Full Time, Permanent
Vancouver Public Library
October 2022 - March 2024
Coordinated security operations across multiple sites, including risk assessments, threat analysis, and mitigation planning.
Ensured the safety of patrons and staff, mediating conflicts between patrons and staff. Created personal safety plans for staff members with heightened security needs.
Managed incident reporting and investigation processes, and conducted initial internal and criminal investigations into incidents on library premises.
Developed and implemented departmental and institution-wide education programs and training. Implemented a revised and updated incident reporting policy and oversaw fire safety training.
Conducted audits and inspections of security protocols, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions. Oversaw First Aid, Incident Report, and Access Control programs.
Oversaw the contracted security program. Managed hiring, performance management, training and deployment of security personnel.
Full Time, Permanent
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
January 2022 - October 2022
Ensured compliance with information management regulations facilitating secure and efficient handling of sensitive data.
Provided expert advice on police information systems to RCMP Officers and RCMP civilian staff.
Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for RCMP officers and staff on document management procedures, significantly improving compliance and reducing errors.
Managed initial investigations into data breaches and misuse, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures to mitigate future risks.
Provided technical support for document management systems, ensuring smooth operation and user support.
Acted as a liaison between operational clients and federal agencies, providing expert advice and support on information management.
Interpreted and disseminated new policy and legislation regarding information management topics to RCMP Detachments in British Columbia.
Full Time, Permanent
Vancouver Convention Centre
November 2020 - January 2022
Oversaw and assisted the Guest Services and Operations call centre. Handling calls from staff, clients on-site, as well as event attendees on-site, and off-site.
Acted as the first point of contact for all client and internal requests, ensuring appropriate coordination of resources ensuring operational service delivery expectations were met.
Directed all incident investigations, allegations, and disputes on BC Pavco property. Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, and licensees to assist counsel, in determining facts.
Managed the life-cycle of documents owned by the department according to BC ARCS/ORCS, serviced FOIPPA requests independently with permission of the Chief Privacy Officer.
Support contracted security team, proving leadership to staff and ensuring adequate security coverage for building operations, and events.
All previous training, documentation, and FOIPPA responsibilities.
Full Time, 1 Year Term
Vancouver Convention Centre
November 2019 - November 2020
Acted as the Assistant Manager for the Guest Services department. Managing scheduling, hiring, training, uniforming, and performance management for department staff.
Conducted risk assessments and implemented security measures to protect assets and personnel during events. Directly handled sensitive criminal and internal investigations in site.
Directed the Access Control department, creating a new access control scheme, reducing system complexity and training time for new security staff by roughly 50%.
Provided advanced statistical and analysis support for Facilities Management, utilizing Excel and Power BI. High proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, CONCATENATE, SUMIFS) and moderate in VBA.
Reviewed and updated security access guidelines and protocols based on evolving organizational requirements and industry best practices.
Oversaw training of departmental staff. Audited gaps in departmental training, and acted to remedy them.
Full Time, Permanent
Vancouver Convention Centre
August 2016 - November 2019
Acted as the building point of contact for all customer service, security, and event needs. Answering questions via phone, radio, e-mail, social media, or in-person inquiries.
Coordinated resources during emergencies and coordinated with event staff, and management to ensure continued service delivery.
Liaised with internal staff, tenants, neighbouring businesses, hotels, city attractions, and city agencies regarding day-to-day operations and to communicate information
Oversaw the maintenance, inventory, distribution, and communications of radios used on-site.
Acted as the liaison for all departmental records requests of electronic and physical records managed by the Facilities Department, reducing the Chief Privacy Officer's FOIPPA workload by 40%.
Developed and standardized over 40 training documents with a streamlined training process, reducing training time by 50%.
Thompson Rivers University
In Progress
Justice Institute of British Columbia
2022 - 2023
Thompson Rivers University
2013 - 2015
SafeTALK, Skillfully Responding to Distress, & A.S.I.S.T.
Crisis Centre of BC • 2019
• Proficient in de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care, and effective communication skills in supporting individuals in distress
Violence in the Workplace De-escalation - Trainer
Arete Training • 2019
• Proficient in violence prevention techniques and providing face-to-face training.
ICS 100, 200, & 300
Justice Institute of British Columbia • 2017
• Proficient in seamless coordination and communication during emergency situations ensuring swift and effective response to threats and crises.
