Learn how the government of British Columbia enforces the laws, policies, and standards for security workers and security businesses.
Security inspectors regularly check if security workers and businesses are following the laws and policies.
During an inspection, a security inspector might:
Allowing security inspectors to carry out their duties is mandatory.
​Anyone can make a complaint about a security worker or business. Complaints cannot be anonymous. They must be submitted on a complaint form.
The complaint must be related to at least one of these:
The complaints process policy provides detailed information about making and investigating complaints.
Complete the online complaint form
The Registrar of Security Services will decide whether to accept or deny your complaint and let you know their decision. If you are not satisfied, you can ask for reconsideration or make a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsperson.
If the Registrar accepts your complaint, they will decide if the security worker or business has violated the laws and policies. The Registrar will let you know when the investigation is complete.
The Registrar of Security Services may investigate security workers and businesses to determine if they are following the laws and policies.
Investigations occur due to complaints or other credible information and assist the Registrar in determining the facts and any appropriate penalties .
During an investigation, a security investigator might:
If a security worker or business violates the laws and policies, they may:
An administrative penalty means the security worker or business has to pay a fine. The penalty can be up to:
Security Programs Division (SPD) issues administrative penalties. Before they can issue a penalty, SPD must consider:
Security workers and businesses can have their licence suspended or cancelled. This may happen if the worker or business:
SPD may hold a hearing before they suspend or cancel a licence. Depending on the situation, the worker or business might:
If someone is in danger, SPD doesn't hold a hearing. They:
After they are provided with the reasons, the worker or business has 15 days to respond in writing. SPD will decide whether to: