Essential Guide to Prince Edward
Island Security Regulations:
Licensing, Compliance, and Legal
Framework/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the main law that governs security guards and private
investigators in PEI?
The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act (R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-
20) is the primary legislation that sets out licensing, conduct, and
training standards for security personnel in the province .
2. Who is required to hold a license under this Act?
Any person who acts as a security guard or private investigator for hire
or reward must hold a valid license. This applies to both individuals and
businesses providing these services .
3. What are the basic requirements to obtain a security license in
PEI?
Applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada
• Not be an active member of a police service with peace officer
status
• Have no disqualifying criminal history
4. Are there people or groups exempt from licensing?
Yes, the Act exempts several categories, including:
• Barristers, solicitors, and attorneys
• Members of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
• Police officers
• Insurance adjusters and insurance company employees acting in
their regular scope of employment
, • Security personnel permanently employed by one employer where
security is not the employer's primary business
• Government of Canada or PEI government employees
• Out-of-province investigators conducting work partly outside and
partly within PEI
Training & Equipment
5. Is mandatory training required to become a security guard in PEI?
No, there is currently no mandatory training or testing required by the
province . However, this may differ for specialized roles such as armed
guards.
6. Can security guards carry firearms in PEI?
No. Individuals licensed under the Private Investigators and Security
Guards Act are not permitted to carry any type of restricted weapon,
including firearms .
7. Are security guards allowed to carry batons, pepper spray, or
handcuffs?
• Batons/Nightsticks: While not prohibited weapons themselves,
guards are advised not to use or carry them as weapons, as doing
so could violate the Criminal Code .
• Pepper Spray (OC Spray): Prohibited as it is classified as a
prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code .
• Handcuffs: Not specifically prohibited, but their use should be
closely monitored. Only a minimum level of force may be used to
restrain a person being lawfully placed under arrest; using
excessive force could lead to criminal charges .
8. What identification must a security guard carry and display?
Every security guard must:
• Wear a uniform that indicates they are acting as a security guard
• Carry their prescribed identification card at all times while on duty
, • Produce the identification card for inspection upon request by any
person
• Not display any other badge, shield, or card as evidence of
authority besides their uniform and ID
Licensing Renewal & Compliance
9. When does a security license expire, and how is it renewed?
Every license, except a temporary one, expires on the anniversary of the
date of issue. Renewal applications must be submitted on or before
March 1 of each year, accompanied by the prescribed fee and a security
bond .
10. What is the cost of a license application?
The application fee for a license is $30, payable to the "Minister of
Finance and Municipal Affairs." Application fees are non-refundable and
non-transferable .
11. What happens to a security guard's license when they leave their
job?
The license is automatically revoked upon termination of the
employment for which it was issued. The guard must immediately give
their license and ID card to their employer, who must forward them to
the Minister .
12. What reporting obligations do licensees have?
Licensees must notify the Minister in writing within seven days of any
change in address, changes in corporate officers or partners, or any
termination of employment of a security guard. Upon renewal, they must
file a return showing all business addresses and employee names and
addresses from the previous year .
Security & Tenant Rights
, 13. Can a landlord enter a tenant's unit without notice for safety
reasons?
Yes, landlords may enter without notice in an emergency, such as a fire
or an immediate threat to safety. Otherwise, they must provide 24
hours' written notice .
14. Are landlords required to provide secure locks and working
smoke detectors?
Yes, landlords must provide and maintain working locks on all entry
doors and ensure smoke detectors are in working order. If a smoke
detector is broken, tenants should report it immediately to the landlord .
15. Can a tenant change the locks without permission?
No, tenants generally cannot change the locks without written
permission from the landlord, as this could prevent the landlord from
maintaining property access and security .
16. Are landlords responsible for safety hazards like broken
windows or mold?
Yes, landlords must repair broken windows and doors affecting security
quickly. They are also responsible for eliminating mold caused by
property maintenance issues and keeping common areas clean and free
of hazards .
17. What recourse does a tenant have if a landlord refuses to make
safety repairs?
If the landlord does not resolve the issue, the tenant can file
an Application by Tenant (Form 2T) with the Island Regulatory and
Appeals Commission (IRAC) to seek an order for repairs .
18. How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental
unit?
Landlords must provide 24 hours' written notice before entering a
rental unit, except in emergencies such as a fire or an immediate threat
to safety . Entry should occur between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, respecting
tenant privacy and convenience .
19. Are landlords required to provide working locks and smoke
detectors?
