How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is Licensed in Ontario

1. How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is Licensed in Ontario Contents How to Verify if a Security Guard Provider is Licensed in Ontario .............................................................. 1 Understanding Ontario’s Security Guard Licence Requirements ............................................................ 2 Role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General ....................................................................................... 2 Key Requirements for Agencies and Individual Guards....................................................................... 3 Overview of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 ............................................... 3 Steps to Verify a Security Guard Provider’s Licence .............................................................................. 4 1. Visit Ontario’s Official Licence Registry ........................................................................................... 4 2. Search by Business or Individual Name ........................................................................................... 5 3. Confirm Licence Status, Expiry Date, and Any Conditions ............................................................... 5 Red Flags to Watch For .......................................................................................................................... 6 1. Lack of Transparency....................................................................................................................... 6 2. Refusal to Show Credentials ............................................................................................................ 6 3. Suspiciously Low or Vague Pricing................................................................................................... 7 4. No Online Presence or Poor Reviews .............................................................................................. 7

2. The Importance of Due Diligence ........................................................................................................ 7 Tips for Hiring a Reliable and Licensed Security Guard Provider in Ontario ......................................... 8 1. Ask for Proof of Licence .................................................................................................................. 8 2. Check References and Online Reviews ............................................................................................ 8 3. Look for WSIB Coverage and Insurance .......................................................................................... 9 4. Evaluate Professionalism and Communication ............................................................................... 9 5. Choose a Company That Understands Your Needs ......................................................................... 9 Contact Security Guard Company in Ontario! ...................................................................................... 10 Smith Security Inc. ............................................................................................................................ 10 Understanding Ontario’s Security Guard Licence Requirements Role of the Ministry of the Solicitor General In Ontario, the regulation of security guards and private investigators falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The Ministry oversees the administration and enforcement of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA), which sets out the legal standards for licensing, conduct, and training. The Ministry's mandate is to: Ensure public safety and professionalism within the private security industry Issue licences to eligible individuals and agencies Investigate and respond to complaints against licensed and unlicensed entities Maintain a public database of licensed security agencies and guards Before hiring a provider, it is important to confirm their status through the Ministry’s publicly accessible Online Licence Registry.

3. Key Requirements for Agencies and Individual Guards Ontario has strict licensing requirements for both security guard agencies and individual security guards. Here’s what’s required: For Security Guard Agencies: Must apply for and obtain a valid agency licence Required to maintain liability insurance Must ensure all employed guards are individually licensed Must comply with business conduct standards set by the PSISA Required to display their agency licence number on marketing materials and uniforms For Individual Security Guards: Must be at least 18 years old Must be eligible to work in Canada Must have no criminal record (as determined by a background check) Must complete a 40-hour Ministry-approved training course Must pass the provincial Security Guard Test Must carry their valid security guard licence while on duty Always ask to see proof of licensing from both the individual and the agency they represent. Overview of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 The Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA) is the primary legislation that governs the conduct, training, and licensing of private security personnel in Ontario. Key provisions of the Act include:

4. Prohibition against operating without a valid licence Rules for use of force, uniforms, and identification Code of conduct for licensees Mandatory training and testing standards Disciplinary actions for non-compliance, including fines or licence revocation This law ensures that only properly trained and vetted individuals can operate as security guards in Ontario, offering peace of mind to those hiring their services. Steps to Verify a Security Guard Provider’s Licence Here’s a step-by-step guide to verify a security guard licence in Ontario: 1. Visit Ontario’s Official Licence Registry The first step is to access the ServiceOntario online Licence Registry, which is maintained by the Ministry of the Solicitor General. This is the official database that lists all currently licensed security guard agencies and individuals in Ontario. You can access the registry here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/security-guard-or-private-investigator- licence This government portal ensures transparency and helps employers and the public verify security guard licences in Ontario quickly and accurately.

