Private Investigators and Security Guards Program

If you are at least 18 years of age, you can apply to become a security guard or private investigator by submitting the following by email to the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program:

1. Completed Private Investigator/Security Guard Licence Application (application form available on the main web page).

   • Please note that all applications must state an address for service within Manitoba. All notices and documentation, including your licence, will be sent to this address. Applications which do not state an address for service within Manitoba will be returned.
   • Section 19.1 of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act requires you to report a change in your address for service to the Registrar within 15 days of it occurring.
   • Please note that incomplete application forms and submissions will not be accepted.

2. Results of a Manitoba Child Abuse Registry check (dated within the previous 6 months from the date of application). This must be obtained from the Manitoba Child Abuse Registry service. The results of a Child Abuse Registry check are not the same as a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) performed by a police service.

3. Results of a Criminal Record check (dated within the previous 6 months from the date of application). This should be obtained from the police agency for the jurisdiction in which the applicant resides.

   IMPORTANT: If your Criminal Record check indicates that you have, or may have, a record of charges or convictions, you will be required to provide a criminal record check that has been certified with fingerprints and includes a transcript listing the charges and/or convictions on your criminal record. This must be dated within the previous 6 months from the date your application. The certified criminal record check must be obtained from the police agency for the jurisdiction in which the applicant resides. The application for a licence cannot be processed until the complete results are providing, including the transcript.

4. Security Guard Licence - Proof of Training: In Manitoba, there is a mandatory 40-hour training course required for all security guards. Proof of completing the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program is required with a licence application.

   • Certificates for completing the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program are issued by an approved training provider that has been approved by Manitoba Justice to deliver the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program (MSGTP). This certificate is issued once you have completed the 40-hour Manitoba Security Guard Training Program and passed the final provincial exam.
   • Training Equivalency: If you have moved to Manitoba from another Canadian Province or Territory with a regulated training standard for security guards, at the Registrar’s discretion, you may be eligible for your training to be recognized as equivalent to the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program. Please contact the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program for more information.
   • Equivalency by Occupation: Individuals previously employed as law enforcement officers, sheriff or correctional officers may be eligible to challenge the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program final exam as proof of training. This is by Registrar approval.

5. Security Guard Temporary Licence: An individual enrolled in the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program is eligible for a 6-month temporary security guard licence. Proof of training enrollment (by letter from the approved training provider) must be provided with the licence application and all required documents. A temporary licence is issued for a term of 6-months. Only one temporary licence can be issued per individual. A temporary licence cannot be renewed or extended beyond the 6-month term. A temporary licence can be amended to the full annual licence following the completion of the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program and passing mark on the final exam. If the training program is not completed by the end of the 6-month temporary licence term, the security guard may re-apply for a full licence following their successful completion of the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program (must have completion certificate).

6. Private Investigator Training - Application for private investigator licence requires proof of competency. The following are acceptable:

   • Certificate of Service issued by a Canadian municipal, provincial or federal police service.
   • Proof of completing a regulated Private Investigator training standard set by another Canadian provincial jurisdiction.
   • Proof of successfully completing a curriculum at a university, college, or vocational institution which covers police studies, criminal law and/or criminal justice.
   • Proof of successfully completing a Canadian private investigations program that is acceptable to the Registrar (please enquire before registering in a training course to confirm that the course chosen will be accepted).

   IMPORTANT: Only Canadian training standards/experience will be recognized for competency.

7. Digital Photo Image (jPeg file format)

   • Please ensure that photographs are clear and not blurry. The quality and style of the image should be equivalent to that which would be acceptable for a passport photo.
   • Photographs which do not meet standards will not be accepted and may result in your application being returned.
   • Your photograph must be recent. If your appearance changes significantly during the licence term, you must provide an updated photograph as soon as possible.

8. Send Application by Email – All applications are sent by email to the program’s mailbox at pisg@gov.mb.ca. Please attach all required documents, the application form, photograph, and proof of training to one email as a complete application package. File attachments should be in .pdf format, legible and clearly scanned.

