security guard

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Commissionaires

This company once did have a prestige attached to it, lately with them moving more into the commercial section the quality of guards has declined a bit. Working here, like with any security company you will find a mix of good and bad.

Good: Lots of opportunities for work in government settings, often coming with intense clearances that are nice for police applications. If you're a police applicant you can work at sites that allow you to make great connections and learn great tips and tricks from law enforcement professionals. The uniforms aint half bad, you're provided everything except footwear. The company isn't picky about overtime, if you go into overtime you'll get it no problem.  

Bad: There has been a big shift in management and structure, and it hasn't seemed to settle, because many people keep changing job titles and positions within upper management. Which means often times you don't know who to contact. There HR team seem to shift a lot, new people get hired and leave, they can't seem to get their bearings quick enough to satisfy the front line guards. Communication between upper management and front line staff is terrible, emails and phone calls often go ignored or unanswered, information is not shared quickly between everyone. Applying for jobs or site transfers is also slow. If you're not working a centralized busy site, getting new uniform items is also a slow process. Getting new equipment for certain sites is also a challenge because of individual budgets. The company uses flawed or non-user friendly systems such as Safetyline, or MyCEMS or MyCBC. Their records for guards is always out of date, as their operations or HR staff never have updated information on guards, such as current site status or training. Training is also minimal and site specific.

Neutral: the pay can vary from $12/hr to $30/hr, its all site specific. Hours can range from 4 to 24 hours for a shift (24 hours is rare and extreme) typical work hours are 8-12, again depending on the site. Job opportunities also vary, some sites you may work can be exciting and busy with rewarding outcomes, and other sites are mundane and boring. Corporate culture is minimal (outside traditional military/police veteran culture), the company isn't active on social media aside from Facebook and the posts are usually about fundraisers attended or job fairs. The company tries and puts on BBQs or staff appreciation days, but they are few and far between with often minimal effort and outcome, that being said, the company often does a lot to show recognition to employees who excel in their work, however some have argued that its often too easy to get recognition for seemingly mundane or routine tasks. Rewards for excellence in work can range from a pin and a thank you card, to gift cards and free lunches and dinners.

Okay, you want the REAL scoop of what it's like working for the Commissionaires?  I've been employed with them full-time since 2003...here is my review...

Fact: The Commissionaires pay more on average than any other security company in Edmonton.  When they bid on contracts against other companies the Corps will always over-bid and never under-bid to get a contract, which means more $$$ in the pocket of the security officer.  The CEO is top-notch and has always had an "open-door" policy...if you're grieved about something and you just need to vent or ask questions, the CEO will always welcome you into his office and listen to your concerns.  The members working in Dispatch are mostly well-mannered and understanding of your needs and will do everything they can to ensure you have a site to work at.  Sadly the company does not offer a pension plan nor sick days and their benefit package from Manulife is only average.  Yes, you will have to pay for your initial uniform (about $150) upon hiring but they will deduct that amount from your pay-cheque so you won't need to pay it up front when you start and any time you need to exchange clothing or apparel it is done free of charge.  First-Aid training is provided and takes only one day.  The industrial sites (which they have plenty of contracts with) usually pay more than regular sites but the regular sites pay more on average than any other security company.  The contract managers are mostly very co-operative and helpful but there is one contract manager still on their payroll who is a total jerk so it's best to try and avoid him (his initials are R.M and I've heard he is retiring soon).  Payroll department makes very few mistakes and when they do discover one they will correct it right away but in my 17 years of employment with them I have never once had to speak to Payroll about a mistake they made on my cheque or with my working hours.  Oh, and did I mention that once a year (usually in June) the company pays their employees a "Loyalty Bonus"...this is a separate cheque and the amount payed out is based on your previous working hours for the last year...for example, if you worked 1000 hours in 2018 the company would pay you between 50 -70 cents for every hour that you have worked and then write you out a cheque for it.  No other security company does that for their employees.  All in all, a highly recommendable company for those just starting out in the security field as well as those who are ex-military and RCMP and wish to only work a few hours a week or month.  The Commissionaires of Northern Alberta has been very good to me.  And they will be good to you too.   :-)

