Risk Assessments
Overview
Both the security worker and each controlling member of a security business are considered to hold a position of trust. Therefore, under Section 4, 15, and 28 of the Security Services Act, the Registrar may refuse to issue, suspend, or cancel a security licence when criminal charges, convictions or other reliable information which questions the applicant’s or licensee’s conduct, mental condition, character or repute makes them undesirable to be licenced.
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What is Involved
Risk Assessment is a process through which persons making application for a security worker or business licence; whether new, short-term, lapsed or existing applicants at the time of renewal; are assessed to determine whether there is a risk that they might not fully comply with the requirements of a licence or that they might otherwise pose a risk to the public.
What Happens During the Assessment Period
If determination has been made that a Risk Assessment is required, the process could take 4-6 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of information that is required to complete a review.
New applicants will not be permitted to work while a risk assessment is conducted.
Licensees holding a valid licence who report new charges or convictions to the Registrar within 14 days (as required by the Act), may be permitted to continue working while a risk assessment is conducted, unless advised otherwise by the Registrar.
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The Risk Assessment Review Process
When making application for a security worker or business licence; whether new, short-term, lapsed or existing applicants at the time of renewal; the applicantor controlling member is giving authorization for the Registrar to carry out the prescribed checks that pertain to the individual.
If it is determined that a Risk Assessment Review is required, the individual will receive written notification identifying the record and/or incidents that are being considered. The individual is given the opportunity to provide a written submission explaining what happened and the reasons they believe they should be issued a security licence or retain their licence.
If the individual is adamant that the record does not belong to them, they can await confirmation through fingerprint analysis (this process will likely take a minimum of 3 months).
Upon receiving the written submission and any other documentation that may be provided (eg. Correspondence from Probation Officers, certificates of course completion, reference letters, etc.), the file is then forwarded onto a Risk Assessment Investigator to complete a review.
The Registrar may make the determination that the licence will be issued OR the applicant may continue to work. The individual will then receive their licence (no letter will be issued).
If the Registrar makes the determination that the licence is refused, suspended, or cancelled, the individual will receive a letter identifying the reasons for the decision.
See “How to Request a Decision Review” regarding the process should you wish to request the Registrar to reconsider the decision to refuse/suspend/cancel a licence.
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Mental Health Condition Assessment
An individual applying for or renewing a security worker licence must provide particulars of any mental health condition for which the individual has received treatment. The same reporting requirements apply to any individual who is in the control of, or has the ability to control, a security business. Types of mental health conditions/illnesses considered are: mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, anxiety disorder or personality disorders.
If the Registrar receives information that an individual is under treatment or has been under treatment for a mental health condition, the Registrar is obligated to review the condition. The individual is then required to have their physician complete the mental health condition form (SPD0511). Upon receiving the mental health condition form, a Risk Assessment Review is completed.
The Registrar may make the determination if the licence will be issued OR the applicant may continue to work. The individual will then receive their licence (no letter will be issued).
If the Registrar makes the determination that the licence is refused, suspended, or cancelled, the individual will receive a letter identifying the reasons for the decision.
See “How to Request a Decision Review” regarding the process should you wish to request the Registrar to reconsider the decision to refuse/suspend/cancel a licence.
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