Private Investigator Training in Ontario has some training similarities to private security guards. Not only do they need to be licensed, but they require the proper training courses to equip them with the knowledge that is necessary to perform their work safely in the field. In this blog post, we will explore private investigator training in Ontario, the training requirements for private investigators in Ontario and how to perform your duties safely as a private investigator.

Private Investigators In Ontario

The role of a private investigator in Ontario is varied. Whether you are working as a private investigator in Brampton, Toronto, Mississauga or Ottawa, you will always meet new challenges on the job every day. Types of work that private investigators will be tasked with include surveillance, investigating insurance claims, performing undercover investigations and following persons of interest. Detailed note taking is always important for the role, as is safety.

Private Investigator Training And Licensing In Ontario

If you are wondering about how to become a private investigator in Ontario, you should know that the first requirement mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is to take the mandatory basic training. In Ontario, this requirement means a minimum of 50 hours of in-class training time.

Some of the required topics in your training will include studying the Criminal Code of Canada, learning about the authority to arrest and indictable offences, studying the court system in Canada, and studying some case law to understand how certain situations are viewed in the Ontario Criminal Court, including stalking, intimidation and slander.

Use Of Force As A Private Investigator

The Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services requires, as part of your private investigator training in Ontario, learning how to perform a citizen’s arrest without the use of force. This training is suggested to take place as a role-playing exercise so that the scenario can put the student in the mind-frame of a real-life scenario. Your instructor will walk you through the roles involved in a citizen’s arrest and the thinking that should be taking place during the action. This includes prioritizing safety at all points in the action.

Performing a citizen’s arrest as a private investigator is an area of practice which requires good knowledge of the Criminal Code in Canada and also the theory behind these sorts of actions. In fact, ethical reasoning and decision making is part of the official requirements for your private investigator training in Ontario, with 2 hours of in-class time suggested.

While most of your duties as a private investigator in Ontario will involve surveillance such as taking photos and notes on persons of interest, it is important to mentally prepare  for scenarios you may encounter in the field that may involve a citizen’s arrest, and to help walk you through the steps and thought processes required to make the right choices in the line of duty.

Performing a citizen’s arrest is an action that may involve a variety of outcomes in the field. Maintaining a cool head during potential conflict situations is crucial for good decision making as a private investigator who wants to protect his or her safety and the safety of the public. Be sure to study this area well during your preparation for your private investigator licensing exam.

Obtaining Your Private Investigator License In Ontario

Other than taking the mandatory basic training in class, in order to obtain your private investigator license in Ontario you must first ensure you are 18 years of age or older, eligible to work in Canada, and possess a clean criminal record. These requirements are all mandated by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005.

If you have all of these qualifications, then you can learn more about processing times and your responsibilities as a private investigator by clicking here. Keep in mind that these regulations apply regardless of which city you are living in. This is because private investigators are governed by the Province of Ontario. While pay rates may vary depending on whether your private investigator duties take you to places such as Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga or Ottawa, the licensing requirements are all the same.

For more in-depth preparation for use of force scenarios, the Security Guard Course (SGC) offers training in a specialized course to prepare you for the Ministry exam to obtain your private investigator license in Ontario. Visit www.securityguardcourse.ca for details on how to take this online course and to prepare yourself for the field of private investigations.