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 then the legislated current stated minimum.

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

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

For most membership categories and for voting members you must be a licensed private investigator in the Province of Ontario. Voting members must have a valid individual Ontario private investigators license and meet one 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

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 email, No information provided regarding employer, No private investigation agency license number provided.
• all memberships are subject to Board approval. The Board meets every 3 months and membership applications 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 licence 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) 2015/2016 Member director being developed to be distributed to relevant industries. The directory will list all current agency members as well as provide an introduction, background of the CPIO, and emphasis on Investigative Body Status through CPIO membership. These directories will be distributed to insurance companies and law firms throughout Ontario.
(2) Continued commitment to providing professional development events in various regions of Ontario as well as possibly providing evening information/seminars periodically throughout the year.
(3) Ability to post employment opportunities in our classified ads on the website.
(4) Ability to utilize the CPIO’s access to Regus office services to reserve and utilize boardroom/office space throughout Ontario, Canada, and the US.
(5) Preferred general liability and E&O insurance rates with Jones Brown and Paisley Manor.
(6) Insurance companies offer discounts to agency members of the CPIO. We also offer discounted rates for up to two Conference and Professional Development as well as our AGM and Conference at the end of each year.

For Individuals:

(1) Continued Professional development events in various regions of Ontario as well as possibly providing evening information/seminars periodically throughout the year.
(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.

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.

Who do I contact if I have a problem?

Email us at membership@cpiontario.ca or phone us at 866-807-4012 and leave a message.