From the award presentation announcement:
"Arif Mahmood has been part of the VPL Security Team for almost a year now. He’s become an active member on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee and is currently starring in an Earthquake Preparedness video. Arif takes time and care with his email responses to security incidents and when that is not enough he is quick to drive out to all locations to offer his assistance and expertise. When he wasn’t busy herding Central’s rooftop ducklings, he worked his magic in developing the new security incident report form. Arif has seamlessly fit in with his colleagues and he’s become an integral part of the department. The almost monthly nominations clearly suggest that Arif Rocks!"
From the award presentation, presented by the Deputy Mayor:
"My friend Pady and I parked at the Convention Centre near Guest Services to attend the Christmas Market. Looking for directions to the market we went in to guest services and discovered that we could borrow a wheelchair for our adventure. It was a godsend because Pady's mobility is quite limited and having the chair to ride in, and lean on, made her experience very enjoyable.
Everyone we encountered was amazing. In particular, I wanted to send a special commendation to Arif at Guest Services, who was so caring. He made sure we got the wheelchair delivered to us with no fuss, no worry and helped Pady into the chair and pushed her to the entrance with great instructions about how to get mobility access to the entrance of the Christmas Market.
On our way back we encountered Arif again who made sure Pady got safely to and into the car, returning her ID, and ensuring she didn't hit her head on the overhang as she exited the wheel chair. So professional and such a great ambassador for visitors to the Convention Centre."
Recognition of Work
Nominations for Workplace Awards - Vancouver Public Library
"Security Coordinator Arif did an amazing job in responding to an emergency. A patron at REN today had a medical emergency and Arif happened to be at the branch when this happened. He immediately jumped into action and attended to the patron. He was incredibly calm, caring and confident. While waiting for the ambulance to come which was almost an hour later, Arif was with the patron the entire time. He made sure the patron stayed awake, and when they were able to talk Arif listened with compassion. When paramedics finally arrived and the patron was feeling fine to leave the library, Arif made sure the patron made to the bus stop safely. Arif, You Rock! You made us proud that VPL staff provides exceptional services to patrons whenever in need."
"Arif recently came to our branch to assist with a security incident. He was professional and patient in his interactions with patrons, and spoke to staff for a couple hours afterwards to de-brief and acknowledge our work. He provided us with additional tools, dialogue, and suggestions to support our ability and confidence to deliver the services our community needs. Thank you Arif, for supporting our Organizational Strength!"
"I would like to share our appreciation for Arif's excellent communication with the Children's Library team during the recent security evacuation. Arif's calm and clear explanation of the reasons for the evacuation, and his regular updates as the situation progressed, empowered our team to work effectively to assist our patrons as CHL was evacuated, while families waited to leave the library, and while we waited for CHL to reopen. It made a stressful situation significantly better to know that we were well informed."
"Arif Mahmood went above and beyond to rescue the duck and her 11 ducklings from our roof top and deliver them to a safe park after work. It warmed the hearts of ISV staff and concerned patrons."
"Arif Mahmood is a great advocate for your safety and the one you want in your corner! He is extremely supportive, offers practical advice, and actually cares about your well-being! He'll keep you updated on all relevant security incident cases and when he visits a branch, he'll check on all the staff members. Arif doesn't hesitate to offer de-escalation techniques or taking over a difficult interaction, if a co-worker asks for help! He ensures VPL staff have the support and resources to handle security incidences, therefore, strengthening the organization! Thank you Arif for all you've done to make the workplace safer for staff!"
"The VPL Emergency Planning & Security Services put together the most informative, amazing and hilarious earthquake awareness video I've ever watched! The VPL Tonight! - Shakeout BC 2023 video had an Oscar worthy performance and narration by Arif Mahmood,! Thank you VPL Emergency Planning & Security Services for embodying the entire essence of Learning and Creativity all while bringing everyone joy with the best earthquake video ever produced."
Vancouver Tourism Awards
December 2018
Awarded by City of Vancouver, guest wrote to the City of Vancouver about a positive interaction.
October 2019
Presented by City of Vancouver, nominated by a guest who wrote to the City of Vancouver about a positive interaction.
July 2018
Presented by City of Vancouver, nominated by a guest who wrote to the City of Vancouver about a positive interaction.