What is the best part of working at the company?
One of the best parts of working at this company is the collaborative and supportive environment. Our team is composed of talented individuals who bring diverse perspectives and skills, making every project a learning experience. Additionally, the company values professional growth and offers numerous opportunities for development, which ensures that employees can continually advance their careers. The commitment to innovation and excellence creates an inspiring atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to contribute their best ideas and solutions.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
One of the more stressful aspects of working at this company is managing the high expectations and fast-paced environment. Our commitment to excellence means that deadlines can be tight and projects often demand a high level of precision and creativity. Balancing multiple priorities and ensuring that we consistently deliver top-quality results can be challenging. However, this intensity also drives growth and pushes us to excel in our roles.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment at this company is dynamic and inclusive, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Colleagues are supportive and approachable, which creates a sense of community and teamwork. The company values diversity and encourages the sharing of ideas and perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected. Regular team-building activities and open communication channels help maintain a positive and engaging atmosphere, making it a place where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
A typical day at this company is both engaging and productive. We start with a team meeting to discuss our goals and any updates, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready for the day. Throughout the day, you'll find us collaborating on projects, brainstorming creative solutions, and tackling challenges head-on. There’s a healthy balance of independent work and teamwork, allowing for focused productivity and dynamic interaction. Regular check-ins and open communication help keep projects on track, and there’s always time for a quick coffee break or a casual chat with colleagues. The day often wraps up with a review of our accomplishments and setting priorities for the next day, ensuring a continuous flow of progress and innovation.

I do not recommend this organization to anyone other than ex-military or ex-police force, you will be over looked for advancement every time. Rule of thumb to remember is that general rules do no apply to management and as far as your opinion goes, if they wanted it they would tell you what it is.

Typical shift runs 12 hours that alternate between mornings and graveyard every two or so days. Your days off are often not your own and you will be constantly harassed to pick up the slack for incompetent management who won't bother to schedule despite it being their job to do so. Should you decide on assisting them on your time off pay close attention to your pay, it's not uncommon to get short changed what you're owed. As far as the job itself is concerned if there's any dispute any whatsoever, even if you were right in doing your job, being verbally or physically abused by the public or the contract holder don't expect management to have your back or won't stand up for you. In fact they generally have no qualms about throwing you under the bus to save themselves or the contract. The only time you will ever see anything swing your way is if management see a possible lawsuit in your favor and will do anything to placate the situation to avoid it; these matters are usually handled by the B.O.M. and not regular management.
 
The organization is filled with liars and backstabbers. Management will lie to keep you in a position, they will lie to get you out of your position. A lot of the regular employees are just as bad, they will gossip and lie to get what they want and have no conscious when going after promotions. The hardest part of this job is trying to stay positive. Speaking about promotions, the promotional process normally goes through competitions where anyone from the Commissionaires can apply: unless management has already hand picked who they want and will ignore the process all together to place that person into the position.

While the wages are slightly more than you'll find elsewhere but the cons far outweigh the pros. Save yourself some sleep, your social life, and your sanity and find work elsewhere; trust me you wont regret this decision. Truthfully I have never worked for a more underhanded organization in my life and would not recommend to anyone. The most enjoyable part of the day is when I get to go home at the beginning of my weekend and not have to think about this organization for a few days.

Unless you are someone who is retired and looking for some work to do on your off time or a student who can handle the rotations and constantly changing work place I would suggest you stay away from this company. 
Advancement isn't based on your effort but rather if people "like" you enough. 
Never go against what any of your higher ranked officers say whether you know it's wrong or not, it's not worth the trouble and backlash against your profile. 
Don't complain about breaks, this is "supposed" to be a military run environment (aka: no breaks) despite it being run much worse then actual military. 

