THUNDER BAY – 180 Charges Laid over Private Security Act Violations. More details are coming out on the investigation and charges laid over the weekend by the OPP. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Anti-Rackets Branch, Provincial Security Enforcement Unit (PSEU) will proceed with 188 charges in connection with violations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).

Private Security Act Violations

On August 18, 19 and 20, 2011 OPP members conducted enforcement initiatives at a number of establishments in Timmins, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Kakabeka Falls, and Kenora. A number of businesses and individuals were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSISA.

Charges include:

* Thirty-nine counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
* Seventy-eight counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
* Fifty-two counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations,
* Nineteen counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security, and
* Two (2) counts of failing to notify Registrar of employees who are security guards.

The investigations are continuing and further charges may be pending.

CHARGES BY LOCATION

Timmins (17 Charges) – August 19, 2011

* Four (4) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
* Eight (8) counts of employing an unlicensed security guard ,
* Two (2) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
* Three (3) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security, and unregistered business

Sudbury (19 Charges) – August 19, 2011

* Three (3) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
* Six (6) counts of employing an unlicensed security guard, and
* Ten (10) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations

Sault Ste. Marie (Four Charges) – August 18, 2011

* Two (2) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
* Two (2) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security.

Thunder Bay (105 Charges) – August 19, 2011

* Twenty-four counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
* Fourty-eight counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
* Twenty-one counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
* Twelve counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security.

Kakabeca Falls (Nine Charges) – August 20, 2011

* Nine (9) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations.

Kenora (34 Charges) – August 20, 2011

* Eight (8) counts of working as an unlicensed security guard,
* Sixteen counts of employing an unlicensed security guard,
* Eight (8) counts of failing to wear a uniform which complies with regulations, and
* Two (2) counts of failing to register a business employing in-house security

Under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work in Ontario must be licensed. Additionally, establishments employing in-house security guards must be registered with the Private Security and Investigative Service Branch.

Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the Ministry of Community safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and responsible to ensure their security guards are licensed. Persons convicted of working as unlicensed security guards are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000, under the PSIS Act and up to one year in custody.

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