Manitoba Justice
Private Investigators and Security Guards Program
Frequently Asked Questions - Individuals
- How do I become licenced as a security guard/private investigator?
- After the application has been submitted, how long before I receive my licence?
- Do I have to work for a licensed business or registered employer?
- Must a licensed security guard/private investigator show their licence when asked?
- Do I have to work for a licensed and/or registered company?
- Can a security guard work for more than one employer?
- Can a security guard or private investigators use the following equipment?
- How are security guards and/or private investigators regulated and who ensures they are licenced?
- How do I get the training needed to become a security guard?
- Do I have to complete the mandatory training and pass the exam before I can be licenced?
- Can I get a licence as a security guard/private investigator if I have a criminal record?
- Who is notified if I have a criminal history and I can't be licenced?
- Do I have to report if I have been charged and/or convicted of a criminal offence while I am licensed?
- If I have charges that have not been dealt with and/or have a record with a conviction(s), including a conditional discharge, do I still need to report the charge and/or convictions on my application?
- Is the licence fee refundable if I am not eligible for a licence?
- How long are the criminal record and child abuse registry checks and photo valid?
- How long is a security guard/private investigator licence valid?
- How much does a licence cost?
- Once my application is dropped off, faxed, mailed or e-mailed to the Private Investigator and Security Guard program can I start working right away?
- What types of licence fee payment are accepted?
- Do security guards have any "powers of arrest?"
- Must I wear a uniform while working as a security guard?
- Are there restrictions on the type of uniform I can wear as a security guard?
- Can I obtain a uniform exemption and not have to wear a uniform?
- Can private investigators wear uniforms?
- May I use the term "private detective" when working as a private investigator?
- May I carry a badge or "shield" when working as a security guard and/or private investigator to prove my authority or as identification?
- What is the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program?
- How much does the training and exam cost?
- What do I need to do after passing the final exam?
- Is everyone required to attend the training program or write the exam?
- Am I required to repeat or renew my training?
- How do I become licenced as a security guard/private investigator?
If you are at least 18 years of age, you can apply to become a security guard or private investigator by submitting the following to the Registrar:
- Completed Security Guard Private Investigator/Security Guard Licence Application
- Current Child Abuse Registry check (dated no more than six months prior to application)
- Current Criminal Record check (dated no more than six months prior to application)
- Document that outlines your Criminal Record if you have been convicted (dated no more than six months prior to the application)
- Proof of training (for security guards only)
- Proof of work experience related to role of private investigator or work experience that provided private investigator training or a letter from a licenced private investigator business confirming employment and training - if no previous experience or training.
- Digital jPeg photo image/passport photo
- *digital photos on disc, flash drive, etc. not accepted; forward digital jPeg photo to pisg@gov.mb.ca
- Payment of licence fee
- After the application has been submitted, how long before I receive
my licence?
All applications are processed as quickly as possible, but it may take between seven and ten business days to process your application. This time is needed to determine if you meet the licence requirements. Please ensure that all documents (listed above) are attached to your completed application.
- Do I have to work for a licensed business or registered
employer?
Yes.
As a private investigator, section 4(3) (I) requires that you are employed by a business licensed to provide private investigators. As a security guard, section 5(4)(i) requires that you are employed by a business licensed to provide security guards or an employer registered as a security guard employer. - Must a licensed security guard or private investigator show their licence
when asked?
Yes.
You must always carry your licence when you are working, as this is a requirement of the Act. If anyone asks to see your licence you are required to show it to them. - Do I have to work for a licenced and/or registered employer?
- Can a security guard work for more than one employer?
Yes.
You can work for more than one employer, as long as they are licensed and/or registered under the Act. - Can a security guard/private investigators use the following
equipment?
a. Batons/Nightsticks
While batons are not considered prohibited weapons, security guards and private investigators should not use or carry batons, truncheons, nightsticks, billy clubs or any similar item as a weapon. Possessing or using this equipment could place an individual in violation of the Criminal Code.b. Firearms
No, individuals licensed under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act may not carry any type of restricted weapon.c. Handcuffs
The use of handcuffs, although not specifically prohibited, should be closely monitored by your employer. As a general rule, only a minimum level of force may be used to restrain a person being lawfully placed under arrest. You must know that any other application of force is an unjustified assault and may lead to a charge under the Criminal Code.d. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray (Pepper Spray)
No, security guards and private investigators are prohibited from the possession/use of pepper spray as it is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code. - How are security guards and/or private investigators regulated and who
ensures they are licenced?
