Overview of Ontario’s Security Guard Licensing System
Regulated under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005
In Ontario, the licensing and regulation of security guards fall under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). This legislation sets out the legal framework for licensing, conduct, and governance of individuals and businesses operating in the security industry. Its purpose is to maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism while protecting the rights of both the public and those working in the sector.
Role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General
The Ministry of the Solicitor General oversees the administration of the PSISA and is responsible for issuing licences, setting training standards, and enforcing compliance. Through its Security Services and Investigative Services Branch, the Ministry conducts inspections, investigates complaints, and ensures that security companies and their employees operate within the law.
The Ministry’s role includes:
- Maintaining a public registry of licensed security guards and agencies
- Updating training and testing requirements as needed
- Handling complaints related to security guard conduct
- Enforcing disciplinary actions when violations occur
Who Needs a Licence and What Roles Are Covered
Under Ontario law, anyone performing security guard duties must hold a valid licence. This includes both full-time and part-time workers, regardless of whether they are directly hired by a company or working through a security agency.
Licensed roles include:
- Static Guards: Security personnel who monitor fixed sites such as retail stores, office buildings, or construction zones
- Mobile Patrol Guards: Guards who patrol designated areas by foot or vehicle to deter criminal activity and report suspicious behaviour
- Event Security Staff: Individuals tasked with crowd control, access restriction, and safety enforcement at concerts, festivals, and sporting events
- Loss Prevention Officers: Security guards who work undercover in retail environments to prevent theft and reduce losses
Unlicensed individuals are prohibited from performing these duties, and employers who allow unlicensed activity can face serious penalties, including fines or loss of operating licences.
Mandatory Training and Certification Requirements
To become a licensed security guard in Ontario, candidates must meet strict training and certification standards designed to ensure they can perform their duties safely, legally, and professionally. These mandatory requirements are crucial in enhancing public safety and elevating industry standards across the province.
40-Hour Approved Training Course (Including Emergency First Aid)
All prospective security guards must complete a 40-hour Ministry-approved training program. This includes 33.5 hours of core security training and 6.5 hours of certified emergency first aid and CPR training from a recognized provider.
The curriculum covers:
- The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA)
- Legal authorities and limitations of a security guard (e.g., citizen’s arrest, use of force)
- Report writing and note-taking
- Health and safety, including WHMIS
- Emergency response procedures
- Sensitivity training and dealing with the public
By the end of the program, trainees are expected to understand both their legal obligations and practical responsibilities.
Licensing Exam and Minimum Passing Score
After completing the training, candidates must write and pass the Security Guard Licensing Exam administered by the Ministry. The exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions, and a minimum score of 62% is required to pass.
Topics tested are drawn directly from the training curriculum and are designed to evaluate a candidate’s understanding of the law, use of force protocols, emergency response, and ethical conduct. Once passed, applicants can apply for their security guard licence.
How Standardized Training Raises Competency and Professionalism
Mandatory, standardized training ensures a consistent level of knowledge and competence across the industry. Security guards are often the first point of contact in emergency situations, disputes, or safety breaches, and their ability to respond correctly can have significant consequences.
Standardized training leads to:
- Greater public trust in security personnel
- Improved coordination with law enforcement and emergency responders
- Reduced liability for employers and property owners
- Better incident reporting and legal documentation
- Enhanced conflict resolution and communication skills
Background Checks and Eligibility Screening
Criminal Background Checks Through CPIC
All applicants must undergo a criminal background check through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). This federal database is managed by the RCMP and contains national records of criminal charges and convictions. The Ministry of the Solicitor General uses this system to determine whether an applicant has a history that could disqualify them from working in the security sector.
Offences that may lead to a denial of a licence include:
- Assault or violent crimes
- Theft or fraud
- Drug trafficking or possession with intent
- Weapons-related offences
Even pending charges can impact the outcome of an application, depending on the nature and severity of the alleged offence.
