Mandatory Training And Testing For Private Security Industry

February 25, 2010 1:30 PM

McGuinty Government Adopts New Regulation To Promote Community Safety

New requirements for the training and testing of security guards and private investigators working in Ontario will establish higher professional standards.

A new basic Training and Testing Regulation, under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 will:

  • Starting April 15, 2010, require those applying to become security guards or private investigators who have not been issued a licence before this date to undergo a mandatory training program and pass a test before they can be licensed.
  • Beginning July 16, 2010, require existing security guard or private investigator licence holders to pass the mandatory test prior to the expiry of their current licence in order to complete its renewal.

The act is the first update of private security legislation since 1966 and has helped modernize the industry by establishing a code of ethics, setting standards for uniforms and vehicles and requiring all practitioners in the industry to be trained and licensed.


Quick Facts

  • The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 makes licensing and training mandatory for all private security personnel, including in-house security staff, such as those working for retailers and bars.
  • There are over 67,000 licensed security guards and private investigators and more than 520 licensed agencies providing these services in Ontario.

Learn More


Contacts

  • Laura Blondeau
    Minister's Office
    416-325-4973
  • Anthony Brown
    Communications Branch
    416-314-7772

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
ontario.ca/safety