Dear Members,

As you may know, the PSISB online database (https://www.compliance.gov.on.ca/services/psis-ublicregistry/individual/en) allows anyone with internet access to search for and confirm whether a person is a licensed private investigator.

While we recognize that public access to certain information can be important, listing the names of undercover private investigators poses a serious safety risk.

The CPIO has been working with the Ministry of the Solicitor General to have investigator names removed from the online database while still allowing searches by licence number. However, the Ministry maintains that the public’s right to access this information outweighs safety concerns unless there are “substantiated” threats to an investigator.

That’s why we’re reaching out. If any members have documented cases where an investigator, albeit undercover or otherwise, faced a safety threat due to their name being publicly listed, we ask that you share a general outline of the incident. We understand confidentiality is important; if more detail is needed, and you consent, we’ll connect the Ministry with your organization directly.

Your examples could help strengthen our case and better protect investigators moving forward.

Please send your contact details to Desmond Taljaard, the Director of Government Relations at dtaljaard@cpiontario.ca.