Enhancing the Private Security and Investigative Services Industry in Ontario: Mandatory Training and Testing

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Enhancing the Private Security and Investigative
Services Industry in Ontario Mandatory Training
and Testing

• Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and
  Correctional Services
• June 17, 2008

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Items Of Discussion

1. Purpose of Presentation
2. PSISA Overview
3. Training and Testing Key Components
4. Training Curricula
5. Test
6. Test Sites and Delivery
7. Specialized Training
8. Draft Implementation Plan

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1. Purpose

• The Private Security and Investigative Services
  Branch (PSISB) is developing a mandatory training
  and testing program for security guards and
  private investigators
• This presentation will provide information on the
  components of the program and an update on the
  programs development

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2. PSISA Overview

• The Private Security and Investigative Services
  Act, 2005 (PSISA), was proclaimed on August 23,
  2007
• Stricter standards for security guard and private
  investigator licensing
• In-house security guards and private
  investigators must obtain licences by August 23,
  2008
• Businesses that employ in-house security must
  register by August 23, 2008
• Mandatory basic training and testing for security
  guards and private investigators

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2. PSISA Overview (contd)

• The need for training and testing has been driven
  by the growth of the industry and public
  expectations
• There are now an estimated 70,000 private
  security guards and private investigators in
  Ontario
• Role of industry is expanding into areas
  previously undertaken by public police (e.g.
  guarding business areas)
• Mandatory training and testing will ensure that
  security guards and private investigators possess
  the necessary knowledge and skills
• The program will also provide specialized
  training for use of equipment (e.g. batons)
• Separate from basic training

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3. Training Testing Components

• Training and testing program comprises four key
  components
• Training Curricula - to be used by colleges and
  Ministry registered trainers to develop and
  deliver training materials/courses
• Test - to ensure applicants possess the skills
  and knowledge identified in the curricula
• Test Sites and Delivery to be accessible across
  Ontario
• Specialized Training (equipment) - Ontario Police
  College to certify trainers who in turn provide
  training to security guards

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4. Training Curricula

• Curricula for basic training has been completed
• Two curricula security guard and private
  investigator
• Developed by internationally recognized experts
  in the field of occupational training development
• Conducted focus groups of Subject Matter Experts
  from the private security industry to gather
  valid occupational information
• Developed an Integrated Occupational Database
  containing the knowledge, skills and abilities of
  security guards and private investigators
• Database validated by industry survey of
  occupational incumbents

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4. Training Curricula (contd)

• PSISB is developing relationships with trainers
  and colleges to deliver curricula to individuals
• Registered Trainers (individuals authorized to
  deliver basic training)
• PSISB is working with the industry to establish
  the criteria and application process for becoming
  a registered trainer
• Private and Public Colleges
• Courses must include basic training curricula and
  be approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges
  and Universities
• PSISB and MTCU are working to facilitate college
  participation

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5. Test

• Multiple choice test required to determine
  whether applicants possess the skills and
  knowledge contained in the curriculum
• Test to be maintained/updated by PSISB and
  delivered across Ontario by a test service
  delivery business
• PSISB is now in the process of developing and
  piloting tests

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6. Test Sites Delivery

• Test delivery sites must be accessible across
  Ontario in conjunction with annual licensing
  processes
• An estimated 70,000 applicants to take the test
  during the first year of implementation and an
  estimated 5,000 to 10,000 applicants annually in
  subsequent years
• PSISB is seeking to procure test sites and
  delivery service
• Fees to be appropriate for the individuals
  required to take test

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7. Specialized Training

• Ontario Police College to coordinate provincial
  use of force standard to meet specialized
  training requirements
• Includes development of curriculum, trainer
  certification, training delivery and program
  accountability
• Based on train the trainer model
• Ontario Police College to certify trainers who,
  in turn, provide training to security
  practitioners
• Estimated 600 to 1,000 trainers with
  recertification requirements (annual or
  bi-annual)
• To be implemented after the basic training and
  testing program

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8. Draft Implementation Plan

• Security guards and private investigators
  licensed at the time the program first takes
  effect will be permitted to take the test without
  training
• Recognizes the experience and training standards
  currently in place
• Licensees must pass test to retain licence
• Unlicensed individuals to take training and
  testing
• Individuals will be required to pass test once
  (i.e. annual recertification not required)
• Specialized training (equipment) will be
  implemented after the basic training and testing
  system is in place

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8. Draft Implementation Plan(contd)

• Individuals are responsible for completing their
  basic training and passing the test
• Employers may choose to provide employees with
  training from a registered trainer to facilitate
  the licensing of these individuals

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8. Draft Implementation Plan(contd)

• PSISB will provide the industry advance notice of
  implementation
• Registrar to meet individually with key
  stakeholders
• Letters to stakeholders (e.g. agencies,
  registered businesses)
• Post notice on PSISBs website
  www.ontario.ca/private-security
• PSISB will mail information and instructions
  directly to individual licensees

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For further information

• Please contact the Private Security and
  Investigative
• Services Branch at
• 416 212-1650 (Toronto)
• 1866767-7454 (Toll-free)
• Visit the website at www.ontario.ca/private-secur
  ity