Private investigation and security

An individual employed by an agency must obtain a license under the Private Investigators and Security Services Act if their job involves working as a private investigator, security guard, security consultant, selling or installing burglar alarm systems, or servicing, testing or patrolling burglar alarm systems.

Agencies looking for a licence:

• must have an agency office in the province 
• must complete and sign an agency application form (PDF 566 KB) or renewal form (PDF 546.7 KB)
• must include an $800 licensing fee, this can be personal cheques, money orders or cash
• must be a registered business with New Brunswick Corporate Registry
• must have a manager of the agency must have a minimum of five years of experience
• must obtain personal injury liability insurance of $1,000,000 and send a valid copy of the policy with the application
• must submit a valid $5,000 bond
• If agency intends to manage and supply batons and/or handcuffs to their agents, the application must include:
  • a detailed business plan for the use of batons and/or handcuffs as outlined in Security Services Training Policy G-103
  • certificates confirming successful completion of training for the person(s) responsible for managing and supplying the batons and/or handcuffs
  • listing of security guards selected to carry batons and/or handcuffs

It may take anywhere from two to three weeks depending on whether you meet the requirements for an agency licence.

An individual looking for a licence:

• must have employment with a licensed agency
• must complete and sign an agent application form (PDF 644.3 KB) or renewal form (PDF 542.3 KB)
• must submit a digital photograph (2 cm x 2 cm in size)
• must submit a copy of a government-issued photoID to be kept on file (i.e. passport, driver’s licence)
• must be eligible to work in Canada
• must include a $100 licensing fee, this can be personal cheques, money orders or cash

You will need to report if you’ve had any criminal charges, even if they’ve been discharged, disputed, dismissed or withdrawn. This does not include youth charges.

If you have a criminal history that leads to the denial of your application, you will receive a denial letter from the Department explaining the reason. The agency that submitted your application will also be notified that you are not approved to work.  The Department  will not divulge the contents of the criminal records check to the agency or to anyone else. It is up to the applicant to disclose their criminal history.

There is no cost for a Guard Dog Licence, but the agency must register the dog and submit an application for a guard dog licence (PDF 110.4 KB). Guard dog handlers must also be registered to provide guard dog services.

All security guards representing a licensed security agency must be licensed to offer their services at a special event. An application for a licence must be submitted 30 days before the special event starts.

• Licensed agencies providing security services (publication)
• Security services training policies (publication)
• Agency representative authorization form (PDF 71.2 KB)
• New Brunswick manager form (PDF 216.4 KB)