Bureau de la sécurité privée – new subcategories in electronic security systems
The Bureau de la sécurité privée has revised the licence which now
allows for new subcategories for the agent license in electronic
security systems.
These new subcategories have been created to better regulate the
practice related to the installation and management of electronic
security systems. In recent months, the application form for the agent
license has been modified to allow the license applicant in electronic
security system to choose one or more of the following subcategories:
- Installation, repair and maintenance;
- Continuous remote monitoring (including monitoring centers);
- Technical consulting (including
representatives and other persons required to prepare plans and provide
advice in the installation of electronic security systems).
It is important to note that Bill 9 sanctioned on
November 2, 2011 stipulates that all valid licenses issued before that
date are deemed to have been issued for five years. These licences will
be reprinted to correct the expiration date. In this context, the Bureau
will communicate with licensees in electronic security systems to ask
them to choose subcategories relevant to their practice. We encourage
everyone involved in these new subcategories and any other person or
agency subject to the Private Security Act to request their licence as
soon as possible to avoid possible penal action.
Examples of the application of the Electronic Security Systems "Technical consulting" sub-category
On-site visit
A situation in which a provider representative (distributor, manufacturer's agent or manufacturer) visits the site of a project to assess security system needs, with or without an installation company representative. The provider representative must hold a "Technical consulting" sub-category agent licence to comply with the Private Security Act.
Design of and advice on specifications
A security system installation company invites a provider representative (distributor, manufacturers' agent or manufacturer) to comment on and/or review the plans and specifications of a security system to be installed at a customer location. The provider representative must hold a "Technical consulting" sub-category agent licence to comply with the Private Security Act.
Consultation (licence not required)
A security system installation company (installer, integrator, sales person) seeks advice on a product to be installed at a customer location. The consultation is done by phone, and no documents are exchanged between the company and the provider. Equipment performance or another technical aspect is called into question. In this case, the provider representative does not need to hold a "Technical consulting" sub-category agent licence to comply with the Act, because they were not directly involved in designing the plan and specifications.
One person with multiple roles
Representatives, sales people, consultants working for an electronic security system installation company and the likes must hold a "Technical consulting" sub-category agent licence to comply with the Private Security Act. If the person has multiple roles under the "Electronic Security Systems" category, such as installing and technical consulting, he or she should request both sub-categories. Those who already hold an "Installing" agent licence may provide consulting services on Electronic Security Systems, and when renewing their licence, they only need to request the "Technical consulting" sub-category.