Good training that includes race relations, cultural competency, and anti-racism is considered crucial for security guards.  One relatively recent incident at a Shoppers Drug Mart in Ottawa’s Rideau Centre shows what can happen.  When a black man entered the Shoppers Drug Mart, the security guard began a “hot pursuit” around the store, and even admitted that he was aggressively following the black man who has no criminal record, and only came there to buy a few things.  Instead, he was subjected to embarrassment and harassment.

 

Thanks to Blackbird, whose bad behaviour was reinforced by obvious negligence by Shoppers Drug Mart owners, civil litigation ensued. One employee confessed repeated improper behaviour by Blackbird Security at their store.

 

This is not the first official human rights incident involving Blackbird Security though.

 

 Blackbird Security Inc. is facing a British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal complaint filed by an Indigenous father and daughter from the Heiltsuk Nation, alleging racial profiling and racism at a Coquitlam Canadian Tire store. The incident, which occurred in 2020, involved targeted bag searches and derogatory comments, prompting calls for systemic change and apologies.

 

Key Allegations and Details:

• The Incident: Richard and Dawn Wilson allege that on January 17, 2020, a Blackbird Security guard demanded to search Richard’s backpack at the checkout while not checking other customers.
• Racial Profiling: The complaint alleges the pair were targeted solely because they appeared Indigenous, as stated by the Heiltsuk Nation.
• Racist Remarks: According to the complaint, a mechanic at the store told them a story detailing the "difference between a 'Native' and an 'Indian'".
• Legal Action: A human rights complaint was filed against Canadian Tire Corporation, the local store owner, and Blackbird Security.
• Impact: The incident has been highlighted as an example of systemic, anti-Indigenous consumer racism. 

Dawn Wilson has chosen to speak publicly about the experience in hopes of preventing future incidents and ensuring safety for other shoppers, say reports from citynews.ca and Sudbury.com. 

Heiltsuk father and daughter accuse Canadian Tire of racism, profiling

An Indigenous father and daughter have filed a Human Rights Commission complaint against Canadian Tire and Blackbird Security Inc.

Proper training helps prevent discrimination, reduces racial profiling, ensures compliance with legal standards, and fosters better community trust and safety. 

Key reasons why this training is important include:

• Preventing Racial Profiling and Discrimination: Security guards often have considerable power but may receive insufficient training on race relations, leading to bias-driven decisions. Training on unconscious bias and cultural sensitivity helps guards avoid stereotyping individuals based on race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Ensuring Legal and Ethical Compliance: Discriminatory actions can violate human rights codes or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Training helps ensure actions are based on objective criteria (facts, policy) rather than subjective stereotypes.
• Enhancing Effectiveness and Safety: Effective training helps security personnel differentiate between genuinely suspicious behavior and behavior rooted in cultural differences. This prevents unnecessary, confrontational interventions and improves safety for both guards and the public.
• Building Community Trust: When security guards demonstrate cultural competence and respect, it builds trust within diverse communities, which is crucial for safety and cooperation.
• Reducing Liability: Regular, effective training on anti-racism and discrimination helps protect organizations from costly litigation and high-profile complaints. 

Components of Good Training:

Experts recommend that training should not be "one and done" but should be an ongoing process. It often includes: 

• Unconscious Bias Awareness: Helping guards recognize and manage hidden biases.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training: Developing an understanding and appreciation for different cultural norms and communication styles.
• Scenario-Based Learning: Using real-life situations and role-play to practice respectful and effective de-escalation.
• Focus on Inclusivity: Learning how to foster an environment where everyone feels safe and valued. 

Organizations, such as in the private security sector, are increasingly advised to adopt a zero-tolerance policy on racial profiling and to ensure their training includes these topics to improve their professional standards

 

Good training is essential for security guards and that includes race relations.