A loss prevention security guard works at an establishment (most commonly a store), and overtly (undercover) or covertly (in full uniform) prevents and deters theft.  When undercover, the loss prevention guard is wearing casual plain clothes, often pretending to be a shopper.  Overt loss prevention involves the security guard in full uniform, which creates a strong security presence that deters shoplifters.

One of the most common tasks for private investigators is to investigate questionable insurance claims, especially in the insurance industry.  This is done covertly by following and monitoring subjects that are susceptible to insurance fraud.

The security industry is regulated in the Province of Ontario under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act 2005.

With the new licensing provisions, a security guard can now work for multiple security guard agencies without having to be re-licensed.  This is Province wide, and replaces the license where the security guard agency is listed on their security guard license.