Security guards and private security officers vastly outnumber police officers worldwide, by nearly two to one. Because of cutbacks to police budgets and the growth of security demands of the public, the use of private security has been steadily increasing. The role of the private security officer has never been more critical than today with the constant threat of domestic terrorism. Security guards and private security officers are in a highly visible profession and more often are being placed in position of trusts.

What were once core state functions, such as prison surveillance and immigration control are now being contracted out to private security firms to reduce costs. Other factors have also contributed towards the boom in private security, such as the increased awareness of clients to security threats and the perceived increase in threat from terrorism. Businesses and individuals also hire private security companies to perform specific security-related services. This could be a wide variety of things, like on-site guards, routine vehicle patrols of a business through the night, escorting people or valuables, house inspections while on vacation, or responding to alarms.

Every year we see a move toward greater government regulation for minimum standards for hiring, screening, and training of security officers. The security guard industry has improved in recent years, but still face challenges largely due to low pay, poor training, and high turnover.

While private security forces are often held accountable for public safety, similar to public police officers, they often lack the training and expertise that is provided to police officers. As such, their individual reactions to various incidents they could encounter may vary greatly, based on their training, age, background, experience level, intelligence, common sense, temperament, and other similar factors. They are not taught or trained to exercise the judgment and restraint that might be part of a public law enforcement education or training program. More extensive training would assist security guards in understanding their authority, address safety concerns and ensure they have the necessary level of skill to perform their role. It would also add credit to the role of a security guard and move towards the goal of a more professional career.

Security guards may also find themselves in certain situations where they need to use force. An understanding of use of force theory, the components of the use of force model and how to maintain composure during potentially stressful situations are necessary to understand when and how to use force. Proper training and education for private security forces needs to be addressed and provided in order to maintain public safety and assurance.

Canadian prisons house approximately 35,000 inmates for offences ranging anywhere from theft to murder. Most of these inmates are guilty for their crimes, but there are also a number of prisoners who are innocent.

The UBC Innocence Project provides accessible and independent assistance with the post-conviction review process to individuals who have been convicted of a serious crime but maintain their factual innocence.

It is the only innocence project in Western Canada and the third in all of Canada. The project was established in 2007 as a three-year pilot. A group of dedicated and distinguished members of the criminal bar donate their time and expertise to this project. The goal of the Innocence Project’s work on a file is the preparation of an application for ministerial review. The Minister of Justice can refer a case to the Court of Appeal, order a new trial or dismiss the application. The project hopes to submit its first case to the Minister of Justice later this year, bringing yet another Canadian claim of wrongful conviction closer to resolution.

CPA International Investigations has been working diligently with the UBC Innocence Project since June 2010 to help review police records, locate and speak with eyewitnesses and investigate questionable areas of the cases.  CPA has spent countless hours providing research for this project to help investigate injustices and continues to support this worthwhile cause and hopefully aide in bringing some wrongful convictions forward.

Security Law Newsletter (11/11) P. 5

In the case of Hare v. Opryland Hospitality LLC, a U.S. trial court decided that a club patron who alleged he was assaulted by a club security guard could add claims of negligent hiring, supervision, and training to his lawsuit shortly before trial. Joshua Hare claimed that while attending a party that was held in the lounge of a hotel and resort, security guards approached him and his friends and asked them to leave. One of Hare’s friends began arguing with a lounge employee and security guards. Shortly thereafter, Hare and a security guard began scuffling. Hare alleged that the security guard hit him in the face with a bottle and he sustained lacerations to his face and permanent scars. Hare sued the owners of the hotel and resort under the doctrine of respondent superior that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the wrongful acts of an employee or agent, if such acts occur within the scope of the employment or agency. Hare argued that the security guard was acting within the scope of his employment at the time that he allegedly hurt Hare. Hare later filed a motion to amend his complaint and add a claim for negligent hiring, supervision, and training. Hare argued that the managers and supervisors of the hotel were negligent by not stopping the security officer from striking him with the bottle. The district court denied Hare’s motion to amend, and Hare filed a motion to dismiss his complaint, with the option to re-file the same action or, alternatively, a motion to reconsider the denial of his motion to amend. The court turned down Hare’s motion to dismiss, but granted his motion to amend his complaint. The court ruled that the parties were too far along in the litigation process for Hare to dismiss his claim and start over with claims of negligent hiring, supervision, and training. One takeaway from this case is that a court will not permit a case to be voluntarily dismissed when the dismissal will cause a delay and increase in costs for both parties.

