ONTARIO

The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (“the Ministry”) governs Private Security in Ontario. Provincial legislation known as The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (“the Act”) provides information about the laws pertaining to the province’s Private Security industry.

 

Important information to know when hiring private security

Only agencies licenced by the Ministry can sell security guard services within the province.

Private businesses can hire their own in-house security if they register with the Ministry. They cannot sell their services to other companies or persons.

Individual security guards cannot sell their own services.

Agencies must hold a valid licence and liability insurance to sell private security services.

Any person acting in the capacity of a security guard must hold a valid Ministry issued security guard licence.

Any person acting in the capacity of a security guard must adhere to the Ministry’s Code of Conduct, Uniform, and all other regulations.

 

Important information to know to work as a private security guard

Individuals must hold a valid Ministry issued security guard licence to work as a security guard in Ontario. This includes working as a ‘bouncer’.

Individuals must complete the Ministry approved requisite training and testing prior to applying for a security guard licence.

Individuals must be 18 years of age or over and have a clear criminal background to obtain a security guard licence.

Licenced individuals must either work for a security agency or a registered employer as in-house security.

Any person acting in the capacity of a security guard must adhere to the Ministry’s Code of Conduct, Uniform, and all other regulations.

 

All information on the training, testing, and application process for obtaining a security guard licence can be found on the Ministry’s website under the Private Security & Investigative Services section.

 

Regulations

A number of regulations exist supporting the Act. Every security guard and agency must strictly adhere to these regulations. To find out more about the regulations, click on the link below.

 

Links

Ministry Website: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/

The Act:  http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_05p34_e.htm

Regulations:  http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/PSIS/ActRegulations/PSIS_Act.html

 

*The information provided on this page is not intended to represent the opinions of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional services or any other party, nor is it intended as legal advice. The information and links provided are purely for informative purposes.