9. Payment of licence fee – After your application has been reviewed, program staff will contact you for payment over the telephone.

   • Accepted forms of payment are: Visa, Mastercard, Visa Debit, and Mastercard Debit. Please note that all fees are non-refundable.

All applications are processed as quickly as possible, in the order that they are received. Application times vary, depending on the volume of applications received. Updated processing dates can be viewed at the top of the main program website page. Once payment has been made and the licence has been issued, it will be mailed via Canada Post to the Manitoba address for service stated on your application form. To avoid additional delays, please ensure that your application is complete when submitted and contains all the necessary forms and documents. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Yes.

You cannot act or work as a security guard or private investigator unless your employer is a business which is licensed to provide security guards or private investigators, or your employer is registered as a security guard employer. As a private investigator, subsection 4(3) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act requires that you are employed by a business licensed to provide private investigators.

As a security guard, subsection 5(4) of the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act requires that you are employed by a business licensed to provide security guards or an employer registered as a security guard employer.

Yes.

You must always carry your licence when you are working, as this is a requirement of the Act. If anyone asks to see your licence you are required to show it to them.

Yes.

You can work for more than one employer, as long as they are licensed and/or registered under the Act.

a. Batons/Nightsticks

While batons are not considered prohibited weapons, security guards and private investigators should not use or carry batons, truncheons, nightsticks, billy clubs or any similar item as a weapon. Possessing or using this equipment could place an individual in violation of the Criminal Code.

b. Firearms

No, individuals licensed under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act may not carry any type of restricted weapon.

c. Handcuffs

The use of handcuffs, although not specifically prohibited, should be closely monitored by your employer. As a general rule, only a minimum level of force may be used to restrain a person being lawfully placed under arrest. You must know that any other application of force is an unjustified assault and may lead to a charge under the Criminal Code.

d. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray (Pepper Spray)

No, security guards and private investigators are prohibited from the possession/use of pepper spray as it is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code.

Individuals acting as security guards and private investigators, and their employers, are regulated under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act and Regulation.

The Manitoba Justice Private Investigators and Security Guards Program monitors businesses and individuals that employ security guards and private investigators. This is done to ensure they are abiding by the provisions and standards set out by the Act and Regulation. The Program also monitors the individual security guards and private investigators that work for these employers for the same reason.

The provisions and requirements set out by the Act and Regulation help enhance not only the safety of the public (including clients), but also the safety of the security guards, private investigators and employers themselves.

Subsections 4(2) and 5(3) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act provide that a business or employer shall not employ or engage anyone as a security guard or private investigator unless they are licensed. Businesses and employers are responsible for ensuring that the individuals they employ or engage as security guards and private investigators hold valid licences under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act of Manitoba.

Subsections 4(3) and 5(4) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act provide that an individual cannot act as or hold themselves out as a security guard or private investigator unless they hold a licence under the Act authorizing them to do so. The individual is responsible for ensuring they hold a valid security guard and/or private investigator licence before acting as a security guard or private investigator.

IMPORTANT: Under section 37 of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, it is an offence to contravene a provision of the Act or Regulation. This includes the licensing requirements noted above.

Manitoba has a mandatory 40-hour training course called the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program. Manitoba Justice does not provide the training directly, but approves trainers who are authorized to deliver the program and a list of the training providers can be found here.

No.

You are eligible for a one-time, six month temporary security guard licence that provides you with the ability to work and take the training program. Once you have successfully completed the training and passed the final exam, you can apply for a regular licence. At this time, mandatory training applies to security guards only, but proof of competency applies to private investigators.

You cannot renew a temporary security guard licence and must complete the mandatory training before it’s expiry. If your temporary licence expires and you have not met the Manitoba training standard, you may no longer work as a security guard. You cannot resume working as a security guard until you have completed the training, passed the exam and been re-licensed.

If you have moved to Manitoba from another Canadian Province or Territory where you completed a regulated security guard training standard, it may be recognized as equivalent to the Manitoba standard. You should contact the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program for additional information.