A private security officer’s primary duty is the prevention and deterrence of crime. It is essential that security guards are properly educated and well trained. In Canada, it is now mandatory that guards have Basic Security Training. All individuals are required to complete mandatory training prior to eligibility for provincial licensing. It covers all of the basic security guard duties set out in the Canadian General Standards Board guidelines.  It is important to maintain a certain level of professionalism when providing a security guard service to a client.

Security guards act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence in order to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and reporting any incidents to their client. Security guards are not required to make arrests, but they have the authority to make a citizen’s arrest or otherwise act as an agent of law enforcement. This is why it is important that a guard has training in such things as arrest and control, operating emergency equipment, performing first aid, taking accurate notes, and writing detailed reports. One of the justifications for employing a security guard is that often, insurance companies will give reduced rates to sites, which have a 24-hour security presence.

Also the presence of security personnel tends to diminish theft, employee misconduct, safety rule violations and property damage. Security guards can also be used when transporting money in order to protect the individual and provide extra safety measures.

Surveillance, both mobile and static, is largely incorporated in the role of a Private Investigator. In certain instances, it is necessary to a case to videotape a Subject while driving to demonstrate such things as erratic driving, speeding or illegal actions, or to document evidence of where an individual is or where he/she is going. Since investigators rarely have more than one person in a vehicle, the Investigator would drive and videotape the Subject or Claimant at the same time.

In January 2010, when new cell phone laws were introduced, new procedures for hands free filming came into place in many Private Investigation firms. Even though a video camera doesn’t technically fall under the category “Communication Devices,” in the interest of safety most firms have applied the policy of not driving and videotaping at the same time.

ICBC officials have ordered all contracted Investigators to stop using these techniques which breach ICBC guidelines requiring they drive safely and obey traffic laws. ICBC determined that driving with a video camera with one hand and steering with the other is not in agreement with their guidelines and it’s not a safe way to operate a vehicle. Although video cameras aren’t specifically listed on the handheld electronic devices that are banned from use under the new law, their use could potentially amount to driving without due care and attention.

There are now new devices that can be used for videotaping while driving to ensure the safety of the driver and those on the road. These devices can be mounted on the back of the seats in a vehicle or on a tripod so the Investigator is not required to hold onto the device while driving. Installing a dash-mounted camera is also a good solution as it allows the Investigators to drive safely while still being able to obtain the necessary evidence. Here are a couple of examples of a hands-free videotaping device that are used by Investigators:
CruiseCam In-Car Headrest Camera Mount

Car Video Recorder

CPA International Investigations Inc. is having a Grand Opening for its new retail store CPA Security Systems Saturday, June 25 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Come on down and check us out at 20330 Fraser Highway in Langley! We have top quality security camera systems for your home or business needs as well as lots of great spy equipment. We have over 20 models of cameras ready for live viewing, as well as many more stocked on the shelves. We also have a wide assortment of very cutting-edge spy equipment to suit even the most covert of needs. CPA doesn’t just stop at cameras, however. With security systems, DVR’s, power supplies, PTZ controllers, cabling and connectors, there’s bound to be something to suit your needs. Our store is still undergoing some adjustments and minor upgrades, but we are confident in saying that CPA can help you and your family or your business secure that which you value most. You will even leave with some free swag just for coming out!

We will also be giving away a camera kit worth almost $1100! The kit includes a 4 channel DVR with 4 cameras, power supply and all cable connectors included.

There will be a complimentary BBQ with hotdogs, water, pop, coffee and lots of other treats! Come out and join us for a fun filled day!

Sony Finds Data Breach in Canada
Wall Street Journal (05/25/11) Osawa, Juro

Sony announced Wednesday that the web site of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications’ Canadian unit has been breached. The company noted that the breach resulted in the usernames, passwords, and e-mail addresses of 2,000 users being compromised. No credit-card information was taken in the breach. The affected Web site has since been shut down. It remains unclear whether this breach and breaches that took place in Greece, Thailand, and Indonesia on Tuesday are related to the attacks on the PlayStation Network.

