Introduction
Newstricky| The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act (PISGA) is a Canadian statute that sets out the requirements for private investigators (PI) and security guards.
The PISGA was enacted in 2009, and it replaced the former Private Investigators and Security Guards Regulations.
The PISGA sets out the qualifications that individuals must meet to conduct PI work in Canada. These requirements are in place to ensure that the individuals who are employed in this field have obtained adequate training and understand their ethical responsibilities.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for a license under the PISGA. However, if an individual is applying for a license under subsection 12(1) of the PISGA, which applies to security guards who provide services only within a single municipality, the minimum age is 16.
In order to be licensed as a PI in Canada, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Have a good reputation and be of good character;
- Not be or have been prohibited from possessing any weapon;
- Be at least 18 years old, if applying to be a security guard under subsection 12(1) of the PISGA [must provide evidence that has obtained at least eight hours of training in the following: (i) legal and civil liability issues in security work, (ii) use of force, (iii) emergency response procedures, (iv) conflict resolution];
- Have successfully completed a training program in investigative techniques that is recognized by the Minister; and
- Have adequate experience or knowledge in the investigation of offences.
The PISGA also sets out the requirements for companies that provide PI services. In order to provide PI services in Canada, a company must be registered with the Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards.
The PISGA imposes a number of regulatory requirements on companies that provide PI services. These include:
- The company must have a written contract with each client;
- The company must ensure that its employees are qualified and meet the requirements of the PISGA;
- The company must keep records of its investigations for a period of six years; and
- The company must provide its employees with a code of ethics.
The PISGA also imposes restrictions on PIs and security guards’ activities. These activities include:
- Conducting investigations without the client’s consent;
- Entering into a private residence without the owner’s consent;
- Intercepting communications; and
- Using the excessive force.
The PISGA is an important piece of legislation that sets out the requirements for those who wish to work in the PI and security guard industries in Canada.
Individuals must be licensed PIs to conduct investigations in Canada, and they must understand their ethical responsibilities in this position. Companies that employ PIs or security guards are subject to important regulatory requirements that help protect the public from unethical behavior.
The Violations of the PISGA
Violating the PISGA can result in serious consequences. Individuals who are found to be in violation of the Act may be subject to criminal prosecution and may face fines or imprisonment. Companies that violate the PISGA may be subject to fines or suspension of their registration.
The PISGA is an important piece of legislation that sets out the requirements for those who wish to work in the private investigator and security guard industries in Canada. By understanding the requirements set out in the Act, individuals and companies can ensure that they are conducting themselves in a responsible and ethical manner.
Private investigators and security guards are subject to different provincial regulations, particularly in Ontario. The licensing requirements for private investigators under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (Ontario) are regulated by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Service. The license must be renewed every year.
It states that an individual may not engage in any private investigator activity without a valid license. The regulation also states that anyone who guards or watches private property, such as an apartment building or workplace, for the purpose of protecting it from unlawful entry may only do so if they are licensed as a security guard under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act and comply with the regulations made under that Act.
The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act in Canada sets out the licensing and regulatory requirements for private investigators and security guards across the country. It is administered by each individual province, with different regulations in place depending on the province.
Private investigators must be licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, while security guards must be licensed under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act and comply with the regulations made under that Act. Anyone who wishes to engage in private investigator activity or guard or watch private property must meet the licensing requirements set out in the Act.
