Private Security and Investigative Services Act and Code of Conduct
The statute
Ontario's Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) is administered through the Ministry of the Solicitor General, with a Registrar who issues licences, handles complaints and can suspend or revoke. Key rules: you must hold a valid licence to act as a security guard or private investigator, you must carry it while working and produce it on request, and you must not hold yourself out as licensed when you are not. Licensing conditions include being 18 or older, legally entitled to work in Canada, completing approved training, and passing a criminal record check. Licences are time-limited and must be renewed.
Uniform and identification
Uniforms and badges must not resemble police or be likely to confuse the public, and a guard must not claim to be a police officer. Vehicles, titles and advertising are similarly restricted.
Code of Conduct
Expect questions on the conduct standards: honesty and integrity; respect and courtesy; avoiding conflicts of interest; not using your position for personal gain; confidentiality of information; not misrepresenting yourself; reporting unlawful or improper conduct; and cooperating with the Registrar. Misconduct can bring discipline from the employer and the Registrar.
The traps
Frequent wrong answers: "my out-of-province licence is fine here," "I can start work while my application is pending," "my employer's licence covers me," and "a guard who is off duty has no obligations." Another trap is confusing the PSISA with the Criminal Code - the PSISA regulates licensing and conduct, not criminal offences.
Rule of thumb
Licensed, carrying, honest, and never pretending to be police.