OPP PRO-ACTIVE ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVES LEADS TO CHARGES
FROM: Anti-Rackets Branch OPP Criminal Investigative Services DATE: August 22, 2011
Private Security, Licensing Breaches in Timmins, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Kakabeca Falls, and Kenora
ORILLIA, ON – Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch, Provincial Security Enforcement Unit (PSEU) will proceed with 188 charges in connection with violations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
On August 18, 19 and 20, 2011 OPP members conducted enforcement initiatives at a number of establishments inTimmins,Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie,Thunder Bay,KakabecaFalls and Kenora. A number of businesses and individuals were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSISA.
Charges include:
- Thirty-nine counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
- Seventy-eight counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
- Fifty-two counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations,
- Nineteen counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security, and
- Two (2) counts of failing to notify Registrar of employees who are security guards.
The investigations are continuing and further charges may be pending.
CHARGES BY LOCATION
Timmins (17 Charges) – August 19, 2011
- Four (4) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
- Eight (8) counts of employing an unlicensed security guard ,
- Two (2) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
- Three (3) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security, and unregistered business
Sudbury (19 Charges) – August 19, 2011
- Three (3) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
- Six (6) counts of employing an unlicensed security guard, and
- Ten (10) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations
Sault Ste. Marie (Four Charges) – August 18, 2011
- Two (2) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
- Two (2) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security.
Thunder Bay (105 Charges) – August 19, 2011
- Twenty-four counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
- Fourty-eight counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
- Twenty-one counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
- Twelve counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security.
Kakabeca Falls (Nine Charges) – August 20, 2011
- Nine (9) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations
Kenora (34 Charges) – August 20, 2011
- Eight (8) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
- Sixteen counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
- Eight (8) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
- Two (2) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security
Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work inOntario must be licensed. Additionally, establishments employing in-house security guards must be registered with the Private Security and Investigative Service Branch.
Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Community safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) 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 up to one year in custody.
Background information on and forms related to the PSISA can be found at this link: Private Security and Investigative Services
