Resources

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Security Industry and Licensing

News and Updates

September 10, 2009
NEW!– Security businesses and individuals/security workers can now apply for a new security licence or renew a current security licence electronically, through the Online Service. 
>> read more

August 14, 2009
Proposal to Regulate the Sale, Possession and use of Body Armour.
>> read more

June 4, 2009
Licensing dates extended for in-house security guards, dogs, restraints.
>> read more

In British Columbia, businesses and individuals (workers) offering security services must hold a valid security licence as per the terms of the Security Services Act (2007), the Regulation and licence conditions. The act enhances public safety by ensuring consistent and appropriate standards across the security industry.

Who Needs to Have a Security Licence

Several types of security services cannot be performed by a business or individual without a current licence. For a complete description of what kind of service each of the licence types may deliver, refer to Definitions.

Below are the security services that require a licence:

  • Security Guard, Security Guard Under Supervision and in-house Security Guard
  • Security Alarm Installer and Security Alarm Installer Under Supervision
  • Security Alarm Monitor
  • Security Alarm Responder
  • Security Alarm Sales
  • Security Consultant
  • Armoured Car Guard
  • Locksmiths and Locksmith Under Supervision
  • Private Investigator, Private Investigator Under Supervision and in-house Private Investigator
  • Closed Circuit Television installer
  • Electronic Locking Device (Access Control) Installer

Dogs – Security Businesses and Security Guards must be authorized to use dogs. Security businesses and security guards using dogs while providing security services must have authorization to do so from the Registrar, Security Services. The licensed security worker (dog handler) and dog must first complete validations through the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), then request authorization from the Registrar using the current licensing process (apply for new, renew, or update a licence. (See Security Licensing Policy Section 3.5 for full details. Information on the JIBC validation course is available on this website, see Training and Testing-Approved Programs.)

Restraints – Security guards wanting to use restraints while providing security services must have authorization from the Registrar. Note: those requesting authorization must first acquire an “Advanced Security Training (AST) Certificate” from the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). (See Security Licensing Policy Section 3.3 for full details. Information on the JIBC validation course is available on this website, see Training and Testing-Approved Programs.)

This Site

The main sections, each a collection of all the information you will need depending on who you are:

  • Security Worker – an individual wanting a licence as a Security Worker, or wanting to renew or update that licence.
  • Security Business – a business requiring a licence to operate a Security Business , or wanting to renew or update that licence.
  • Controlling Member – a Controlling Member of a Business who must follow a process in support of the business he or she is connected to that is holding or wishes to hold a security business licence.

File a Complaint — this is the process to follow if you have a complaint you wish to file with the Registrar against a security business or worker.