Anti-Rackets Branch bust unlicensed security guards in Sudbury

OPP News Release

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TORONTO - On Friday, 18 February 2011, Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch, tasked with enforcing provisions of the Private Security & Investigative Services Act (PSISA), conducted a second enforcement initiative in the City of Sudbury.

Officers attended several licensed liquor establishments. A number of businesses were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSIS Act.

The OPP will be laying twenty charges under the PSIS Act. Charges include six counts of working as an unlicensed security guard, six counts of employing an unlicensed security guard, two counts of being an unregistered business and uniform violations.

Additionally, one person was arrested under the trespass to property act.

The initiative is the sixth in a series of pro-active enforcement efforts to ensure provisions of the PSIS Act and Regulations are adhered to throughout the Province of Ontario.

Under the Private Security & Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work must be licensed. Additionally, establishments employing In-House Security Guards must be registered with the Private Security & Investigative Service Branch.

Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the ministry and responsible to ensure their security guards are licensed.

Persons convicted of working as unlicensed security guards are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000, under the PSIS Act and a year in custody.

Registered entities convicted of PSIS Act offenses are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000 under the PSIS Act. Officers and directors of companies may also be sentenced to a year in custody.

The investigations are continuing and further charges may be pending.

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