Screening Out Individuals Who Pose a Public Risk
The primary goal of the background check is to screen out individuals who may pose a risk to the public. Security guards are entrusted with duties that involve access to private property, interaction with the public, and in some cases, physical intervention. It is essential that these individuals are of good character and do not present a danger to others.
By enforcing this screening process, the Ministry ensures that only those who meet high ethical and legal standards are allowed to wear a security uniform and carry out security-related responsibilities.
Reinforcing Trust in Private Security Personnel
A rigorous eligibility screening process reinforces public trust in Ontario’s private security workforce. When citizens see uniformed guards at malls, events, or office buildings, they can feel confident that those individuals have passed a government-vetted process and are qualified to handle potentially sensitive or high-pressure situations.
This level of oversight helps:
- Increase public confidence in the private security industry
- Enhance cooperation between security guards and law enforcement
- Reduce incidents of misconduct or abuse of authority
- Promote a professional image for the entire industry
Enforcement of Legal Boundaries and Accountability
Licence Must Be Visible While on Duty
Under Ontario law, licensed security guards are required to carry their licence at all times while on duty and must present it upon request. This rule increases transparency and helps the public, employers, and law enforcement confirm that a guard is properly authorized to perform security duties.
In many cases, guards are also required to wear uniforms or identification that clearly distinguishes them from police officers, helping to prevent impersonation or confusion about their role.
Penalties for Acting Without a Valid Licence
The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) outlines strict penalties for individuals or businesses that operate without a valid licence:
- Individuals caught acting as a security guard without a licence can face fines of up to $25,000 and possible legal action.
- Employers who knowingly hire unlicensed guards can also be fined up to $250,000, along with the risk of licence suspension or revocation.
These penalties serve as a strong deterrent and emphasize the seriousness of complying with licensing regulations.
How Regulation Prevents Misuse of Authority and Ensures Legal Compliance
Security guards often work in situations that require them to interact with the public, respond to emergencies, and monitor for unlawful activity. Without clear legal limits, there’s a risk of overreach, abuse of power, or violation of individual rights.
Ontario’s regulatory framework addresses this by:
- Clearly defining the legal scope of a guard’s authority (e.g., when they can detain a person under a citizen’s arrest)
- Mandating training in legal boundaries, ethics, and public interaction
- Requiring guards to report incidents and cooperate with law enforcement
- Enabling the Ministry of the Solicitor General to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action when necessary
These controls help maintain a balance between authority and accountability. They also reinforce public safety, ensure fair treatment of individuals, and uphold the reputation of the security industry across Ontario.
Contribution to Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Visible Deterrent in Retail, Residential, and Commercial Areas
One of the most immediate benefits of a licensed security guard is their physical presence, which acts as a powerful deterrent to criminal activity. Whether stationed at a retail store, patrolling a residential complex, or monitoring entry points at a commercial property, guards discourage theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other unlawful behaviour simply by being on-site.
Businesses and property managers often employ guards to:
- Monitor surveillance cameras and access control systems
- Conduct routine patrols to identify security risks
- Address suspicious activity before it escalates
This visibility not only reduces the likelihood of crime but also provides peace of mind to residents, employees, and customers.
Coordination with Police in Emergencies
Licensed security guards are trained to respond quickly to incidents and coordinate effectively with police and emergency responders when necessary. While they are not police officers, guards can:
- Detain individuals using citizen’s arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code (when appropriate)
- Secure a scene until law enforcement arrives
- Provide detailed incident reports and witness statements to aid investigations
This coordination helps ensure a faster, more organized response during emergencies—such as break-ins, assaults, or medical incidents—enhancing overall public safety outcomes.
Enhancing Safety in Public Spaces Through Proactive Presence
Beyond crime prevention, security guards contribute to a sense of safety and order in public areas such as parks, transit hubs, community events, and school zones. Their proactive presence allows them to:
- Intervene in escalating situations
- Offer directions and assistance to the public
- Report hazards or maintenance issues
- Monitor crowd behaviour at large gatherings
By being visible, approachable, and alert, licensed security guards create a safer and more secure environment. Their role is not just reactive—it’s preventative, professional, and people-focused.