incident, but preventing it.
- Present – filling gaps when police resources are spread thin.
- Flexible – able to scale with your needs, from short-term to permanent coverage.
Private security officers in BC cannot make arrests, but they can detain individuals using reasonable force, and are often the first to observe and report a developing issue.
Choosing the Right Firm: What to Look For
When vetting a provider, ask:
- What kind of personnel training is provided?
- Is the company insured and licensed under the BC Security Services Act?
- Do they offer consultations or risk assessments first?
- What industries or environments do they specialize in?
- How is incident data shared with clients?
Reputable firms take a consultative approach, ensuring services align with real needs, not generic templates.
Security Should Feel Seamless, Not Aggressive
Private security services aren’t just about control; they’re about confidence. The best programs blend in, support operations, and de-escalate rather than intimidate.
Whether you’re protecting a team, an event, or a property, the right security partner should help you feel prepared, not paranoid.
To learn more about our private security services, please visit our Executive Protection Services page.