Though a criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a licence, criminal convictions and pending charges are taken into consideration when determining licence eligibility and/or the eligibility to continue to hold a licence. Additionally, if you are listed on the Child Abuse Registry your application for a licence may not be approved. The decision as to whether a licence will be issued is made by the Registrar under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

The nature of the criminal convictions, pending charges or placement on the Child Abuse Registry are factors used by the Registrar in determining the eligibility to hold a licence as a security guard or private investigator.

If your licence application is denied, you will receive a letter from the Registrar advising you of this. You will have the opportunity to provide further information which you feel supports your licence application. The Registrar will consider any additional information provided and render a final decision on the application.

If your licence is suspended or cancelled, under section 19 of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, you must return your licence to the Registrar. If determined to be in the public interest by the Registrar, the suspension or cancellation of a licence may be immediate, followed by notification to the licence holder.

Please note that during the review of an application the Registrar or anyone authorized by the Registrar has the authority to investigate the applicant. The investigation may be conducted regarding the applicant’s character, criminal history, financial position, and competence. The Registrar has the authority to require an applicant to submit further information or materials as requested, and require verification by affidavit of any information or material submitted.

Yes.

Subsections 19.1(1)(b) and 19.1(1)(c) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act require that you report to the Registrar any charge laid against you for a crime and/or any conviction of a crime. License holders have 15 days from the date of the charge or conviction to report to the Registrar.

IMPORTANT: Under section 37 of the Act, it is an offence to contravene a provision of the Act or Regulation. This includes failing to satisfy the reporting requirements noted above.

Yes.

All of this information must be reported on your application and if you have a criminal record, you must provide a transcript with your certified criminal record check from the police agency for the jurisdiction in which you reside with your application. The transcript lists the details of the convictions or charges.

If you already hold a licence, subsections 19.1(1)(b) and 19.1(1)(c) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act require that you report to the Registrar a charge laid against you for a crime and/or a conviction for a crime. You have 15 days from the date of the conviction or charge to report it.

No.

All fees are non-refundable.

As long as you continue to be licensed, your criminal record check results and Child Abuse Registry check results are valid for three years from the result date. Your photo is valid for three years from the date it was provided to the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program, unless your appearance changes significantly. If your appearance changes, you must provide an updated photograph as soon as possible.

Your criminal record check and Child Abuse Registry check must be updated every three years. Their expiry is not the same as the date displayed on the security guard or private investigator licence issued to you.

Your criminal record check and Child Abuse Registry check expire based on the date the results were issued. For example, if you submit a criminal record check result to the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program which was dated July 15, 2020, it would expire on July 15, 2023. Check the dates on your criminal record check result and child abuse registry check result before you submit your application so that you will know when to expect each check to expire.

IMPORTANT: If you allow your criminal record check, Child Abuse Registry check or photo to expire, this will result in your licence moving to terminated status. You will no longer be able to work as a security guard or private investigator until your licence is re-activated. This may occur when a criminal record check or child abuse registry check are submitted, provided they are submitted prior to the expiry date on the licence.

Security guard and/or private investigator licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually prior to expiry.

The expiry date of your licence is printed on the front of your licence card. It is your responsibility to renew your licence prior to the expiry date. It is recommended that you submit your renewal application and payment at least two months in advance of licence expiry. The individual licence renewal application form can be found on the main program website.

Temporary security guard licences may be issued to security guards who have not yet completed the mandatory training course. These are only valid for 6 months and cannot be renewed.

IMPORTANT
It is important to remember that other essential documents providing information tied to your licence may expire at a different time than your annual licence term. As the licence holder you are responsible for keeping all of your documents and required record checks up to date with the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program. This includes your criminal record check, child abuse registry check, and photograph.