CPA International Investigations new retail store is now open! We are located at 20330 Fraser Highway, Langley BC. Come and check out our selection of security cameras and speak with a security specialist about getting the equipment installed by a professional. Or talk to us about getting a free consult for your home or business on any security needs you may have and see the products at work before buying them. Also have a look at our cool new spy equipment!

In 2008, a number of changes were made to the B.C. Security Services Act in order to accommodate the demand for seasonal security workers and to allow Private Investigators the ability to work for multiple firms. Over the past 20 or more years, the investigation and security services field has seen considerable improvement due to a number of things including an increase in business, a significant expansion in activity and the types of requests for services. Certain jobs that used to be exclusive to the public police force are now being performed by private firms. Over the past three decades, the number of private security agencies has increased; there are now more private security guards than there are police officers in Canada. In B.C. alone, there are over 200 private investigation firms, more than 500 licensed private investigators and another 500 or more private investigators under supervision.

The line between public police force and private security is becoming more unclear. Growth of private security services has expanded in part from the gap between public expectations and what the police are able to deliver. Police officers have additional pressures to provide more services for things such as drug education programs and working in schools with kids, that they are forced to downsize some of their other services. This offers private investigators more opportunities to assist in some areas that were not previously available to the private sector. Private Investigation firms are beginning to expand their services to more complex pursuits such as intelligence gathering, counter terrorism, forensic accounting, corporate security, covert operations,  and computer forensics. This has expanded the industry and the private investigator has developed into more of a respectable and professional job in the public’s eye. Private Investigators have become much more than just cheating spouse chasers.

Another change to the Private Security Industry is that the price of technology has dropped considerably, increasing the market for certain security products. Things such as home alarm systems and security cameras have become more affordable to the general public and therefore marketable. This has in turn allowed the private security industry to be able to broaden their capacity in what they can offer to the public and become competitive in the industry.

In the past couple of years, information has become one of the most sought after services. Private investigators are administrators of information and have very thorough procedures in obtaining it. Since this service has become such a commodity, private investigators are able to market this service and provide something that other professionals can’t. With privacy laws becoming more severe, private investigators must make sure that all evidence is acquired and preserved carefully and does not violate provincial and federal privacy laws.

Here is a blog from our Investigator Sarah Kilback who was in Sri Lanka for the last 2 1/2 weeks on a volunteer project to build a Trades School in one of the villages that was badly damaged from the Tsunami.

Day 8 January 22, 2011 – A Well Deserved Evening of Fun and Another Successful Work Day

Last night after work we headed out to the Lagoon Paradise Resort for a change of scenery and to sample some different food. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking. As the sun was going down, a fierce game of beach volleyball was underway and the banter was flying from both sides. As the dinner conversation died down, the music turned up. Some of the team members began showing their moves on the dance floor and before long, the entire team was bustin’ a move.  Shortly after, our team leader Tim kindly reminded us that we still had to get up early for work in the morning and should probably wrap up the dance party for the night.

Today was a quieter day at the job site. Some of the team members went to a school to help the teachers in Tangalle learn some different techniques for teaching English to the kids. The rest of the team spent the day learning how to stucco from Pody (the head mason) and continuing the never ending job of shoveling and moving dirt. By 9am this morning victory was won and the excited shouts were heard across the site as the tree stump was finally removed. This has been a work in process for the last couple of days. However, the excitement quickly died down as the team realized that this meant we had more dirt to shovel with the stump gone. Thankfully the ice cream truck made an appearance at tea time and prices didn’t even seem very inflated today.

We were all invited to Anil’s home today for tea. Anil is the Project Manager and Partner for Raelene’s resort in Tangalle. One of the students that is being sponsored to go to University in Galle by TripCanada in Toronto was presented with a brand new laptop. His appreciation and gratitude was felt by everyone in the room as he promised to study very hard. He was so touched to receive this gift, it really made the rest of the team realize how fortunate we all are. On the way back to our cabanas, we took a quick tour of the harbor and seaside area that was hit by the tsunami. The grave sites along the water gave us all a reminder of the reasons we began on our journey to Sri Lanka in the first place. We made a quick stop at Moonstone Villas and were able to see the project in progress that Raelene has been working on for the last 18 months. The resort is absolutely beautiful and is not even finished yet. We all hope to stay at Moonstone on the next trip to Sri Lanka.

