Requirements for a Controlling Member of a Security Business
Consent to a Criminal Record Check
All controlling members must provide the Registrar, Security Services Act with the authorization to conduct a criminal record check, a police information check and a correctional service information check.
By completing, signing and submitting (you may give the form to the business manager to submit with the application for a security business licence) the Authorization and Acknowledgement of Information Collection and Use AND Consent to a Criminal Record Check (#SPD0510 – can be download from the Forms and Guide page), you provide your consent to these checks.
A criminal record check may be undertaken by the Registrar at any time during when the security business licence is current. It is your responsibility under the Security Services Act to notify the Registrar if you ever acquire new charges or convictions against you within 14 days of the occurrence. This can be done using form Controlling Member of a Security Business Reporting an UPDATE (#SPD0518 – can be download from the Forms and Guide page).
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Fingerprints
Controlling Members residing in Canada are required to provide fingerprints and must have the fingerprints taken by a recognized fingerprinting agency. Use the form Request for Fingerprinting under the Security Services Act (#SPD0507 – can be download from the Forms and Guide page). The form lists where you can have your fingerprints taken.
Fingerprinting is done one time only — once the Registrar has your fingerprints on file, you don’t have to repeat the process.
NON-RESIDENTS OF CANADA: If you are a controlling member but do not reside in Canada, you are not required to provide your fingerprints.
MOVING TO CANADA: If you move to Canada and are still a controlling member of a security business in B.C., you must report your new address to the Registrar – use form Controlling Member of a Security Business Reporting an UPDATE (#SPD0518); PLUS you must be fingerprinted – use form Request for Fingerprinting under the Security Service Act (#SPD0507).
RESIDENCY – Identification Required
Controlling members residing in Canada (nothing to do with citizenship), attach a copy of one of the following pieces of CURRENT / VALID photo identification:
- Drivers Licence
- Passport
- BCID – you may apply for a BCID card at any driver licensing office. Note, if you are applying for a BCID, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to process and mail to you. For more information on BCID and how to apply, visit the ICBC website at – www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/BCID
- Canadian Permanent Residence Card
- Canadian Native Status Card (if issued with a photo)
- Canadian Firearms Licence (must be current)
NON-RESIDENTS OF CANADA: Controlling members that do not reside in Canada must provide two pieces of identification and one of them must be photo ID.
MOVING TO CANADA: If you move to Canada while still being a controlling member of a security business in B.C.use form Controlling member of a Security Business Reporting an UPDATE (#SPD0518) to provide your new address PLUS you must be fingerprinted (see fingerprint section above).
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Citizenship
If you are a citizen of Canada, you are required to provide a copy of one of the following: your birth certificate, or current Canadian Passport (may not be expired), or Canadian Citizenship Card.
Mental Condition Report from your Physician
If you are being treated or have ever been treated for a mental condition, you must have your doctor complete and sign the Mental Condition Form (#SPD0511 can be download from the Forms and Guide page).
For privacy reasons, you do not have to attach the completed mental condition form to your completed Authorization and Acknowledgement of Information Collection and Use AND Consent to a Criminal Record Check (#SPD0510) which is given to the security business’s manager; you may send it directly to the Registrar yourself. If so, complete the enclosure slip found at the bottom of the authorization and consent form (#SPD0510) and attach it to your completed mental condition form — it will ensure it is correctly matched to your records when received by the Registrar’s licensing department.
Your doctor will be asked to provide the following information concerning your mental condition:
- a detailed definition
- a conclusion about whether it could interfere with your job and/or ability to interact with the public
- if you must take medication for it
- if the doctor has any concerns with your condition and the type of security work you wish to provide
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Police and Peace Officer Status
You MAY NOT be a controlling member of a security business if you are a member of a police force as defined in the Police Act.
You MAY be a controlling member of a security business if you are:
- a volunteer auxiliary or reserve constable
- a sheriff
- a corrections officer
- a court-appointed bailiff
- a special provincial constable or special municipal constable (as defined in the Police Act)
- retired from a police force but still listed as a member for administrative reasons
- a volunteer auxiliary or reserve constable
BUT ... you must provide with your application a letter from your superior confirming what access you have to any justice, court or police information systems (PRIME, PIRS, PROS, CPIC) and that you know and understand that you may not utilize information from these systems while acting in the capacity of a security worker.
English Fluency
If you are a controlling member that will engage with the public in providing security services, then your English fluency must meet the English Language Proficiency Assessment. Security Programs Division recognizes the Centre for Canadian Language’s Benchmark Level 5 as the minimum fluency requirement. To check if your English language abilities meet the standard, download the Canadian Language Benchmarks (www.language.ca/pdfs/clb_adults.pdf). Contact our office if you require further information or locations where the assessment can be done.
>>Next: Responsibilities of Controlling Members
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