Private Security & Investigative Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These FAQs help explain the new Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. They are a guide only. If you have a question we have not answered on this website, please contact:

Private Security and Investigative Services Branch
416-212-1650 or 1-866-767-7454
email: PSIS.PrivateSecurity@ontario.ca

or visit us at:
777 Bay Street, 3rd floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J6

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The Act
Licences
Exemptions
Clean Criminal Record
Code of Conduct
Public Complaints
Registered Businesses
Licensed Agencies
Vehicles
Equipment
Animals
Uniforms
Use of Force Report
Producing a Licence
New Guarantor Requirements
Paper Licences

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The Act

Why did you replace the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act?

The private security industry has grown dramatically over the past 40 years, from 4,000 licensed private investigators and security guards in 1966, to over 64,000 today. There are about 520 licensed agencies in the province providing private investigation and security guard services.

The new legislation and regulations will ensure that practitioners are qualified to provide protective services. By regulating things like uniforms and equipment use, we will ensure that the private security industry serves us all well.

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Licences

Do I need a security guard licence?

You may need a licence if you are paid to do work that consists mainly of protecting persons or property. This includes bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention personnel.

Examples:

• You will need a licence if your main responsibility in a bar or restaurant, for instance, is controlling entrances and patrolling the property to ensure the safety and security of the establishment and its occupants.
• You will not need a licence if you are a hotel, motel or inn manager who may inspect common areas during your shift. Those checks are not the main activity of a manager in this setting. Overseeing the entire operation of the facility, as well as ensuring guest comfort, would typically be your main activity or responsibility.
• You will not need a licence if you are a store clerk who may be required to open or lock up at the end of the business day. This is not your main activity. Selling and stocking merchandise would be considered your main activities.

Do I need a private investigator's licence?

You need a private investigator's licence if you are mainly employed and paid for the following activities:

• Conducting investigations in order to provide information
• Conducting investigations into the character or actions of a person
• Conducting investigations into an individual's business or occupation
• Conducting investigations into the whereabouts of persons or property.

What are the minimum requirements to hold a security guard/private investigator licence?

To be eligible for a licence, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be eligible to work in Canada, and
• Have no convictions for a prescribed offence for which you have not been granted a pardon.

Who is responsible for obtaining my licence - my employer or me?

You are.

This important change means that you are free to change employers or obtain additional employment with another security firm without having to be re-licensed.

It is now your responsibility to renew your licence every year.

How much does a licence cost?

The cost of a licence is:

Security Guard/Private Investigator	$80
Dual Individual Licence	$160
Agency Licence Fees	$700
Dual Agency Licence	$1,400
Business Registration	$80

When will my current security guard or private investigator licence expire?

If your licence was valid on January 30, 2012:

The ministry has mailed you a yellow Notice of Extension extends your licence to your next birthday after the expiry date printed on your blue licence card.

You must carry both your blue licence card and your yellow Notice of Extension at all times when on duty from January 30, 2012 until you receive an orange licence card that states your birthday as the expiry date.

If you had a valid blue licence card on January 30, 2012 but did not receive a Notice of Extension, contact us.

You can use the licence expiry date calculator to confirm your correct licence expiry date.

If your licence was issued after January 30, 2012:
Your orange licence card expires two birthdays after the date of issue.

When I renew, for how long will my licence be valid?

As of January 30, 2012, all licence renewals (for both individuals and agencies) are valid for two years.

Is there a fee increase associated with the new longer term of licence?

No, these changes have no impact on licence fees.

Why are some licence cards blue while others are orange?

On January 30, 2012, the ministry introduced birth date licence expiry and changed the colour of the licence card.

Licence cards issued before January 30, 2012 were blue, and expired one year after the date of issue. On January 30, 2012, all valid licences were extended to the licensee’s first birthday after the expiry date printed on their blue licence card. Blue cards are now only valid with a yellow Notice of Extension stating the licence holder’s birthday as the date of expiry.

All licence cards issued on and after January 30, 2012 are orange and expire two birthdays after the date of issue. If you have an orange licence card you do not need a Notice of Extension.

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Clean Criminal Record

Can I still get a licence if I have a criminal record?

The Private Security and Investigative Services Act lists over 80 different offences in the Clean Criminal Record regulation that could prevent you from getting a licence if you have not received a pardon. These are known as prescribed offences.

Depending on your record, you may not be eligible to hold a licence. Please see the Act and Regulations section of this website to review the prescribed offences in the Clean Criminal Record regulation. If you have been convicted of an offence that is not listed in the Clean Criminal Record regulation, you may be requested to attend a hearing by the Registrar.