This trip has been an amazing opportunity so far and there will definitely be a return trip for me in the future!

~Sarah Kilback~
DWC Participant

This past year in B.C., several new business trends have emerged due in large part to the constantly evolving world we now live in. A new wave of entrepreneurs coupled with advances in technology has led to changing business environments. Modern day consumers want speed, variety, quality and choice. More North Americans are opting to buy local products due to economic change, environmental concerns, and soaring energy costs. Since the internet has become portable and we are now able to check anything on a mobile device, there is an increased need for protection. More and more IT departments will buy smart phones and computers based on employee demands for these kinds of products, but this will also increase the need for higher security measures in the workplace.

Instantaneous answers are becoming an expectation by the public as technology rapidly develops tools to make this possible. As a result, on-demand access to data is anticipated to increase. Businesses will likely need to keep up with this trend or they may struggle to survive.

Another trend that emerged this year is cloud computing. It is expected to grow faster than almost all other technical sectors. However, with cloud computing other concerns arise regarding reliability and security. There are potential privacy and security risks of putting valuable data on someone else’s system in an unknown location. With this growing trend, more demands for higher network security and protection will be needed.

BC has witnessed a huge growth in the private security sector because of a number of things, including public perception of out of control crime. Until recently, security was looked at as a resentful purchase, even a waste of money and if cutbacks were necessary, security costs were the first to go. Now with the escalation of crimes, fraud and vandalism, there is an added demand for protection. As a result, one of the fastest growing sub-industries in Metro Vancouver is the security industry.

In continuing with these rising trends and increased needs for security, CPA International Investigations is opening a new retail store in 2011. The store will house camera and alarm systems, covert equipment, and many other security products. It will be located in downtown Langley on Fraser Highway, so come and check us out in the New Year.

Happy New Year and safe holiday season to Everyone!

With the Christmas season in full swing, it’s difficult some days to find the energy to get everything done. Long days at work, family commitments and everyday errands, topped off with trying to get ready for the holiday season can make any person feel drained. It can get overwhelming struggling to fit it all in! The article below provides some simple ways for all of us to refuel throughout the day and is an interesting read. It is important, especially at this time of the year to keep our minds sharp ….. and our hearts warm ♥.

Six Ways to Refuel Your Energy

The following is a guest post by Hunter Richards, accounting market analyst for Software Advice – which provides reviews and comparisons of legal accounting software and other systems.

Employment in the accounting field is strong, and is expected to remain so for some time. But those planning a move to a new career in accounting should go the extra mile to stand out with the best resume. To do so, one must obtain the skills that most readily satisfy the needs of employers – and some of the most critical skills lie in the realm of accounting software.

I recently examined five hundred randomly selected accounting job postings from Monster.com, Career Builder, Craigslist, Simply Hired, and Accounting Jobs Today to see which software skills employers most often desired in new applicants. In my research, I found some valuable lessons for those looking to be the most competitive in the job market.

Key Takeaways

It’s clear that you simply must know Microsoft Excel to be marketable as a candidate for accounting jobs. But the more sophisticated software – including deeper accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems – are less obvious. These are the key research findings that will help you get a job:

• When finding your first job, look for a company that uses a “big name,” widely-used accounting system like SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or Oracle. That will improve your odds of getting hired next time you’re in the market for a new position.
• More and more companies are focused on business intelligence – the tools that analyze financial data to uncover business trends and opportunities. Try to gain experience in Business Objects, Crystal Reports, Cognos, etc.
• If you’re looking to work in a big corporation, you should learn systems like SAP and Oracle. If mid-size companies are your preference, learn Sage and Microsoft Dynamics. Quickbooks skills are always in demand, but especially by smaller companies.
• As the Microsoft Dynamics products converge, knowing any one of these systems will give you transferable skills across the entire Dynamics product line. For now, Dynamics GP appears to be in highest demand.
• Don’t get too comfortable with PeopleSoft or JD Edwards; although they are often mentioned by employers, they’re likely to decline in use as Oracle migrates to its Fusion apps. But it’ll take a while, so skills with these systems are still valuable.