Island Security Regulations:
Licensing, Compliance, and Legal
Framework/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the main law that governs security guards and private
investigators in PEI?
The Private Investigators and Security Guards Act (R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. P-
20) is the primary legislation that sets out licensing, conduct, and
training standards for security personnel in the province .
2. Who is required to hold a license under this Act?
Any person who acts as a security guard or private investigator for hire
or reward must hold a valid license. This applies to both individuals and
businesses providing these services .
3. What are the basic requirements to obtain a security license in
PEI?
Applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada
• Not be an active member of a police service with peace officer
status
• Have no disqualifying criminal history
4. Are there people or groups exempt from licensing?
Yes, the Act exempts several categories, including:
• Barristers, solicitors, and attorneys
• Members of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
• Police officers
• Insurance adjusters and insurance company employees acting in
their regular scope of employment
, • Security personnel permanently employed by one employer where
security is not the employer's primary business
• Government of Canada or PEI government employees
• Out-of-province investigators conducting work partly outside and
partly within PEI
Training & Equipment
5. Is mandatory training required to become a security guard in PEI?
No, there is currently no mandatory training or testing required by the
province . However, this may differ for specialized roles such as armed
guards.
6. Can security guards carry firearms in PEI?
No. Individuals licensed under the Private Investigators and Security
Guards Act are not permitted to carry any type of restricted weapon,
including firearms .
7. Are security guards allowed to carry batons, pepper spray, or
handcuffs?
• Batons/Nightsticks: While not prohibited weapons themselves,
guards are advised not to use or carry them as weapons, as doing
so could violate the Criminal Code .
• Pepper Spray (OC Spray): Prohibited as it is classified as a
prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code .
• Handcuffs: Not specifically prohibited, but their use should be
closely monitored. Only a minimum level of force may be used to
restrain a person being lawfully placed under arrest; using
excessive force could lead to criminal charges .
8. What identification must a security guard carry and display?
Every security guard must:
• Wear a uniform that indicates they are acting as a security guard
• Carry their prescribed identification card at all times while on duty
, • Produce the identification card for inspection upon request by any
person
• Not display any other badge, shield, or card as evidence of
authority besides their uniform and ID
Licensing Renewal & Compliance
9. When does a security license expire, and how is it renewed?
Every license, except a temporary one, expires on the anniversary of the
date of issue. Renewal applications must be submitted on or before
March 1 of each year, accompanied by the prescribed fee and a security
bond .
10. What is the cost of a license application?
The application fee for a license is $30, payable to the "Minister of
Finance and Municipal Affairs." Application fees are non-refundable and
non-transferable .
11. What happens to a security guard's license when they leave their
job?
The license is automatically revoked upon termination of the
employment for which it was issued. The guard must immediately give
their license and ID card to their employer, who must forward them to
the Minister .
12. What reporting obligations do licensees have?
Licensees must notify the Minister in writing within seven days of any
change in address, changes in corporate officers or partners, or any
termination of employment of a security guard. Upon renewal, they must
file a return showing all business addresses and employee names and
addresses from the previous year .
Security & Tenant Rights
, 13. Can a landlord enter a tenant's unit without notice for safety
reasons?
Yes, landlords may enter without notice in an emergency, such as a fire
or an immediate threat to safety. Otherwise, they must provide 24
hours' written notice .
14. Are landlords required to provide secure locks and working
smoke detectors?
Yes, landlords must provide and maintain working locks on all entry
doors and ensure smoke detectors are in working order. If a smoke
detector is broken, tenants should report it immediately to the landlord .
15. Can a tenant change the locks without permission?
No, tenants generally cannot change the locks without written
permission from the landlord, as this could prevent the landlord from
maintaining property access and security .
16. Are landlords responsible for safety hazards like broken
windows or mold?
Yes, landlords must repair broken windows and doors affecting security
quickly. They are also responsible for eliminating mold caused by
property maintenance issues and keeping common areas clean and free
of hazards .
17. What recourse does a tenant have if a landlord refuses to make
safety repairs?
If the landlord does not resolve the issue, the tenant can file
an Application by Tenant (Form 2T) with the Island Regulatory and
Appeals Commission (IRAC) to seek an order for repairs .
18. How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental
unit?
Landlords must provide 24 hours' written notice before entering a
rental unit, except in emergencies such as a fire or an immediate threat
to safety . Entry should occur between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, respecting
tenant privacy and convenience .
19. Are landlords required to provide working locks and smoke
detectors?
