August 29, 2025
When most people hear the phrase “private investigator,” they envision movie-worthy stakeouts, disguises, and covert recordings. In the real world, private investigation is a heavily regulated field with a very high bar to entry due to legal guidelines and barriers. If you are considering hiring a private investigator in Toronto or anywhere in ON, it is essential to understand the laws governing their activities. Our philosophy at Top Tier Investigations Inc. is to provide a straightforward and spirited approach to your investigative needs.
Are Private Investigators Legal in Ontario?
Yes—private investigators are lawyers, but only if the Ministry of the Solicitor General provincially licenses them under Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). This helps ensure that investigators have the appropriate training, ethics, and backgrounds before they enter the field.
Always verify that the investigator or agency you hire is licensed. An unlicensed private investigator may actually put you at risk, and any evidence they collect is likely to be inadmissible in court.
What Private Investigators Can Do Legally
Private investigators bring a variety of skills and resources that they are legally allowed to utilize. Here are some of the most popular.
- Observation: Watching and recording someone’s actions in public spaces.
- Background Investigation: Investigative process to confirm employment/education/personal history.
- Fraud Inquiries: Evidence Collection for Insurance or Financial Fraud.
- Family & Domestic Issues: Surveillance in cases of cheating, child custody, or cohabitation.
- Corporate Investigative: For safeguarding businesses against theft, internal fraud or workplace harassment.
When carried out correctly, these services are entirely legal and frequently employed to bolster the evidence in legal cases.
What Private Investigators Cannot Do
Though private investigators have many tools at their disposal, there are legal confines to what they can pursue. For example, they cannot:
- Enter private property without permission
- Computer, phone or social media hacking
- Implanting wiretaps or eavesdropping on conversations without permission
- Impersonate law enforcement officers
- Obtain access to any government or banking records in breach of any regulations or law.
If a caller exceeds these limits and you or the caller is prosecuted, they will be required to disclose this information to the court.
Privacy Laws You Should Know
The privacy laws for private investigators in Ontario are as follows. Data should be collected in a manner that conforms to the individual’s rights. That is, investigators can only hold on to evidence that is legally obtainable and relevant to the case.
Surveillance is permitted in public places, for example, but secret filming inside a private home is not. At Top Tier Investigations, Inc., we ensure that all information is gathered legally, ensuring it can be used in court if necessary.
Why Legal Compliance Matters for Clients
When you engage the services of a private investigator, you desire dependable evidence that is also admissible. If the investigator violates the law during that investigation, evidence could be thrown out, which would only serve to weaken your case. Selecting a licensed and reputable firm, such as Top Tier Investigations Inc., ensures that you are in good hands and that your investigation is conducted professionally and ethically.
Final Thoughts
A private investigator can shed clarity on challenging situations, personal or professional. However, the key is to hire a licensed and reputable agency that understands the law and the limitations of private investigation.
At Top Tier Investigations Inc., we believe in a comprehensive approach to investigations and adhere to absolute ethical, discreet, and Ontario law-compliant conduct in each case we take on. If you require confidential investigative services, please do not hesitate to contact us.
