Only after the business has been issued an Agency Licence under the authority of the Private Investigators and Security Services Act by the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Agency licence
- When can a business provide the services of private investigators, burglar alarm agents, security consultants or security guards in New Brunswick?
- After the application has been submitted, how long before I will receive my agency licence?
- What forms of payment are accepted?
- Can I be charged for operating a private investigation, burglar alarm, security consulting or security guard agency without holding a valid licence?
- Can an agency or the agents collect accounts for companies?
- Can an agency or the agents seize or repossess property or assist in seizing or repossessing property?
- What equipment/uniforms can I utilize as an agency or an agent? i.e. badges, insignia.
- Can I hire an individual who already holds a valid licence with another agency within New Brunswick?
- Do I have to advise the Department of Justice and Public Safety that I provide guard dog services?
- Do I need a licence to handle a guard dog?
- Do I have to advise the Department of Justice and Public Safety when an agent stops working for my agency?
When can a business provide the services of private investigators, burglar alarm agents, security consultants or security guards in New Brunswick?
All applications are processed as quickly as possible; however, it may take anywhere from two to three weeks depending on whether you meet the requirements for an agency licence and include all required supporting documentation with your completed application.
Personal cheques or money orders made payable to the Minister of Finance or cash are accepted. The Department is not responsible for cash sent through the mail.
Can I be charged for operating a private investigation, burglar alarm, security consulting or security guard agency without holding a valid licence?
Yes. It is a violation of Section 6(1)(a) of the Private Investigators and Security Services Act which is a penalty of not less than $292.50 and not more than $12,244.50.
No. The Private Investigators and Security Services Act specifically prohibits this type of activity.
Can an agency or the agents seize or repossess property or assist in seizing or repossessing property?
No. The Private Investigators and Security Services Act specifically prohibits this type of activity.
All equipment must be pre-authorized by the Department. However, an agent cannot carry a baton, handcuffs, a gun, or pepper spray.
Can I hire an individual who already holds a valid licence with another agency within New Brunswick?
Yes. The legislation does not prohibit an individual from working for more than one licensed agency within New Brunswick. However, the individual must obtain an agent licence with all agencies he is employed with.
Yes. Guard dogs must be registered and hold a permit to work with your agency.
Yes. A guard dog handler must have an agent licence to work in the field and be registered with the Department of Justice and Public Safety to provide these services.
Do I have to advise the Department of Justice and Public Safety when an agent stops working for my agency?
Yes. You are required to advise the Department of Justice and Public Safety, Community Safety Division, Gaming Control and Licensing Services Branch within seven days of their termination.
Agent licence
- When can an individual begin providing services relating to Private Investigation, Burglar Alarm, Security Consulting and Security Guards in New Brunswick?
- Once the application is dropped off or mailed to the Department of Justice and Public Safety can I automatically go to work?
- Can I operate as a private investigator, burglar alarm agent, security consultant or security guard without holding a valid licence?
- After the application has been submitted, how long before I will receive my Agent licence?
- Who is notified if I have a criminal history and I am denied a licence?
- What if I have received a conditional discharge, absolute discharge, acquittal or charges have been dismissed or withdrawn – do I still need to report the charge on my application?
- If I have had a youth charge, does it have to be disclosed on the application?
- Is the licence fee refundable if I don't succeed in my licence application?
- What "powers of arrest" do private security personnel have?
- As a licensed agent, am I able to carry a baton, handcuffs, or pepper spray while performing my duty?
- Do I have to advise someone if I stop working for a company or if I stop working as an agent altogether?
When can an individual begin providing services relating to Private Investigation, Burglar Alarm, Security Consulting and Security Guards in New Brunswick?
Only after the individual has been issued an agent licence as a Private Investigator, Burglar Alarm Agent, Security Consultant or Security Guard under the authority of the Private Investigators and Security Services Act by the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
Once the application is dropped off or mailed to the Department of Justice and Public Safety can I automatically go to work?
No. You are not able to work until you have received your licence.
Can I operate as a private investigator, burglar alarm agent, security consultant or security guard without holding a valid licence?
No. It is a Violation of Section 6(1)(b) of the Private Investigators and Security Services Act.
If all requirements are met, it may be issued in two to three days.
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 business that submitted your application will also be notified that you are not approved to work. The Department does not divulge the contents of the criminal records check to the business or to anyone else. It is up to the applicant to disclose their criminal history.
What if I have received a conditional discharge, absolute discharge, acquittal or charges (removed “that I”) have been dismissed or withdrawn – do I still need to report the charge on my application?
Yes. You must still report the charge if it has been within the last five years.
No.
Yes. The licence fee will be refunded in this case.
A Security Officer has only the same powers of arrest as a private citizen, and no others. Section 494(1) of the Criminal Code defines the powers of arrest of a private citizen.
As a licensed agent, am I able to carry a baton, handcuffs, or pepper spray while performing my duty?
No. A licensed agent must only carry their licence/identification card and/or a business card while on duty.
Do I have to advise someone if I stop working for a company or if I stop working as an agent altogether?
Yes. You and your employer must advise the Community Safety Division, Gaming Control and Licensing Services Branch within seven days of your termination of employment and return your licence.