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Anti-Rackets Branch bust unlicensed security guards in the Bay

Ontario Provincial Police News Release ******************** On Friday, March 4, 2011, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch, tasked with enforcing provisions of the Private Security & Investigative Services Act (PSISA) co
Kate Adams
Ontario Provincial Police
News Release

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On Friday, March 4, 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 joint forces enforcement initiative with the North Bay Police Service and the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario, in the City of North Bay.

Officers attended several licensed alcohol establishments whereupon a number of businesses were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSIS Act.

The OPP will be laying 26 charges under the PSIS Act. Charges include 12 counts of Employ Security Guards – No Licence; 2 counts of Business Entity – Fail to Register; 11 counts of Act as a Security Guard – No Licence and one count of Engage in the Business of Providing Security Guards – No Licence.

The initiative is the 11th in a series of proactive 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 for ensuring their security guards are licensed.

Business entities that provide security guard training must ensure courses comply with ministry standards, including a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training.

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.

Business entities convicted of PSIS Act offences 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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