How do I obtain a pardon?

For information on how to receive a pardon, please contact your regional National Parole Board office (see below) or visit the National Parole Board website. Applications and further information are available under "Pardons." You may also call the Pardon Section's toll-free number at 1-800-874-2652. Please note that you do not need a lawyer or representative to apply for a pardon.

Ontario Region
National Parole Board
516 O'Connor Drive
Kingston ON K7P 1N3
Telephone: 1-800-518-8817
Fax: (613) 634-3861

How long does it take to get a pardon?

It may take 12 - 18 months to obtain a pardon depending on the type of offence. Some have taken longer than 18 months to process as the processing time can vary in each case.

Do I need a pardon to be eligible for a licence if I have been convicted of an offence that is not listed in the Clean Criminal Record regulation?

No. However, the ministry encourages anyone convicted of an offence to seek a pardon and you may be requested to attend a hearing (see Hearings and Appeals.) Please note that all offences and pending charges must be declared on your application form.

Do I have to undergo a criminal records check every year?

Yes. A criminal records check is part of the standard yearly application process.

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Exemptions

NOTE: Most exemptions for in-house security guards have been removed. This includes security guards working in the hospitality, retail, commercial, manufacturing, entertainment and other sectors.

If you operate a business that employs its own in-house security guards, you must be registered with the PSISB. Your security personnel must also be individually licensed.

*New: Out-of-province bodyguards providing bodyguard services to those in the film and television industry, as long as the bodyguard holds a valid licence from another jurisdiction.

Who does this act not apply to?

• Practicing barristers or solicitors
• People who receive payment for work that consists mainly of searching for and providing information about:

• The financial credit rating of individuals,
• The qualifications and suitability of people applying for insurance and indemnity bonds, or
• The qualifications and suitability of people as employees or prospective employees

• People who are acting as peace officers
• Insurance adjusters and their employees licensed under the Insurance Act while acting within the regular scope of their employment
• Insurance companies and their employees licensed under the Insurance Act while acting within the regular scope of their employment
• People living outside Ontario who are licensed employees of a private investigation agency licensed or registered in a jurisdiction outside Ontario, but elsewhere in Canada who

• On behalf of a person living outside Ontario, make an investigation or inquiry partly outside Ontario and partly within Ontario, and
• Come into Ontario solely for the purpose of that investigation or inquiry

• People who are paid for work that consists mainly of providing advice about security requirements but who are not selling the services of private investigators or security guards
• People who are paid for work that consists mainly of providing an armoured vehicle service
• Locksmiths, or
• Any class of people exempted by the regulations.

Private Investigators

• People are exempt from having to be licensed as private investigators if they are conducting an investigation authorized by another federal or provincial act.

Can I apply for an exemption?

No. The PSISB does not have the authority to give exemptions. As such, the PSISB recommends that you obtain legal advice to determine if and how you may be subject to the Act and its regulations.

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Code of Conduct

Why is there a Code of Conduct? What does it mean?

The Code of Conduct outlines standards for the industry so that businesses and individuals know how to perform their duties in a professional, honest and respectful way. Discrimination and racism will not be tolerated, nor will negligence or unlawful conduct under the code.

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Public Complaints

How can I report a complaint about a security guard or private investigator?

You can file a complaint with a licensee's employer or with the registrar of the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch.

To file a complaint with the registrar, you must complete the written complaint form.

Sign the form and submit it to the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch within 90 days of the incident/occurrence. If you want to file after 90 days, you will need the consent of the registrar.

For more information, contact:
Private Security and Investigative Services Branch
777 Bay Street, 3rd Floor
Toronto Ontario M7A 2J6
416-212-1650 or 1-866-767-7454

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Registered Businesses

What businesses need to register?

Any business that directly employs its own in-house security personnel, but is not in the business of selling security services, will have to register with the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. This could include, but is not limited to, retail stores, hotels and hospitals.

Businesses that use security staff from a licensed security business do not need to register.

Will a business need to register and get a licence?

No. A business will need to do one or the other.

How long is a registration valid?

One year.

What does a registration cost?

$80 per year.

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Licensed Agencies

Which agencies require a licence?

Any business that sells the services of security guards and/or private investigators to others requires a licence.

As an employer, am I responsible for getting licences for my employees?

No. Security guards and private investigators are responsible for getting their own licences and renewing their licences before they expire. Employers are, however, responsible for ensuring that their employees are licensed at all times.

As an employer, can I contact the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch to find out the status of an individual's licence?

