Why Getting This Right Matters
Security guard services are regulated in Ontario under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). Only licensed companies and licensed officers can legally provide security services. Despite this, unlicensed operators do exist — and hiring one puts your business and property at serious risk.
Beyond licensing, quality varies enormously. This checklist helps you identify the security companies that will actually protect your property versus those that will show up, collect a cheque, and disappear.
5 Steps to Hiring the Right Security Company
Define Your Security Needs
Before calling any company, clarify what you actually need. Different threats require different solutions.
- What property or event needs to be protected?
- What are the biggest risks? (theft, vandalism, trespass, crowd control, after-hours intrusion?)
- Do you need 24/7 coverage or specific hours?
- Static post, mobile patrol, or both?
- Any specific compliance or industry requirements? (retail, construction, healthcare, finance)
Verify Provincial Licensing
In Ontario, security companies and individual guards must be licensed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General under the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA).
- Confirm the company holds a valid Ontario security agency licence
- Confirm individual guards hold a current Security Guard licence (SG)
- Ask if the company runs background checks on all employees
- Verify their insurance: minimum $2M commercial general liability
- Check that WSIB (workplace safety) coverage is in place
Evaluate Experience & Specialization
Security is not one-size-fits-all. A company that excels at event security may not be the right fit for a retail loss prevention assignment.
- How many years have they operated in your industry?
- Do they have references from similar clients?
- What ongoing training do officers receive?
- Do they have experience with your specific threat profile?
- Can they provide a site-specific security plan?
Understand the Service Agreement
A professional security contract should be detailed and transparent. Read it carefully before signing.
- Are post orders (written instructions for guards) included?
- How are incidents reported — written reports, digital, or verbal only?
- What is the response time if a guard doesn't show up for a shift?
- What are the cancellation and contract terms?
- Are supervisory visits included and documented?
Assess Communication & Accountability
The best security companies maintain transparent communication and have verifiable accountability systems.
- Do they use a guard tour system (NFC/RFID checkpoint verification)?
- Will you receive daily or shift-end incident reports?
- Is there a dedicated account manager or 24/7 operations centre?
- How quickly do they respond to client complaints or issues?
- Can you view patrol logs or access online reporting?
Red Flags to Walk Away From
If a security company shows any of these signs, look elsewhere — no matter how competitive their pricing.
- ✗No verifiable Ontario security agency licence number
- ✗Officers unable to show their individual security guard licence
- ✗Unusually low pricing with vague contract terms
- ✗No proof of insurance or WSIB coverage
- ✗No written post orders or site-specific security plan
- ✗No background check process for officers
- ✗Poor or non-existent incident reporting system
- ✗Pressure to sign long-term contracts before a site assessment
10 Questions to Ask Any Security Company
What is your Ontario security agency licence number?
Are all of your guards individually licensed with the Ministry of the Solicitor General?
Do you carry a minimum of $2M commercial general liability insurance?
How do you screen and background-check your officers?
What training do new officers receive beyond the mandatory provincial requirements?
Can you provide a site-specific security plan and written post orders?
How are incidents reported and how quickly will I receive a report?
Do you use a guard tour system to verify patrols?
What is your process when a guard cannot make their shift?
Can you provide references from clients in my industry or with similar needs?
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