Typical day: Having a post included sitting there for hours on end waiting for something to happen while being hit on by creepy people within post and holding my tongue. Not having a post included sitting at home wondering why they only ever call you to go in when it's an hour before the time you have to go in and constantly having this feeling of guilt tripping when you know there's thousands of guards available. (Highest turnover rate within a security company should tell you something about it wouldn't you think?)

What I learned: If you're not french you will never get anywhere. If you're an older guard you can do whatever you want, if you're a younger guard you at most can maybe breathe and possibly, talk at the same time. 

Management: Highest turn over rate? Ah yes that isn't just for guards but management as well. Strange huh........almost like.....the company doesn't appreciate work...

Workplace culture: I hope you enjoy brightly lit places 24/7 with a tv flickering on and off switching between the same (5) commercials for your entire shift. Oh also don't bring anything to heat up for lunch because your lunch is going to be at your desk. I used to use the heating vents behind me as a make way microwave. 

Hardest part of the job: Rotational shifts. 7 days of working overnights, then a 2 day break, then 7 days of working evenings and a 3 day break. Everyday, for 2 years. I had enough. 

Most enjoyable part of the job: The medical benefits. You'll need them, just trust me.

I work in an LRT station that although smaller than most, can be busier with the amount of traffic we experience. 
Everyday is different! We meet and befriend regular commuters, as well as people stopping by to rest, warm up or just plan out how their day is going to be.
I've learned not to assume anything! That even though we encounter difficult people/situations, there are reasons behind their actions. 
I am lucky that I have a full and supportive team in our head office. From our amazing supervisors, Operations, my contract manager, OHS, human resources, right to the big boss himself... there are many people who actually take your calls, will make the time to check on you, your site and they add a bit of humor when needed. The support given has to be experienced to believe.
I love the diversity this organization is known to encourage and cultivate. Since working with Commissionaires, I have met some great people who I would not have necessarily worked with in my previous career. Just thinking of all the fun, smart, cultured and diverse people I am lucky to work with, kind of makes getting up at 4am worth it (most days).
The hardest part of my position... *if you want honesty, - knowing that one day soon, there will be an individual that we will not be able to resuscitate, despite our best, trained efforts.
This organization does everything to prepare you for all the 'what if's scenarios'. But, they cannot train you for some of the realities, -that is learnt and experienced.
I love success stories, and even though not mostly news worthy, there are individuals we see and interact with daily who are making amazing transformations with their lives. You don't get to see or hear this, as the doom and gloom seems to override everything else in the news these days. The bad stuff happens yes, BUT so does the good, it's just not reported as much.

Lack of written protocols and failure to follow the few there are. Inconsistencies in site training. So many verbal orders varying the written protocols that there might as well not be any procedures. Sometimes a great team member to work with, other times not so much. Constant conflict in instruction, changing daily often.

Favouritism rampant. Management will not support staff but always the client. Not allowed to take any instruction from clients. 

Usually slightly higher wages than most in industry but no difference from any other company in the industry.

Corporation not able to maintain contracts. Pays little or no attention to employee input and concerns about site issues, which could often times help to preserve the contract.

An environment of management often failing to do an adequate, timely or complete job leaving regular employees scrambling and of necessity having to make decisions they should not be put in a position to have to make. 

Corporation always riding a fine line with respect labour legislation and OHS. Employee needs to have an excellent understanding of both in order to protect themselves and other employees.

Accessibility to contracts is often limited to employees with access to a vehicle due to lack of suitable public transportation. Pay rate isn't adequate to support vehicle ownership. Parking rates will often exceed first two hours net pay for many sites.

Pay scale only suited to individuals as a supplementary income. Inadequate generally thru entire industry to provide income at greater than poverty level. Todays retirement income from the preferred military and police industry is high enough that recruitment from them is substantially reduced.

I work in a unique environment for a local municipal police service, as a detention custodian in a police lockup facility. 