All security guards and private investigators are regulated by The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act and Regulation. The Private Investigators and Security Guards program of Manitoba Justice is responsible for ensuring that individuals are licenced appropriately.
- How do I get the training needed to become a security guard?
Manitoba has a mandatory 40-hour training course called the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program. Manitoba Justice does not provide the training directly, but approves trainers who are authorized to deliver the program and a list of the training providers can be found here.
- Do I have to complete the mandatory training and pass the exam before I can
be licensed?
No.
You are eligible for a one-time 180 day (6 month) temporary licence that provides you with the ability to work and take the training program. Once you have successfully completed the training, you can apply for a regular licence. At this time, mandatory training applies to security guards only.If you have completed a security guard training program in a Province or Territory that has mandatory security guard training, you can provide a copy of the certificate from that jurisdiction and it may be recognized as the equivalent to the mandatory training.
- Can I get a licence as a security guard/private investigator if I have a criminal record?
- Who is notified if I have a criminal record and my licence is
denied?
If you have a criminal record that leads to the denial of your application, you will receive a letter from the Registrar explaining the reason(s) for the decision not to issue the licence. You have the opportunity to provide information regarding your criminal history that you feel supports your application for a licence. The Registrar does not provide specific information about your criminal record to anyone else.
- Do I have to report if I have been charged and/or convicted of a criminal
offence while I am licensed?
Yes.
Section 19.1(1)(b)(c) of the Act requires that you report a charge laid against you and/or a conviction against you.Please complete an Individual Licence – Update form found here.
- If I have charges that have not been dealt with and/or have a record
with a conviction(s), including a conditional discharge, do I still need to report the charge and/or
convictions on my application?
Yes.
All of this information must be reported on your application and if you have a criminal record, you must provide a letter from a police service that details all of your convictions. - Is the licence fee refundable if I am not eligible for a
licence?
No.
All fees are non-refundable. - How long are the criminal record and child abuse registry checks and photo
valid for?
As long as you continue to be licenced, your criminal and child abuse checks and photo are valid for three years from date of issue.
You need to submit proof of any name change(s) (i.e. Marriage Certificate, Change of Name Certificate) if you change the name that your licence was issued under. Without proof of a name change, your licence can not be changed.
Your photo is valid for three years from date of issue, unless you experience a significant change of appearance (i.e. change of hair colour; growth or removal of facial hair)
At any time while you hold a licence, if there is a change in your personal information you must report it to the program within 15 days of the change. Please complete the Application for Individual Licence – Update form found here.
- How long is a security guard/private investigator
licence valid for?
Temporary licences may be issued to security guards who have not completed training and are valid for 180 days (6 months).
Regular security guard and/or private investigator licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
The expiry date of your licence is printed on the front of your licence. It is your responsibility to renew your licence prior to the expiry date.
You will need to complete the Application for Individual Licence – Renewal form found here.
- How much does a licence cost?
Licence fees are:
Temporary Security Guard Licence:$25.00
One-Year Private Investigator or Security Guard Licence:
$25.00
One Year Dual Licence (Private Investigator and Security Guard):
$50.00
- Once my application is dropped off, faxed, mailed or e-mailed to the
Private Investigator and Security Guard program can I start work right away?
No.
You can not start work until you receive your licence. - What types of licence fee payments are accepted?
Cash, cheque (No personal cheques permitted), money order, debit, credit card and on-line payments.
- Do security guards have any "powers of arrest?"
A security guard has the same powers of arrest as a private citizen as outlined in Section 494 of the Criminal Code. Security guards have no extra or special powers of arrest.
- Must I wear a uniform while working as a security guard?
Yes.