Yes. Employers and potential employers can call the branch to find out if a person holds a valid licence. You can also check the registry.

I'm a security consultant. Do I need a licence?

If you are paid for work that consists mainly of providing advice about security requirements but are not selling the services of private investigators or security guards, you do not need a licence.

Example: If you are in the business of educating customers about various types or levels of security systems, then you do not need a licence.

What are the penalties for violating the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005?

Licensed agencies and registered businesses face fines of up to $250,000.

In addition to the fines, the directors, partners and officers of an agency can face imprisonment of up to one year.

How often do agencies need to renew their licences?

On January 30, 2012, the Term of Licences for agencies changed from one to two years. Agencies licensed prior to January 30, 2012 must still renew by the expiry date printed on their licence, but upon renewal, the licence will be valid for two years.

New agency licences are now valid for two years.

The new longer term of licence has no impact on agency licence fees.

How long does it take to get an agency licence?

It takes approximately 45 to 90 days to issue an agency licence, depending on the complexity of the application. This assumes that:

• All forms are completed correctly
• The correct payment is provided
• All supporting documentation is enclosed

Applications may be delayed in processing or returned if they are incorrect or incomplete.

When must I provide a certificate of general liability insurance?

The Insurance regulation under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 states that every licensed business entity shall carry general liability insurance in the amount of at least $2,000,000.

In the event that your application is approved, you will be required to submit a certificate of general liability insurance. Upon receiving the certificate, the ministry will issue an agency licence.

Can an agency conduct business from a non-commercial location?

Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, licensed agencies are required to provide a mailing address for service in Ontario at which the business will operate, but this does not have to be a commercial location. Subsection 36(1) requires agencies to display their agency licence in a conspicuous spot in the office at which the public is invited to deal.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the business premises or offices are not in contravention of any municipal by-laws or zoning regulations and comply with all other municipal, provincial, and federal laws.

How do I show the agency is compliant with the Uniforms and Vehicles regulations?

As part of the initial application, you must submit photographs or design renderings depicting the uniforms (including protective wear) and vehicles you plan to use. Please consult the application process to ensure your photographs or design renderings meet the required standards.

Within 30 business days of receiving your agency licence, an inspection will be scheduled. You must have a uniform and vehicle available (if applicable) at the time of the inspection. Photographs and other representations will not be accepted at this stage.

What if the inspection determines that the agency is non-compliant?

If an agency is deemed to be noncompliant following the inspection, the agency will have 30 business days to bring itself into compliance. At that time, a follow-up inspection will be scheduled. If the agency has not brought itself into compliance, the ministry may propose to revoke the agency licence and provide the business with an opportunity to be heard.

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Vehicles

What markings do security vehicles now have to have?

Markings on security vehicles are not mandatory. However, if a business chooses to mark its vehicles, the regulation outlines the requirements that must be followed:

• The word "security" must be prominently displayed in a contrasting colour to the vehicle and on both sides of it.
• Lettering must be 10 centimetres high on the sides of the vehicle and 8 centimetres high on the front and back of the vehicle.
• Vehicles must not use red, blue, gold or yellow stripes or any combination of these except as part of the licensee's crest or logo.
• *The word "security" or "sécurité" may also appear in or as part of the licensee's crest or logo.
• The following words must not appear on private security vehicles:

• Detective or détective
• Private Investigator or détective privé
• Police
• Officer or agent de police
• Law enforcement or exécution de la loi.

It could be really expensive to change the marking on all company vehicles. Does the ministry have a plan to assist businesses with the costs of complying?

Yes. The ministry will permit a phase-in period so businesses don't have to change their vehicle markings until August 23, 2009.

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Equipment

Are security guards and private investigators allowed to use batons and handcuffs?

Security guards and private investigators are permitted to use handcuffs and batons. Batons can be used for defensive purposes only.

The regulation prohibits the use of cable ties or strip ties.

What kind of training will security guards need so they can use this equipment?

Security guards will have to take the required training established by the ministry to use handcuffs and carry batons. The ministry is now developing training materials.

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Animals

The act has a regulation on the use of dogs. What can dogs be used for?

The ministry recognizes the growing usefulness of, and demand for, dogs in the security industry. As a result, we developed a regulation that takes both the industry's needs and the care and control requirements of the animals into account.

The regulation does permit the use of dogs for patrolling purposes but only under certain conditions (e.g. must be under the care and control of a handler.) Dogs can also be used for tracking (e.g. missing persons) and detection purposes (e.g. drugs, explosives).

Dog handlers must keep their dog on a lead at all times.

