How do I become licenced as a security guard?

If you are at least 18 years of age, you can apply to become a security guard by submitting the following to the Registrar:

• Completed Security Guard Licence Application
• Current Child Abuse Registry check (dated no more than six months prior to application)
• Current Criminal Record check (dated no more than six months prior to application)
• Document that outlines your Criminal Record if you have been convicted (dated no more than six months prior to the application)
• Proof of training
• Digital jPeg photo image/passport photo
  • *digital photos on disc, flash drive, etc. not accepted; forward digital jPeg photo to pisg@gov.mb.ca
• Payment of licence fee

After the application has been submitted, how long before I receive my licence?

All applications are processed by the Registrar as quickly as possible, but it may take between seven and ten business days to process your application. This time is needed to determine if you meet the licence requirements.

Do I have to work for a licensed business or registered employer?

Yes. As a security guard, you must be employed by a business licensed to provide security guards or an employer registered as a security guard employer.

Must a licensed security guard show their licence when asked?

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.

Can a security guard work for more than one employer?

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

Can a security guard use the following equipment?

• Batons/Nightsticks
  While batons are not considered prohibited weapons, security guards 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 are prohibited from the possession/use of pepper spray as it is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code.

How are security guards regulated and who ensures they are licenced?

All security guards and private investigators are regulated by The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act and Regulation. The Private Investigators and Security Guards program of Manitoba Justice is responsible for ensuring that individuals are licenced appropriately.

How do I get the training needed to become a security guard?

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.

Do I have to complete the mandatory training and pass the exam before I can be licensed?

No.You are eligible for a one-time 180 day (6 month) temporary licence that provides you with the ability to work and take the training program. Once you have successfully completed the training, you can apply for a regular licence. At this time, mandatory training applies to security guards only.

If you have completed a security guard training program in a Province or Territory that has mandatory security guard training, you can provide a copy of the certificate from that jurisdiction and it may be recognized as the equivalent to the mandatory training.

Can I get a licence as a security guard if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a licence, as all applications are considered on a case by case basis. The decision to issue a licence or not is made by the Registrar of The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act.

Who is notified if I have a criminal record and my licence is denied?

If you have a criminal record that leads to the denial of your application, you will receive a letter from the Registrar explaining the reason(s) for the decision not to issue the licence. You have the opportunity to provide information regarding your criminal history that you feel supports your application for a licence. The Registrar does not provide specific information about your criminal record to anyone else.

Do I have to report if I have been charged and/or convicted of a criminal offence while I am licensed?

Yes. Section 19.1(1)(b)(c) of the Act requires that you report a charge laid against you and/or a conviction against you.

How long are the criminal record and child abuse registry checks and photo valid for?

As long as you continue to be licenced, your criminal and child abuse checks and photo are valid for three years from date of issue.

You need to submit proof of any name change(s) (i.e. Marriage Certificate, Change of Name Certificate) if you change the name that your licence was issued under. Without proof of a name change, your licence can not be changed.

Your photo is valid for three years from date of issue, unless you experience a significant change of appearance (i.e. change of hair colour; growth or removal of facial hair)

At any time while you hold a licence, if there is a change in your personal information you must report it to the program within 15 days of the change.

How long is a security guard licence valid for?

Temporary licences may be issued to security guards who have not completed training and are valid for 180 days (6 months).

Regular security guard licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

The expiry date of your licence is printed on the front of your licence. It is your responsibility to renew your licence prior to the expiry date.

How much does a licence cost?

Fees for individual licences are as follows:

Please note that an individual is entitled to one temporary security guard licence only.

Once my application is dropped off, faxed, mailed or e-mailed to the Private Investigator and Security Guard program can I start work right away?

No. You can not start work until you receive your licence.

What types of licence fee payments are accepted?

Cash (exact payment amount only), cheque (no personal cheques permitted unless certified), money order, debit, credit card. Money Orders and cheques must be made payable to the Minister of Finance. American Express is not an accepted card for payment.

Do security guards have any "powers of arrest?"

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.

Must I wear a uniform while working as a security guard?

Yes. You must wear a uniform if you are working as a security guard as this is required by the Act.

Are there restrictions on the type of uniform I can wear as a security guard?

Yes. Uniforms worn by security guards can not look the same as those worn by police officers or the military and clearly identify the individual as a “security guard.” 

The words “security guard” must be in clear letters on the outermost garment worn.

Can I obtain a uniform exemption and not have to wear a uniform?

A uniform exemption is available only for individuals who perform loss prevention duties after a uniform exemption application is be submitted to and approved by the Private Investigator and Security Guard program.

All other security guards must wear a uniform while working.

May I carry a badge or "shield" when working as a security guard to prove my authority or as identification?

No. The only form of identification that the Act allows is the licence issued by the Security Guard program.

What is the Manitoba Security Guard Training Program?

The program is a 40 hour training course designed to provide security guards with the basic knowledge needed to perform work safely and professionally.

How much does the training and exam cost?

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.

Manitoba Justice charges a $25.00 administrative fee for each exam.

What do I need to do after passing the final exam?

The approved trainer must provide you with a certificate as proof that you completed the training and passed the exam. 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 a regular 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. A copy of the certificate must be attached to licence renewal applications.

Am I required to repeat or renew my training?

No. At this time there is no need to renew your training once you have completed the program and passed the exam.

Only under special circumstances may an individual be required to repeat the course if they have satisfied the requirement.

If you fail the security guard exam 3 times, you are required to retake or take the training program.