Ontario: the PSISA, licensing, Code of Conduct, uniforms and equipment
864 words · checked 2026-10-03 · Free
Why this section matters
Section 2 of the training syllabus is only 2 classroom hours, but it is the most rule-based part of the test: exact prohibited words, uniform details, licence duties and penalties. Learn the numbers and lists below.
Who needs a licence
Anyone who, for pay, performs work that consists primarily of protecting persons or property needs a security guard licence - including bodyguards, bouncers and loss prevention staff. The PSISA came into force on 23 August 2007; mandatory training and testing started on 15 April 2010 (O. Reg. 26/10).
Eligibility
- At least 18 years old
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Clean criminal record as defined by O. Reg. 37/08 (some offences without a pardon disqualify you; other charges are reviewed case by case)
- Completed the 40-hour training program (33.5 h if first aid is exempt), holds a valid Emergency First Aid certificate and passed the ministry test
Term
A security guard licence issued after 30 January 2012 ends on your second birthday after issue (O. Reg. 367/07 s.1(2)); a renewed licence lasts two years. Licence fee: $80 (dual SG + PI: $160).
Duties under the Act (ss.35-40)
| Rule | Section |
|---|---|
| Carry your licence, identify yourself as a security guard on request, and produce the licence on request | s.35(1) |
| Wear a uniform that complies with the regulation - except bodyguards and loss prevention staff | s.35(2)-(3) |
| Carry no other identification or symbol of authority than the licence, uniform and what the regulations allow (e.g. no metal badge) | s.35(4) |
| Return the licence to the Registrar if it is suspended or revoked or you no longer qualify | s.37 |
| Do not lend your licence, use another's or display an invalid one | s.38 |
| Do not falsely hold yourself out as providing police services | s.39 |
| Never use the terms "Detective" / "Private Detective", "Law enforcement", "Police" or "Officer" | s.40 |
Key fact: Because "officer" is a prohibited term, an Ontario guard may not call themselves a "security officer".
Licensees must also tell the Registrar in writing of changes to address information within five business days (s.32), and a business may employ only properly licensed guards (s.31).
Code of Conduct (O. Reg. 363/07)
Every individual licensee must:
- act with honesty and integrity;
- respect and use property and equipment according to the licence conditions;
- comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws;
- treat all persons equally, without discrimination on grounds such as race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability;
- refrain from profane, abusive or insulting language or uncivil actions;
- refrain from unnecessary force;
- refrain from behaviour prohibited or not authorized by law;
- keep information received at work confidential unless disclosure is required by the work or by law;
- co-operate with police where required by law.
A licensee must not be unfit for duty through alcohol or drugs, help another licensee breach the Code, make false complaints about another licensee, or misrepresent their licence type or conditions.
Uniforms (O. Reg. 362/07)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Employer name/logo/crest | On the chest of the outermost garment |
| "SECURITY" or "SECURITY GUARD" (or French equivalent) on the chest | Upper-case letters at least 1.5 cm high, contrasting colour, permanently affixed |
| "SECURITY" on the back | Upper-case letters at least 10 cm high, contrasting colour |
| ID tag | Guard's name or licence number on the chest |
| Not allowed | Rank chevrons; collared shirt that is black or navy blue; trouser stripes (except reflective safety stripes); police-style forage cap |
Equipment (O. Reg. 366/07)
- Firearms: only if authorized to carry under s.20 of the federal Firearms Act.
- Batons: only if issued by the employer and used for defensive purposes only; the employer must carry insurance.
- Handcuffs: only if issued by the employer.
- Cable ties / strip ties may not be used as restraints.
Vehicles (O. Reg. 364/07)
A vehicle marked as a security vehicle must show the word "SECURITY" (or "SÉCURITÉ") in letters at least 10 cm high on both sides and 8 cm on the front and back; it must not have red, blue, gold or yellow stripes (except within the company logo) and may not be marked with words such as police, officer, detective, private detective or law enforcement.
Complaints and penalties
- Anyone may file a public complaint against a licensee with the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch; outcomes include facilitation, warnings, charges, suspension or revocation.
- Offences under the PSISA: an individual faces a fine of up to $25,000, up to one year in jail, or both; a business up to $250,000 (s.45).
Quick review
- Which two kinds of guard are exempt from wearing a uniform? (Bodyguards and loss prevention.)
- Name the four prohibited terms in s.40. (Detective/private detective, law enforcement, police, officer.)
- What colour may a collared uniform shirt not be? (Black or navy blue.)
- Can a guard use a baton bought personally? (No - it must be employer-issued and used defensively only.)
- Maximum PSISA penalty for an individual? ($25,000 and/or 1 year.)