Security guards cannot use dogs for crowd control.

Will special training be required to use a dog?

Yes. Dog handlers will need special training. The ministry is developing the training and testing materials.

Will licensed businesses be able to provide "drop and guard" services? (Dogs being left alone to protect/patrol property)

No.

Does the regulation ban breeds of dogs?

No. The regulation does not go beyond any current provincial legislation that addresses banned breeds.

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Uniforms

Is there a regulation about uniforms?

Yes. The act includes a regulation on uniforms so people will be able to differentiate security guards from police officers. Uniforms also enhance the overall professionalism of security guards.

Security uniforms must include:

• A company crest on the chest of the outer garment
• The term "SECURITY","SÉCURITÉ", SECURITY GUARD" or "AGENT DE SÉCURITÉ" permanently attached on the chest of the outer garment in block letters in a contrasting colour at least 1.5 centimetres high. The terms must be attached between 2 and 3 centimetres below the name, logo or crest of the licensee that employs the security guard if the name, logo or crest appears elsewhere on the uniform in addition to the chest of the outermost garment.
• The term "SECURITY" or "SÉCURITÉ" on the back of the outermost garment, no less than 10 centimetres high (blazers, sweaters and collared shirts excepted). "SECURITY" or "SÉCURITÉ" must be in upper case letters and be in a contrasting colour.
• An identification tag (with name or licence number) on the outer garment.
• Security uniforms must not include:

• Black or navy blue collared uniform shirts
• Rank chevrons
• Trouser stripes (except reflective safety stripes)
• Police-style forage caps

It could be really expensive to change uniforms. Does the ministry have a plan to assist businesses with the costs of complying?

Yes. The ministry will permit a phase-in period so businesses don't have to change their uniforms until August 23, 2009.

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Use of Force Report

Who is required to complete Use of Force reports?

Only licensed agencies are required to complete use of force reports. Registered businesses (i.e. businesses that employ in-house security personnel and are not licensed to sell security services) are not required by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act to complete or retain these reports.

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Producing a Licence

I am a licensed security guard and/or private investigator. Am I obligated to show my licence to a member of the public upon request?

Yes, as per the PSISA, you are required to produce your licence which means showing the front of your licence to the individual, displaying your licence number, name and photo. You are not required to hand over your licence to a member of the public or show the back of your licence.

Why am I required to produce my licence to members of the public?

In the interest of public safety, members of the public have the right to know that they are dealing with a licensed security guard and/or private investigator.

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New Guarantor Requirements

What are the new guarantor requirements?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently added a new requirement to its policy related to criminal record checks. This requirement applies to all agencies across Canada that access the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) to perform a criminal record check. CPIC is administered by RCMP. All agencies that access CPIC, including the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (Branch) are required to comply with the RCMP CPIC Policy.

Effective March 21, 2011, all applicants for licences must have a guarantor confirm their identity by verifying the identification documentation (ID) that accompanies their application. Applications cannot be processed without this confirmation by a guarantor. This requirement applies to both individual licensees as well as agency personnel that are named in the application for an agency license. Typically these are officers, directors or partners of the company who, as part of the agency application process, are also required to have a criminal record check.

How do I have my identity confirmed?

• Ask your guarantor to fill out the ‘Declaration of Guarantor’ section of the application form.
• Photocopy the front and back of your pieces of your identification documents (ID). For passports, photocopy the picture page.
• Ensure all photocopied documents are clear and of a high-quality.
• Have your guarantor certify, sign and date the photocopies of your ID.
• If you are submitting a passport-size photograph with your application, the guarantor must certify, sign and date the back of the photograph.
• Submit your fully completed application form, along with the photocopies of supporting ID signed by your guarantor, to the Branch for processing.

When does this start?

Beginning March 21, 2011, anyone applying for an individual licence or in connection with an agency licence, including licence renewals, must include copies of ID that have been signed and dated by your guarantor, confirming your identity. Applicants whose forms are missing this information will be contacted by the Branch and asked to provide it before processing can continue.

Is this a one-time request?

No, the Branch undertakes criminal records checks every time you apply for a licence. This means that you will have to submit your signed and dated ID each year when you renew your licence and have that ID verified by a guarantor.

What ID is required in order to obtain a security guard and/or private investigator licence?

