OPP cracks down on unlicensed Sudbury bouncers

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* OPP anti-rackets branch enforcement initiative

TORONTO, ON - On Tuesday, February 8, members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) anti-rackets ranch, tasked with enforcing provisions of the Private Security & Investigative Services Act (PSISA), conducted an enforcement initiative in the City of Sudbury.

Officers attended several licensed alcohol establishments whereupon a number of businesses were found to be in violation of provisions of the PSIS Act.

The OPP will be laying eighteen charges under the PSIS Act.

Charges include four counts of working as an unlicensed security guard, four counts of employing an unlicensed security guard, two counts of being an unregistered business and uniform violations.

The initiative is the fifth in a series of proactive enforcement efforts to ensure provisions of the PSIS Act and regulations are adhered to throughout the Province of Ontario.

Under the Private Security & Investigative Services Act, individuals performing security work must be licensed.

Additionally, establishments employing in-house security guards must be registered with the Private Security & Investigative Service Branch.

Business entities selling the services of security guards are required to be licensed by the ministry and responsible for ensuring their security guards are licensed.

Business entities that provide security guard training must ensure courses comply with ministry standards, including a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training.

Persons convicted of working as unlicensed security guards are subject to a maximum fine of $25,000, under the PSIS Act and a year in custody.

Business entities convicted of PSIS Act offenses are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000 under the PSIS Act.

Officers and directors of companies may also be sentenced to a year in custody.

The investigations are continuing and further charges may be pending.

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