Hold a provincial licence.
Anyone paid to protect people or property needs one.
That includes patrol guards, concierge security, event staff, bouncers, bodyguards and loss prevention.
Hiring security guards in Ontario
Hiring Security Guards in Ontario? Here's What to Expect.
Every security guard and security company in Ontario is regulated by the province under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 (PSISA). Here's a plain-English guide to what a real, licensed guard looks like, what they can do, and what they can't.
Jump to the Checklist
Printable. Bring it to your meetings with security companies.
The basics
Every Guard Working in Ontario Must…
Carry their licence on shift, and show it if you ask.
Guards must identify themselves as a security guard and produce their licence when a member of the public asks.
Be trained, tested and screened.
To get licensed, a guard must be 18+.
They must complete the government training course (including Emergency First Aid), pass a provincial exam, have a clean criminal record, and be legally allowed to work in Canada.
Work for a licensed security company.
The company itself also needs a provincial agency licence.
The uniform
What a Proper Security Guard Uniform Looks Like
Ontario has strict uniform rules so the public can instantly tell a security guard apart from the police. Most guards must be in uniform while working.
Bodyguards and loss prevention staff are the exceptions and can work in plain clothes, but they still need a licence.
Front of the Uniform
Company name or logo on the chest
The security company that employs the guard.
“SECURITY” or “SECURITY GUARD” on the chest
Capital letters at least 1.5 cm tall, in a colour that stands out from the uniform.
A name tag or licence number tag on the chest
So you always know who you're dealing with.
Back of the Uniform
“SECURITY” across the back of jackets, rain gear and vests
Capital letters at least 10 cm tall, in a contrasting colour. Collared shirts, sweaters and blazers don't need back lettering.
If it looks like a police uniform, it isn't allowed. A real guard should look clearly like security, not police.
What guards can do
What a Security Guard Can and Can't Do
Security guards are not police. They don't have police powers. Legally, they have the same arrest powers as any citizen, plus the authority you (the property owner) give them to control your property.
A security guard CAN:
- Patrol your property and watch for problems
- Control who comes in and out (sign-in logs, visitor passes, access points)
- Ask people to leave your property, and enforce your property rules on your behalf
- Arrest someone who refuses to leave or who trespasses, then hand them over to police
- Make a citizen's arrest if they personally see someone commit a crime on or involving the property they're protecting
- Give first aid and help direct firefighters, paramedics and police in an emergency
- Write detailed incident reports that can be used as evidence in court
- Use reasonable force when legally justified, and only as much as is needed
A security guard CAN'T:
- Act like, dress like or call themselves police
- Use the title “Security Officer” (the law says they're a “Security Guard”)
- Carry a metal badge or any symbol of authority other than their licence and uniform
- Arrest someone based on a rumour or a hunch. For most arrests, they must see the offence happen
- Hold someone without calling police. After any arrest, the person must be handed to police as soon as possible
- Use excessive force. Guards are criminally responsible for any force beyond what was necessary
- Use zip ties or cable ties as restraints
- Use handcuffs or a baton that weren't issued by their security company, or use a baton for anything other than self-defence
- Treat people differently based on race, religion, gender, disability or background
- Work while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or use profanity or abusive language on the job
Equipment
What Equipment Can a Guard Carry?
Handcuffs
Allowed only if issued by the guard's security company.
Batons
Allowed only if issued by the company, and only for self-defence.
Zip ties / cable ties
Never allowed as restraints.
Most guards carry a radio, flashlight, notebook and phone. At KingsGuard, our guards also wear Axon body cameras and log their patrols in TrackTik, so you get a clear record of what happened on every shift.
Security guard vs police
Security Guard vs Police
| Row | Security Guard | Police |
|---|---|---|
| Who they work for | Your property / your security company | The public |
| Main job | Observe, deter, record and report | Enforce the law |
| Arrest powers | Same as any citizen, plus trespass on your property | Full police powers |
| Can investigate crimes and lay charges | No | Yes |
| Uniform | Must look different from police | Police uniform |
Hiring checklist
Before You Hire Any Security Company, Check These 7 Things
Printable. Bring it to your meetings with security companies.
Complaints
What If a Guard or Security Company Breaks the Rules?
Anyone can file a public complaint with the province's Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) against a licensed guard or security company. The province can investigate, issue warnings, lay charges or revoke a licence. Breaking the PSISA can mean fines of up to $25,000, up to a year in jail, or both.
How to file a complaintThe KingsGuard standard
How KingsGuard Does It
Fully licensed, fully compliant.
Every KingsGuard guard is provincially licensed and wears a fully compliant uniform. Ask any of our guards for their licence and they'll show it.
Accountable on every shift.
Axon body cameras and TrackTik patrol tracking mean every round and every incident is recorded.
One call for everything.
Guards, monitored cameras, virtual monitoring, parking enforcement and more, from one company.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide is a plain-language summary for general information only and isn't legal advice. For the full rules, see the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 and its regulations, including O. Reg. 362/07 (Uniforms), O. Reg. 363/07 (Code of Conduct) and O. Reg. 366/07 (Equipment). Last reviewed: October 2026. Links: PSISA · Uniforms regulation · Equipment regulation