5. 2. Search by Business or Individual Name Once you're on the registry page, you can search for a security guard or agency using: Business name (for agencies) First and last name (for individual security guards) Licence number (if available) Be sure to double-check spellings and try multiple variations if your first search doesn’t return results. 3. Confirm Licence Status, Expiry Date, and Any Conditions After locating the individual or business, you’ll be able to view: Licence status (e.g., active, expired, revoked) Licence class (e.g., security guard, private investigator, or both) Licence expiry date Conditions or restrictions, if any A valid listing with an active licence and no restrictions indicates that you’re dealing with a licensed security guard in Ontario who is compliant with provincial regulations. If a security guard or agency does not appear in the registry, it is highly recommended that you avoid hiring them and report the concern to the Ministry.

6. Red Flags to Watch For Below are the top warning signs to help you avoid hiring an unlicensed security guard in Ontario: 1. Lack of Transparency Legitimate, licensed security guard providers in Ontario should be fully transparent about their credentials. If an agency is unwilling or hesitant to share: Their agency licence number Proof of liability insurance Individual guard certifications …it’s a strong indicator that they may not be properly licensed or are attempting to operate outside the law. A professional provider will often display their licence number on their website, uniforms, contracts, or promotional materials—just as required by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005. 2. Refusal to Show Credentials Every licensed security guard in Ontario is legally required to carry their valid licence while on duty and must produce it upon request. If an individual refuses to show you their licence card or claims they "forgot it," this is a serious red flag. Reputable security agencies will also proudly present proof of: Ministry-approved training Security Guard Test completion Compliance with the latest provincial regulations

7. Always ask to see credentials before allowing anyone to begin work. 3. Suspiciously Low or Vague Pricing Unlicensed providers often attract clients with suspiciously low pricing or vague service descriptions. If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for: A lack of detailed service breakdown “Cash only” payments No formal contract No mention of supervision, insurance, or replacement policies A properly licensed agency invests in training, certification, insurance, and compliance—all of which are reflected in their pricing structure. 4. No Online Presence or Poor Reviews In today’s digital world, even small local agencies should have: A website with proper contact information and licence details A Google Business Profile Reviews or testimonials from previous clients A total lack of online presence, or reviews mentioning unprofessional conduct, missed shifts, or unlicensed operations, should give you pause. The Importance of Due Diligence Hiring a security guard provider in Ontario is a serious responsibility. Whether you're securing a commercial site, residential building, or a special event, you need peace of mind knowing your provider is: Properly licensed

8. Insured Accountable under provincial law Tips for Hiring a Reliable and Licensed Security Guard Provider in Ontario Below are practical tips to guide your hiring process and help you make an informed decision. 1. Ask for Proof of Licence Before signing any contract or agreeing to services, request proof of licensing from both the security guard agency and the individual guards who will be assigned to your location. Reputable providers will have no issue supplying: Their agency licence number Copies of individual security guard licences Proof of compliance with the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 Always verify the information through Ontario’s official Licence Registry to confirm the licence is valid, active, and free of conditions. 2. Check References and Online Reviews A reliable Ontario security guard company should have a solid track record. Don’t hesitate to: Ask for references from past or current clients Look up Google reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and testimonials Check industry-specific forums or directories for red flags

9. Consistent negative feedback about no-shows, unprofessional behaviour, or lack of proper training is a clear sign to steer clear. 3. Look for WSIB Coverage and Insurance Professional and compliant licensed security guard services should carry both: General liability insurance Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage These protections are critical in the event of on-site incidents or accidents. Without them, you could be exposed to legal liability. Always ask for certificates of insurance and proof of WSIB registration before hiring. 4. Evaluate Professionalism and Communication First impressions matter. A reliable provider should: Respond to inquiries promptly Offer a detailed service proposal Be transparent about pricing, guard duties, and shift schedules Their guards should arrive in clearly marked uniforms, carry their licences, and conduct themselves with professionalism at all times. 5. Choose a Company That Understands Your Needs Every property or event is unique. Look for a security company in Ontario that: Offers site assessments before deploying guards Customises services to suit your business or venue Provides ongoing supervision and reporting

10. Providers who take the time to understand your needs are more likely to deliver high-quality, licensed security guard servicestailored to your situation. Contact Security Guard Company in Ontario! Smith Security Inc. Address: 3 Royce Ave, Orillia, ON L3V 5H8, Canada Phone Number: +17059080132 Business Hours: 24 / 7 open Website: https://smithsecurity.ca Email: info@smithsecurity.ca