Two separate pieces of valid ID are required. One piece must prove that you are eligible to work in Canada. The other piece should be government issued and feature a photograph, your full legal name, your signature and your date of birth. Here is a list of acceptable ID:

Government-issued with full legal name, date of birth, photograph and signature	Eligibility to Work in Canada
• Canadian Citizenship Card • Permanent Residence Card • Canadian Passport • Enhanced Canadian Driver’s Licence • Foreign Passport (with acceptable translation if applicable) • Canadian Driver’s Licence • Foreign Driver’s Licence (with acceptable translation if applicable) • Certificate of Indian Status • Possession and Acquisition Licence • Ontario Photo Card	• Canadian Birth Certificate • Canadian Citizenship Card • Permanent Residence Card • Canadian Passport • Enhanced Canadian Driver’s Licence • Naturalization Card (issued before January 1, 1974) • Registration of Birth Abroad Certificate • Retention Certificate • Confirmation of Permanent Residence • Record of Landing • Valid Work Permit

* Please note that for legal reasons, you may not use your Ontario health card or social insurance number (SIN) card for identification.

Do I need to submit my original ID?

No. Please do not submit any original ID.  Please send clear, high quality photocopies. Photocopy both sides of the ID and have your guarantor sign and date the photocopies. For passports, photocopy the picture page. 

Can I submit an old application form?

No. You should use the new application form to ensure that the Branch has all the information required and your application is not returned to you.

Where can I get a new application form?

A new application form can be downloaded from the Licences and Forms page.

Who can be a guarantor?

The following individuals may act as a guarantor:

• An Applicant’s employer
• Any licensed Ontario security guard or private investigator provided the license is valid or has not expired within the last year
• An authorized signatory from a Licensed Security Guard or Private Investigator Agency or from a company registered under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.
• Any individual who has known the Applicant personally for at least two years.

• To know an Applicant personally means the guarantor is able to confirm aspects of the Applicant’s attributes, such as name, approximate age, place of birth, physical description and some personal history such as occupation and place of residence.

• Chiropractor
• Dentist
• Judge
• Justice of the Peace
• Pharmacist
• Lawyer
• Mayor
• Minister of Religion authorized under provincial law to perform marriage
• Notary Public
• Optometrist
• Physician
• Police Officer
• Principal or Teacher of a primary or secondary school
• Professional Accountant
• Professional Engineer
• Professor or an Administrator at a public college
• Veterinarian

Guarantors must be at least 18 years of age on the date when the application is submitted.

Guarantors must be accessible to the Branch for verification. If the Branch is unable to reach a guarantor, the application may be delayed or returned to the applicant.

What does the guarantor need to do?

All ID submitted with an application must now be verified by a guarantor. The guarantor must:

1. View at least two (2) separate pieces of validly issued ID other than a health card or SIN card. At least one piece of ID must include a photograph of the applicant taken within the last five (5) years. Photo ID shall contain, at a minimum, the applicant’s full legal name, date of birth, and signature.
2. Make legible copies of the ID. Write on each piece of ID, “I certify that I have seen the original version of the ID provided with (your name)’s license application” and sign and date it.
3. If the application includes a passport size photograph, write on the back of the photograph “I certify this to be a true likeness of (your name)", and sign and date it.
4. Complete and sign the “Declaration of Guarantor” section on the application form.

Can a family member be my guarantor?

Yes, a family member can act as your guarantor provided that he or she meets all of the specified requirements.

Will there be any exceptions considered?

No, as an agency authorized to access CPIC for the purposes of performing criminal record checks the Branch is obliged to comply with RCMP CPIC Policy.

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Paper Licences

These FAQs help explain the new paper licences being issued by the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch. For any other inquiries about paper licences you may call the Branch’s customer service line at 416-212-1650 or toll-free at 1-866-767-7454.

Why did I get a paper licence and not a plastic card?

To minimize the disruption to applicants, during the current Canada Post strike, we are issuing paper licences with photo. We will make arrangements to fax or e-mail you the paper licences.

Is this paper licence valid?

Yes, this paper licence is a valid licence and should be used until you receive your plastic licence card.

Can a police officer or any member of the public ask to see my paper licence?

Yes. Please ensure that you always carry your licence (paper or plastic) when performing your duties as a security guard or private investigator. If you fail to produce your licence upon request you could be in violation of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 and may be subject to charges.

Will I get my plastic card?

Yes, we will mail your plastic card to you. Please continue to use your paper licence until the plastic licence arrives. When you receive your plastic licence please destroy your paper licence.

Is there an expiry date on the paper licence?

The paper licence has an expiry date, photo, name and licence number.

Could someone else use my paper licence?

No. The paper licence has an expiry date, photo, name and licence number. The paper licence also states that the document is not to be altered or used for any other purpose than to identify individuals as a security guard or private investigator.