Getting a security guard licence in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan licenses security guards under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, 1997. The Act defines a security guard as a person who, for hire or reward, guards or patrols to protect persons or property. Nobody may work as a security guard without a licence.
Who can apply
- You must be at least 18 and of good character.
- You must submit a criminal record check.
- You must complete the province's approved Security Guard Training Course and pass the exam.
Steps to your licence
- Take the approved Security Guard Training Course from an approved course provider.
- Write the exam, which is administered by the Registrar for Private Investigators and Security Guards. You need 75%.
- Get your certificate from the course provider after you pass.
- Your employer completes the licence application (Form B) with you and sends it to the program.
| Topic | Saskatchewan rule |
|---|---|
| Licence term | 1 year |
| Who the licence covers | Only the business it was issued for |
| Starting before training ends | Your employer may apply for a temporary licence (Form C) |
| Licence from another province | Recognized, but you may have to pass the Saskatchewan exam |
The exam
The exam follows the approved training course and is administered by the Registrar. The minimum standard is 75%. The province's public pages do not give the number of questions or a time limit, so ask your course provider for the current format.
Expect questions on Saskatchewan's Act and on topics taught across Canada: arrest powers under section 494 of the Criminal Code, use of force, notebooks and reports, evidence, emergencies and professional conduct.
Key rules in the Act
| Section | What it says |
|---|---|
| 5(1) | No person may act as a private investigator or security guard without a licence. |
| 23 | Licensees may not present themselves as providing services connected with police. |
| 24 | Licensees may not act as members of a police service, apart from a special constable exception. |
| 25 | No one may use the word "detective" in connection with a business or employment. |
| 26(1) | A guard may wear only a uniform approved by the registrar. |
| 26(2) | No identification on the uniform may contain the word "police". |
| 26(3) | A guard must personally carry their licence while on duty. |
| 28 | Licensees may not act as collectors of accounts for hire or reward. |
| 41 | Licensees must tell the registrar about incidents involving use of force or any other unusual intervention. |
Penalties
Breaking the Act is an offence. For an individual, a first offence can bring a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both. A second or later offence can bring a fine of up to $25,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Corporations face higher fines, and directors who took part can also be found guilty.
Licence decisions
The registrar can refuse, suspend or cancel a licence, for example after a conviction or when past conduct shows a lack of integrity. Decisions can be appealed within 30 days.
Working as a guard in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan describes security guard work as including loss prevention, protecting property and employees, and directing traffic on private property. Whatever the job, you have the same arrest powers as any private citizen under section 494 of the Criminal Code, and you must hand any person you arrest to police right away.
- Your employer must be a licensed security business. A business must be registered with the Information Services Corporation and hold a $5,000 surety bond.
- Carry your licence on every shift, and wear only your approved uniform.
- Tell the registrar about any use of force or other unusual intervention, and write full notes about it.
- Members of the public can make a complaint about a licensee through the program's complaint process, so treat everyone professionally.
Study tips for the Saskatchewan exam
- Learn the Saskatchewan numbers: age 18, 75%, a 1-year licence, and penalties of $5,000 and $25,000.
- Know which words you may never use: "police" on your uniform and "detective" for your business or job.
- Remember to report any use of force or unusual intervention to the registrar.
- Use the Canada-wide practice sets to master arrest, use of force and report writing.