You must wear a uniform if you are working as a security guard as this is required by the Act. - Are there restrictions on the type of uniform I can wear as a
security guard?
Yes.
Uniforms worn by security guards can not look the same as those worn by police officers or the military and clearly identify the individual as a “security guard.”The words “security guard” must be in clear letters on the outermost garment worn.
- Can I obtain a uniform exemption and not have to wear a uniform?
A uniform exemption is available only for individuals who perform loss prevention duties after a uniform exemption application is be submitted to and approved by the Private Investigator and Security Guard program.
All other security guards must wear a uniform while working.
- Can private investigators wear uniforms?
No.
The Act says that private investigators cannot wear a uniform while working. - May I use the term "private detective", “protection
officer” or “law enforcement officer” when working as a security guard and/or private
investigator?
No.
These terms are not allowed under the Act. - May I carry a badge or "shield" when working as a security
guard and/or private investigator to prove my authority or as identification?
No.
The only form of identification that the Act allows is the licence issued by the Private Investigator and Security Guard program and/or a business card. However, the business card can not refer to licensing under the Act. - What is the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program?
The program is a 40 hour training course designed to provide security guards with the basic knowledge needed to perform work safely and professionally.
- How much does the training and exam cost?
The fee for the training program is not set by Manitoba Justice and varies between approved trainers. You must contact the approved trainers directly to obtain this information.
Manitoba Justice charges a $25.00 administrative fee for each exam.
- What do I need to do after passing the final exam?
The approved trainer must provide you with a certificate as proof that you completed the training and passed the exam. Once you have the certificate, a copy must be attached to your security guard licence application.
If you have a temporary security guard licence, you need to submit a copy of the certificate to the Private Investigators and Security Guards program so your temporary security guard licence can be changed to a regular licence.
Do not submit the original training certificate as you must keep it for your records as proof of having successfully completed the training program. A copy of the certificate must be attached to licence renewal applications.
- Is everyone required to attend the training program or write
the exam?
No.
There are some exceptions and individuals may be considered for an "exam challenge" or an “exam exemption."To be considered for an exam challenge you must:
provide the Private Investigators and Security Guards program with proof that you have sufficient prior work experience that relates directly to duties performed by a security guard; or
provide the Private Investigators and Security Guards program with proof of having worked as a security guard for a minimum of 1500 hours within the two years prior to applying for a licence.
If you are approved for an exam challenge, this means you may write the test without having to attend the 40 hour program. However, this also means that you are writing without benefit of having seen the course material on which the exam questions are based.
If you are approved for an exam challenge and fail three times, you must complete the 40 hour training course before taking the exam again. If you write and pass the exam as a challenge, Manitoba Justice will issue a letter of acknowledgement. This letter replaces the training certificate issued by an approved training provided and should be treated in the same manner.
To be considered for an exam exemption you must:
- provide proof to the Private Investigators and Security Guards program of having worked as a security guard for 3000 hours within the two years prior to applying for a licence.
If you are approved for an exam exemption, you do not have to attend the 40 hour training course or write the exam. Manitoba Justice will issue a letter of acknowledgement. This letter replaces the training certificate issued by an approved training provider and should be treated in the same manner.
**Hours you have worked while issued a temporary licence cannot make up the hours required for exam challenge or grandfathering consideration.
If you have completed a security guard training program in a Province or Territory that has mandatory security guard training, you can provide a copy of the certificate from that jurisdiction and it may be recognized as the equivalent to the mandatory training.
- Am I required to repeat or renew my training?
No.
At this time there is no need to renew your training once you have completed the program and passed the exam.Only under special circumstances may an individual be required to repeat the course if they have satisfied the requirement.
If you fail the security guard exam 3 times, you are required to retake or take the training program.
Yes.
Sections 4(3)(i) and 15(4)(i) of the Act require that you be employed by a licenced and/or registered
employer.
A criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a licence, as all applications are considered on a case by case basis. The decision to issue a licence or not is made by the Registrar of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.
If your licence application has been denied, you can complete a Notice of a Request for Hearing Indivdual form found here.
