Unprecedented demand for security says BC's biggest private security firm

New clients driving recent surge says Commissionaires BC

VANCOUVER , Jan. 19 /CNW/ - The province's largest security firm, Commissionaires BC, says the demand for security services triggered by the 2010 Olympics is unprecedented as the lower mainland and Whistler prepare for the biggest security operation in Canadian history.

"Demand for our services this January to March is up 45% and growing, compared to winter 2009," says Allen Batchelar, President & CEO of Commissionaires BC. "We anticipated the surge in demand for additional security and began working with our clients last April to prepare for the Olympics," says Batchelar. "But what's been driving the burst of business in December and January has been new clients looking for additional security during the Olympic period. There are a lot of companies in the lower mainland who are realizing now that they need a more detailed security plan than they had first envisioned."

Last week the US department of State issued an assessment noting that as security increases around Olympic venues, terrorists could shift their focus to other areas. "This increased demand for security is born of the strong sense of responsibility our clients feel to secure vital points more than ever when there's a sudden surge in the population," says Batchelar. "Making the Vancouver experience safe and enjoyable for locals and visitors, and protecting critical infrastructure, is what is motivating clients to increase security."

The work consists primarily of guarding critical infrastructure such as port facilities, transportation systems, and tourist attractions. This demand means the company is hiring at an increased rate. More than 300 extra people have been hired, fully trained, security cleared and licensed by Commissionaires BC since October 2009 for Olympic-related work, and it is not over yet. The company is still looking to hire and train another 30 to 40 of people by early February.

At a one-day hiring blitz in December, Commissionaires BC hired 54 people in eight hours. "It's the biggest one day hire we have ever had," says Allen Batchelar, "In a typical month we might receive 60 job applications, last month we had over 500 applications. Our reputation is drawing good candidates. As we draw closer to the event and demand continues to rise we just keep hiring!"

The next hiring blitz is in Vancouver on January 21, 2010 . Pay rate starts at $12.50 /hour, additionally Commissionaires will offer a $4 per hour special Olympics allowance from Jan 10 to March 6, 2010 . These jobs are temporary, but could lead to continued employment. During this Olympic hiring period only, Commissionaires will provide Basic Security Training (BST) for free for the 6-day course.

Bryan Nygard of West Vancouver , newly hired and trained commissionaire says, "Getting hired by Commissionaires BC at the hiring blitz last week was fast and efficient from application to being on the job. I enjoyed the whole process, not to mention the balloons and donuts! I am excited about being part of the 2010 action."

In order to participate in the hiring blitz, applicants must first submit their application via the company's website. Appropriate candidates are then invited to the hiring blitz for an in-person interview. Those interested can find out more by visiting www.commissionaires.bc.ca.

Commissionaires BC is a trusted organization that has been providing security services in the province since 1927. All employees are outfitted and trained to the highest requirements.

Commissionaires BC

Commissionaires BC is British Columbia's largest security organization, with a team of more than 1,600 professionals covering more territory in BC than any other organization. These trusted individuals provide private and public sector clients with complete security solutions. Commissionaires in BC protect air and sea ports, border crossings and government facilities. They work in schools, commercial enterprises and residential complexes. Every security solution or professional service that Commissionaires BC provides, draws on the proven experience of highly trained former military and police personnel, who are the mainstay of its team. Commissionaires' services include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services, training and security consulting. More information at: www.commissionaires.bc.ca.

For further information: Patricia Robitaille, PR Strategies, T [phone], [email protected]