Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Council of Private Investigators and what does it do?

The Council of Private Investigators Ontario is an Ontario non-profit corporation. Our purpose is dedicated to the representation of the profession of Private Investigators in the Province of Ontario, through the development and application of industry training, professional standards, and code of ethics. We strive to have our members recognized as the premier private investigation agencies and private investigators in the Province of Ontario.

Our members maintain the utmost level of professionalism, holding themselves to higher ethical and business standards than the legislated current stated minimum.

Do I have to be a private investigator to join the CPIO?

To be a full, voting member (Individual Member) you must have a current private investigators license and meet of the following conditions:

• Employed by an licensed Ontario private investigation agency
• Have a minimum of 2000 hours of private investigation or related investigation experience.
• Sponsored by a current CPIO member (optional)

There are membership categories that do not require you to hold a valid PI license, including:

• Associate Membership
• Intermediate Membership

I applied to be a member of the CPIO but have not received confirmation of my membership?

Membership is not automatic and can be delayed for the following reasons:

• Incomplete applications, such as No private investigator individual license number provided, No contact phone number and/or email, No information provided regarding employer, No private investigation agency license number provided.
• All memberships are subject to Board approval. The Board meets every 2 - 3 months and membership application final approvals are processed at the Board meetings.

Can students be members of the CPIO?

Yes, but as per our by-laws you must be enrolled in a program relevant to private investigation at a recognized educational institution who has met the requirements of membership, and who is not otherwise eligible for membership, and who has been approved by the Board. Many of the 50 hour course providers are not recognized educational institutions.

I am a CPIO member, but my name / profile is not listed on the website?

Because only agencies can offer the service of a private investigator only agencies are listed for public view. All members’ profiles / information are only available when logged in as a member.

Do I get a certificate or identification card when I join the CPIO?

Agency members are provided with a certificate of membership and individuals receive a letter confirming their membership.

If I received my license part way through the year, is there a pro-rated membership fee?

No. Memberships are valid from January 1st to December 31st.

Do I need to be an agency to join the CPIO?

No. Individuals, associates, and students are welcome to join the CPIO.

What benefits are there to joining the CPIO?

For Agency Members:

1. Continued commitment to providing professional development events, webinars and courses aimed at improving the professionalism of our industry.
2. Ability to post employment opportunities in our classified ads on the website.
3. Increased exposure in the marketplace.
4. Access to group medical benefits for staff.
5. Two votes at the AGM and Special Members Meetings.
6. Free passes for the November Professional Development Day.
7. Access to preferred rates from our partners.

For Individuals:

1. Continued Professional development events, webinars and discounted courses with some of the best organisations in the world.
2. Ability to post resumes and “looking for employment opportunities” in the Members area.
3. Access to contact information for member agencies/employers and the agency designate.
4. Opportunities to meet and network with agency owners, managers, employers.
5. Triton - CRJMC Background Checks.

I have seen unethical behaviour in the field and I want to report it. Who do I contact?

Contact the Ministry of community safety and correctional services and complete the form, English or French.  You can also report the matter to the CPIO, especially if you believe a CPIO member may have been involved.  Contact info@cpiontario.ca

Who do I contact if I have a problem?

Email us at info@cpiontario.ca