If you allow your licence to expire or lapse you may no longer work as a security guard or private investigator. There is a 30-day grace period following expiry of the licence in which you are still able to renew the licence. Delaying your renewal application longer than the 30-day grace period will result in the requirement to re-submit as a new licence application with a new criminal record check, child abuse registry check, and photograph. Please note, it is an offence to work as a security guard or private investigator without a valid licence permitting you to do so. This includes while the licence expiry date has lapsed, or the licence is terminated or expired.

Fees for individual licences are as follows:

No.

You can not start work until you receive your physical licence card.

Payment for licence fees is made over the phone by Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard) or by Visa Debit, or Mastercard Debit.

Once your license is ready to be issued, program staff will contact you with payment instructions. Please note, personal cheques are not accepted.

A security guard has the same powers of arrest as a private citizen as outlined in Section 494 of the Criminal Code. Security guards have no extra or special powers of arrest.

Yes.

Subsection 33(1) of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act provides that you must wear a uniform while acting as a security guard.

Yes.

Uniforms worn by security guards cannot look the same as those worn by police officers or the military and must clearly identify the individual as a security guard.

The words “SECURITY GUARD” must be displayed in clear letters on the chest of the torso garment worn, and outer garment being worn.

A uniform exemption will only be issued to you if you will be working as a security guard performing the duties of a Loss Prevention Officer. A Loss Prevention Officer, or LPO, means a security guard who performs duties to prevent or reduce loss due to retail theft.

A uniform exemption only applies when you are working as a Loss Prevention Officer. At all other times when you are working as a security guard you must wear a uniform that meets the requirements under subsection 6(2) of the Private Investigators and Security Guards Regulation.

A uniform exemption application must be submitted to and approved by the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program before the exemption can be issued. This application form can be found on the program’s main web page.

If you have been issued a uniform exemption for LPO duties, it will be indicated on the back of your licence card.

No.

The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act states that private investigators cannot wear a uniform while working.

No.

These terms are not allowed under the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

No.

The only form of identification that the Act allows is the licence issued by the Registrar under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act. In the case of private investigators they may also carry a business card which contains no reference to licensing under the Act.

The Manitoba Security Guard Training Program is a 40-hour training course designed to provide security guards with the basic knowledge needed to perform work safely and professionally. It is the mandatory training standard for security guards in the province of Manitoba, and all licensed security guards must complete the course and achieve a pass mark on the final exam.

The fee for the training program is not set by Manitoba Justice and varies between approved trainers. You must contact the approved trainers directly to obtain this information. A list of approved trainers is available on the program website. The security guard licensing exam is hosted online by E-proctor. There is a $30.00 fee paid to e-proctor when scheduling the exam. Following the completion of the exam, Manitoba Justice charges a $25.00 administrative fee for the release and issue of each exam result following the completion of the exam.

You have three opportunities to take the final exam before you must repeat the training course in full. There is a zero tolerance policy for any breach of the exam conditions or processes in place to ensure the integrity of the exam.

The approved trainer must provide you with a certificate as proof that you completed the training and passed the exam (minimum mark of 75% for a pass). Once you have the certificate, a copy must be attached to your security guard licence application.

If you have a temporary security guard licence, you need to submit a copy of the certificate to the Private Investigators and Security Guards program so your temporary security guard licence can be changed to an annual licence.

Do not submit the original training certificate as you must keep it for your records as proof of having successfully completed the training program. Once the certificate has been sent in, the program will retain a copy and it will not be necessary to re-submit the certificate with future licence renewals.

No.

There are some exceptions:

Exam Challenge
To be considered for an exam challenge you must provide the Private Investigators and Security Guards program with proof that you have sufficient prior work experience that relates directly to duties performed by a security guard; or

Training Equivalency from another Canadian Province or Territory
If you have moved to Manitoba from another Canadian Province or Territory where you completed a regulated training program for security guards, this may be recognized as equivalent to the Manitoba standard. You should contact the Private Investigators and Security Guards Program for more information.

No.

At this time there is no requirement to renew your training after you meet the standard set by the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program.

However, if a security guard’s conduct raises concerns that they are unable to proficiently apply the training knowledge to their duties, they may be required by the Registrar to repeat the training course to retain their licence.