Professional security services help individuals, businesses, and event organizers protect people, property, and operations with trained personnel and proven systems. Whether you’re securing a retail space, managing a residential building, or planning a high-profile event, this guide answers the most common questions about what professional security actually involves and whether it’s the right fit for your needs in Vancouver and beyond.
How Much Do Professional Security Services Cost in Canada and Vancouver?
Costs vary depending on the type of service, risk level, and hours required. In Vancouver:
- Standard guard services typically range from $30 to $65 per hour
- Mobile patrols can range from $100–$200 per night, depending on frequency and coverage
- Specialized services (e.g., event security or close protection) may range from $45–$125 per hour
Flat-rate and retainer options are also available for longer-term contracts or 24/7 coverage.
What Services Are Included in Professional Security?
Professional security services are tailored to match the environment, threat level, and client goals. They typically include:
- On-site guards: Uniformed personnel stationed at entrances or within facilities
- Mobile patrol units: Scheduled or randomized vehicle patrols across multiple sites
- Event security: Temporary staffing for crowd control, access management, and emergency response
- Executive protection: Discreet close protection for high-profile individuals or leadership teams
- Security consulting: Site assessments, risk audits, and program design to identify vulnerabilities and align services to real-world risks
Who Uses Professional Security Services?
A wide range of clients use these services:
- Commercial property managers (office, retail, industrial)
- Construction firms (site access and asset protection)
- Residential complexes and strata councils
- Healthcare and education facilities
- Public venues and private event planners
- Executives, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals
How Are Security Providers Regulated in BC?
In British Columbia, security guards are regulated under the Security Services Act. This program includes 40 hours of mandatory training, delivered either online or in-class, and is required for licensing.
However, this foundational training often doesn’t fully prepare guards for the realities they face in the field, such as navigating mental health crises, substance use, or potentially violent encounters. As a result, the responsibility frequently falls on individual guards to seek out further training. Reputable firms like Cornerstone Security take it a step further, offering in-house specialized training programs that equip their teams with the skills and awareness necessary for real-world scenarios.
What’s the Difference Between Security Services and Police?
Police serve the general public and respond to criminal incidents. Private security services are hired to:
- Monitor private property and enforce site rules
- Deter or de-escalate incidents proactively
- Report incidents and assist with documentation
- Maintain a visible presence and provide peace of mind
While they can’t make arrests or impersonate police, security staff act as a critical first line of defense—and often fill gaps that public resources cannot.
What Makes a Security Service “Professional”?
Professionalism is about more than wearing a uniform. Look for providers who:
- Offer staff trained in conflict resolution, observation, and incident response
- Provide consistent reporting and documentation
- Tailor services through site assessments and planning
- Integrate technology (CCTV, access control, body cams) with human presence
- Have clear escalation procedures and client communication protocols
Why Vancouver Businesses and Individuals Rely on Security Support
From a rise in property crime to increased foot traffic in public spaces, Vancouver businesses and residents are turning to professional security for proactive, personalized protection. Security services not only reduce liability but also improve safety perception for staff, tenants, and visitors alike.
Invest in Safety That Works
Professional security services provide more than just peace of mind—they’re a practical, visible layer of defense against evolving risks. Whether you’re looking to prevent unauthorized access, respond to incidents, or discreetly protect VIPs, trained security professionals can help.
To learn more about Cornerstone’s approach to personalized, professional protection, visit our Security Services page.
