April 2016
Each condo community has its own unique set of security concerns. When evaluating a security company this checklist of considerations can help determine if the security services you receive or seek are right for your condo corporation.
Legal Requirements – Required by Law
√ License granted by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correction Services (MCSC)
√ Liability insurance of at least $2 million
General Requirements – Not Required by Law
√ Are guards licensed
√ Do guards have a valid first aid certification.
Specialized Services and/or Equipment
√ Where valet parking is required, is the security service insured for this service
√ Where batons, handcuffs or other defensive equipment are required, is the security service insured
√ Where parking enforcement is required, a municipal license for issuing parking tickets may be necessary. If so, does the security service possess the necessary municipal license.
Post Orders or Standard Operating Procedures
This is information an on-site security guard requires to do their work. It includes site specific instructions for carrying out daily activities, emergency procedures and duties with regard to contractors. This document should be specific to your condo corporation and sufficiently concise that it is easily reviewed. It is not a generic document applicable to other sites.
Document contents should include:
√ Emergency contacts inclusive of property management, elevator support, HVAC systems and electricity outages
√ Fire alarm monitoring instructions including site id and password
√ List of amenities, mechanical rooms, emergency equipment and location of each
√ Location of amenities and rules for booking or access
√ Parking policy and enforcement of parking rules
√ Policy regarding access for real estate agents and allowable location(s) for lock boxes
√ Parcel policy for receipt of packages – including signature and notification policies – storage and accessibility by residents
√ Keys in possession of or under the control of security
√ Contractor Policy – Which keys, if any, can be provided and to whom
√ List of contractors authorized to access premises
√ Master Key Policy – Under what circumstances can security open a suite door for an owner or resident and required documentation
√ Lost and Found Policy
√ Fire Alarm Procedures
√ Instructions for use of security systems including display monitors and fob access
√ Fire Panel procedures and use of equipment
√ Explanation of other responsibilities and, if appropriate, timing
Condo Staffing and Training Considerations
√ What site training is provided before working at your site
√ Is there a training checklist for your corporation with each guard required to initial each item to confirm they have been trained and understand their training
√ Ongoing or periodic follow up by a security manager
√ Qualified replacement staff to fill in during vacations, illness or other staffing situations