Shifts are 12-hours in length and offers a rotating schedule of days and nights - 5-on, 5-off; 5-on, 4-off; 4-on, 5-off. Pay is $24.18 per hour, but does not offer any night or weekend premiums; 4% payment in lieu of vacation; and benefits provided. 

The environment is fast-paced and challenging, requiring that persons are comfortable being close to persons accused of potentially heinous criminal offences, dealing with difficult people that are vulgar, angry, and violent. Must be able to communicate effectively and should have experience or understand dealing with mentally ill persons. The environment provides exposure to difficult sights, offensive odors, and sounds such as: drug use and the symptoms of drug withdrawal, fecal matter, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids.

The environment requires the ability to multitask, monitor CCTV cameras periodically throughout the shift to ensure detainee welfare, operate police radios, and the physical ability to walk upwards of five kilometres and stand for prolonged periods of time. Heavy lifting is often required to move detainee's personal property and supplies used for staff throughout the facility.

Other staff members are often wonderful to work with, coming from a very diverse variety of experiences and backgrounds.

My initial interview at the commissionaires office was about on par for a security company with a less than stellar rating. The HR person was visibly stressed during the interview and looked at me annoyingly like I was taking up their precious time. (hint hint) you are a HR desk jockey, its your job to interview perspective  new employees. Be prepared to be lied to during the interview, i was promised a work site with a guarenteed 40 hour work week, I was told i would have terrific benefits for me and my family, I was told i would be supplied with a brand new uniform, I thought not bad so far, at the end of the interview the HR person said to me if you ever receive any gifts from an employer at any site we assign you to, you are to immediately call the office and turn it over to us, we will donate it to charity in your name.(being october and christmas coming up, every little bit helps).  At the end of the interview, i was told i would get a phone call in a day or so with a site and a date to come back in for a uniform fitting.I went home and read the benefits pamphlet, horrible coverage and seriously over priced. 2 days later, i got the call, i came back to the office and was given a uniform that was clearly used, stained and looked like something from the 70's,(mostly polyester) the site i was given was 40 hours per week, but it was in a very rough area of town with less than stellar clientele. (1 out of three, not good) I stuck it out til the end of december and decided, that's enough. I informed the office and the client that this company is not for me, the office couldn't care less and didn't even bother to try and get me a better site. The client thanked me for sticking it out and gave coupons for a free dinner for me and my family at pizza pizza. I looked at the coupons and thought,  i'm keeping these. I  later found out from one of the patrol drivers that the office staff were all given christmas bonuses. Go figure.

Everything about this company is a joke. A bunch of smoke and mirrors. They claim to have industry leading wages which is a lie. You'll make $16 an hour and you'll be stuck there. Every year you'll receive a 30 cent raise. Just a slap in the face. Other companies such as GardaWorld and G4S pay more and have incentives for former commissionaires. 

It almost makes having a security guard license useless because they pay you so little anyway. Better off working at a grocery store because the clerks are making more than commissionaires at this time. 

In regards to the new PANDEMIC PAY for essential workers/frontline workers, forget about it. They always find a way around everything in order to put more money in their own pockets. All we ever get is a meaningless "thank you for your service" but really no appreciation. 

Competitions are won by whoever they like and are most often internal with a candidate already in mind. 

The CEO claims that 95% of the revenues generated are returned to its employees. Blatant lie, but then again probably returned to the higher ups such as the CEO himself and others. 

Not-for-profit organization? That's another lie. You should see what they charge their clients in relation to what they pay their guards. 

They'll hire ANYONE, so if you really want to join this "not-for-profit" private security company then you shouldn't worry about the interview, it's a walk in the park. I almost feel embarrassed to say I'm a Commissionaire with the type of co-workers you see around. It's really a shame. 

Whenever you call HR to see if they can help with a problem, they really don't care. HR is suppose to work for the employees and fight for you. That doesn't happen. 

Ive had enough and moved on. I feel bad for the ones that don't have a choice and are stuck here. 

If you are retired and collecting a pension, then this is the perfect job for you as long as you enjoy a brain numbing job.

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