 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Overview of Security Regulation Back to The Role of Private Security Overview of Private Security Regulation In BC, many types of private security professionals and the security firms they work for are licensed and regulated by law. The Security Services Act, which was passed in the spring of 2007, will replace the old Private Investigators Act. The new law will extend licensing, training and other government requirements to more types of private security than are currently covered. These new licensing and regulatory requirements will be phased in over a two year period (by 2009). As the new types of private security are brought under this regulatory framework, government has indicated they will consult with stakeholders on the development of appropriate standards and regulations. One area being considered is establishing an industry appropriate Code of Conduct and regulations regarding the use of equipment, including restraining devices. Several public interest organizations intend to participate and monitor the implementation of these new regulatory requirements. The organizations involved include:
The links section of Security And You has contact information for some of these organizations.
The Security Programs and Police Technology Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General oversees the regulation of the private security industry in BC.
The role of the regulatory regime is to train and monitor the security industry to ensure public safety, peace and security of property. To achieve this, the regulator prescribes appropriate licensing, auditing, and other oversight processes needed to safeguard the public.
Six classes of private security services are currently licensed and must comply with various regulatory standards and requirements.
By 2009, regulatory standards and requirements will extend to more classes of private security including doorpersons and bouncers, bodyguards and in-house security patrol guards. The chart below details this information.
| Currently regulated by Private Investigators and Security Agencies Act (PISA) Detailed descriptions and information can be found on the government's website. | |
| Types of Security Service / Function | Examples of Regulatory Requirements & Standards |
| Private Security Patrol Firms & Individual Patrol Guards They Employ | Both firms and individual guards must hold valid license; Guards must undergo basic standards training; Guards must carry ID card and valid security license; Guards not allowed to carry or use firearms, truncheons, billets, handcuffs, or other restraining devices. They are also not allowed to use chemical spray or any other item designed or intended to debilitate or control a person; Guards are not allowed to hold themselves out to be Police; If uniformed, guards must display Security, Guard or Patrol. |
| Private Investigation Firms & Individual Investigators | Both firms and individual investigators must hold valid license; Applicants must meet Experience and Knowledge Standards; Private Investigators may not carry a firearm, weapon, or restraining device while on the job. |
| Security Alarm Services | All alarm service firms, employees and owners / managers must be licensed; Various restrictions and privileges apply. |
| Armoured Car Services | Armoured car service businesses must be licensed by PISA and under the Firearms Act. Employees are not required to be licensed but must possess an Authorization to Carry a Prohibited Firearm and must meet specified training standards; Employees may not carry non-firearm weapons, (such as pepper spray), or restraining devices while on the job; |
| Locksmiths | Locksmith businesses and employees must be licensed; A licensed locksmith business cannot possess either a security patrol or a private investigator business license; Employees may not possess either a security patrol or private investigator license while holding a locksmith employee license; Locksmith employees may not carry a firearm, weapon, or restraining device while on the job. |
| Security Consultants | All security consultant businesses, employees and owners or managers must be licensed; Employees must be Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants, residents of Canada, and at least 19 years old; Applicants must provide documentation, such as letters of reference in support of education, experience and professional credentials and/or evidence of previous licensing; A clear description of related experience must include the type of work and length of time dedicated to obtaining skills and expertise; In addition, security consultant employees may not carry firearms, weapons, or restraining devices while on the job. |
| To be regulated by the Security Services Act. Regulations and licensing requirements to be phased in by 2009. See the Resources section for reference to this and other Acts. | |
| Types of Security Service / Function | Examples of Regulatory Requirements & Standards |
| All Six of the Above Classes PLUS the Following Types | Exact regulation unknown at this time, but at a minimum we anticipate similar requirements; In addition, we expect to see the development of a Code of Conduct for classes of private security who interact with the public. |
| In-House Security Patrol Guards | Expect same training, licensing, and equipment restrictions / standards as Patrol Guards listed above. |
| In-House Private Investigators | Expect same licensing, experience, knowledge and equipment restrictions as Private Investigators listed above. |
| Doorpersons and Bouncers | Licensing requirements will apply but criteria unknown at this time. |
| Bodyguards | Licensing requirements will apply but criteria unknown at this time. |
| Armoured Car Guards | Licensing requirements will apply but criteria unknown at this time. |
For more information about regulations and standards in the private security industry, see the Ministry's website.
See the Resources page for links to relevant legislation.
Back to The Role of Private Security