There are also some useful pie charts that break down the research results by individual software product. Check out the full article for more information.

CPA International Investigations would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone for supporting us at the fundraiser on Saturday, October 16 2010. The fundraiser was a great success due in large part to the generosity of so many people. Thank you to those who donated silent auction items, bought 50/50 tickets, played their hand at the toonie toss or just showed up! CPA would also like to thank Baselines Pub for hosting the fundraiser and providing good food and great service.

Our Investigator, Sarah Kilback will be embarking on her journey in January 2011. Please check back for updates on her trip to Sri Lanka.

CPA International Investigations is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, October 16 2010 at Baselines Pub in Langley, BC. Tickets are $20 which includes a burger and a beer (or wine). There will also be a great live band playing, awesome door prizes, a silent auction, 50/50 draw and a toonie toss. Come on out to enjoy a fun night and support a great cause!

All of the proceeds raised that night will go directly towards the volunteer project taking place in January 2011 in Sri Lanka. Even though the Tsunami is a distant memory for many people, its legacy still remains. In 2004, the Tsunami killed more than 40,000 people in just a few minutes and changed the lives of many more by wiping out their livelihoods. Hundreds of thousands of people plunged into poverty. In its wake, the Tsunami left desolate evidence of how vulnerable poor people are in the face of shocks and natural disasters.

Developing World Connections volunteers have already helped build 29 homes for the families devastated by the Tsunami in the Tangalle region. Now, efforts focus on the construction of a trades training facility in the village of Ketakalawatta, to help ensure the locals develop the technical skills they need to secure their economic futures.

Please contact Sarah for tickets at 604.839.4204.

On September 11, 2010 CTV aired the World Premiere Documentary “The Pig Farm.” This Documentary takes an in-depth look into the life of Robert Pickton, his closest associates during the years the women went missing, and the investigation that took place.  Check out the article on CTV to read more and to watch the 2 hour Documentary.

CPA International Investigations played a vital role during the investigation that looked into the disappearance of over 30 women from the downtown Eastside in the late 90′s and early 2000′s. CPA volunteered to assist the police and offered the use of cadaver dogs in search for the missing women. Check out our News Articles page to read more on CPA’s involvement.

The Langley community has seen a rise in theft and vandalism in their neighborhoods lately including things such as a mountain bike, a quad and other various personal affects. This recent breakout of thefts has made the residents of Langley realize that now, more than ever, there is a need to protect and safeguard themselves and their property. CPA, as a result, has had an increase of inquiries about CCTV cameras and alarm systems. CPA Investigations is offering complimentary security assessments to local residents in the Vancouver and Tri-cities area.

While on a recovery assignment, CPA Investigations Unit was on the scene of the Super Save Gas Station fire.

Small Kamloops fire video

Unlike our television counterparts, real private investigators rarely have any contact with the subject in question. In fact 99% of the time investigators are rarely ever seen by the subject. In the province of BC and throughout Canada investigators are not permitted to carry weapons or handcuffs. Private investigators are a great resource to use when requiring pertinent information for a civil or criminal case. Investigators will work directly with your lawyers making sure the information for your case is helpful not harmful.

Many Investigation firms offer an array of services from surveillance, background checks, computer and insurance fraud detection and much more. The private sector (specifically our public) retain the use of investigation firms to track their children to and from school to monitor their daily activities as well as spousal monitoring for infidelity. The corporate sector hires investigators to conduct back ground checks on potential new hires or current staff, corporate espionage and office or board room de-bugging. Due to the fact that the world is dealing with the financial crunch currently, people are making false or exaggerated claims to collect insurance monies to offset their financial hurt. Investigators are hired by insurance companies to conduct daily surveillance and monitor daily activities to protect tax payers money to prove or disprove a claim. Well trained investigators are rarely spotted on these assignments but have the uncanny knack of acquiring video or still photographs for the client to decide if the subject is defrauding the insurance company or is legitimate in his claim.

Some companies like ours offer specialty investigations. Specialty services such as CCTV system installations and monitoring, scuba diving / cadaver and weapons recovery, risk assessment of businesses and properties. Over the next several years, we will share with you specifically the different types of investigations in depth for you our public to read and learn about. If you have comments to make please visit our company forums, blogs and group sites for more information.