In Nova Scotia, the private security industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected. Nova Scotia's Department of Justice, Security Programs, licenses and regulates the private security and all security guards in accordance with the Private Investigators and Private Guards Act.  Anybody who wants to act as a security guard, private investigator or armed guard in the Province of Nova Scotia is required to have a license. More and more businesses and large organizations are turning to private security because public forces such as the Halifax Regional Police and the RCMP are short on manpower and lack resources to patrol certain areas. However, there are very specific rules in Nova Scotia, when it comes to security guards. Below are the most important security guard regulations in Nova Scotia.

Armed Security Guards Regulations

A security guard is not permitted to carry a firearm unless their individual license is endorsed for acting as an armed security guard, and they are acting as an armed security guard.  An armed security guard refers to a security guard who holds a license endorsed for acting as an armed private guard. All armed security guards must pass an annual firearms proficiency test that is acceptable to the Minister of Justice. An armed private guard is permitted to work only

• from an armoured vehicle when handling, transporting or protecting cash, negotiable instruments or other goods of substantial value; or
• from a non-armoured motor vehicle when not handling, transporting or protecting cash and when servicing automated teller machines or automated banking machines.

An armed security  guard must be accompanied by at least 1 other armed security guard while acting as an armed security guard.

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.

Motor Vehicles used by Security Guards

Any motor vehicle used by a security guard for security patrol must

• display the word "SECURITY" on the side panels of the motor vehicle in block letters at least 12.7 cm in height;
• display the name of the business licensee on the side panels of the motor vehicle in clearly visible letters;
• not resemble a police or sheriff motor vehicle nor display the words "police" or "sheriff" nor any other word that would tend to confuse the public about the purpose of the motor vehicle.