To help you navigate thru the requirements for this highly sought after occupation we’ve created a comprehensive guide on Nova Scotia Security Guard Training.
The Private Investigators and Private Guards Act managed by N.S. Department of Justice requires that all individuals conducting private Investigation and/or security guard duties are licensed.
Under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, every private guard shall wear a uniform while acting as a private guard.
The Nova Scotia Department of Justice provides this definition of security personel (private guard) as ”
a person who for hire or reward
- (i) provides security services with respect to persons or property, including the services of a guard dog,
- (ii) accompanies a guard dog while the dog is guarding or patrolling”
Nova Scotia Security Guard Licensing Requirements
Applications for a license or a license renewal shall be submitted to the Department of Justice, Security Programs Office on the prescribed form. Applicants applying for a private investigator, private guard or armed guard licence must:
- Be at least 19 years of age;
- Be a Canadian citizen or a person legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Not be an active regular member of a police service with peace officer status;
- Have no disqualifying criminal history.
Waiting Period:
2 to 10 business days
(provided that all the items that must accompany the application have been received)
Expiry & Renewal:
Every license and renewal of a license expires on March 31 of each year unless suspended or revoked prior to expiry. Renewal notices are sent out to the company before the license expires.
Price & Payment:
Application fees for licences are payable to “Minister of Finance” by cheque, money order or cash (in person only). Application fees for licences are processing fees and are non-refundable and non-transferable. (No tax is charged)
Initial application and annual renewal (Last Updated: April 2015)
- application for a licence to act as private investigator: $26.15
- application for a licence to act as private guard: $26.15
- application for a licence to act as an armed guard: $26.15
- application for a licence to act as private investigator and private guard: $39.85
Can a security guard use the following equipment?
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.
Firearms
No, individuals licensed under The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act may not carry any type of restricted weapon.
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.
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.
Security Guard Uniform Regulations
Any uniform to be worn by a security guard, other than an armed private guard, must be approved by the Minister of Justice and must display all of the following:
- on the chest of its outermost garment, the words “private guard” or “security” or “security guard” in block letters that are at least 2.54 cm in height and cumulatively at least 7.62 cm in width, and a contrasting colour to the colour of the garment;
- across the back of its outermost garment, the word “security” in block letters that are at least 7.62 cm in height, and a contrasting colour to the colour of the garment;
- the name of the business licensee that is providing the private guard’s services.
A uniform to be worn by an armed private guard must be approved by the Minister and must display all of the following:
- on the chest of its outermost garment, the words “armed guard” in block letters that are at least 2.54 cm in height and cumulatively at least 7.62 cm in width, and a contrasting colour to the colour of the garment;
- the name of the business licensee that is providing the armed private guard’s services.
A private guard must not have the words “police”, “sheriff” or “officer” displayed on their uniform. A private guard must not display any metal badge or shield other than the identification card prescribed under Nova Scotia regulations.
