About Us

CSPIS was founded in 1981 and boasts a long and rich history. We have trained thousands of working private investigators, security professionals and private law enforcers working in Ontario and throughout Canada. We’ve gained a reputation for innovation, consistency and exceptional training quality. We are a specialist career college for private law enforcement.

Whether you’re new to the private sector of law enforcement or are already holding a license as a private investigator or security guard, our trainers and dedicated staff make it easy for you to quickly go from learning to earning as you gain professional qualifications. You can feel confident knowing that when you enroll in our institution, you will be learning from some of the most highly regarded private law enforcement instructor in Canada. We are subject matter experts with decades of real-life experience.

Early Days – The History of CSPIS

Before the inception of CSPIS, there were very few options available for those wishing to pursue a private law enforcement career. Some people gravitated to the industry after a policing career or spending time in the military. Others might have spent many years rising from the ranks of security guards. Still, others may have entered the field after developing skills in the insurance field or the field of law.

The creation of this unique institution provided a clear and direct path towards employment and professional expertise for those interested in and capable of developing and enhancing their professional qualifications as private investigators or security experts. This institution opened the doors to those suited men and women who felt they had something to offer the private sector of law enforcement.

Our Founder

An Inspiration Carl Franco, founder of CSPIS, is an example to all who seek to improve themselves and get ahead. His long and varied career provides ample proof that with hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams, no matter what they are.

Mr. Franco’s many accomplishments reflect his determination and commitment to professional development and they are a testament to his abilities and his wide range of interests. Throughout his decades in the field of private investigation, he became a true leader, showing tremendous drive and vision.

Early Career

Carl Franco began as a police officer and was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant and later to Detective. He distinguished himself throughout that time. After his career in policing, he embarked on a new journey into the world of private investigation. Here he found that his police background had not equipped him with all the skills he’d need for investigation work. To acquire those skills, he became a qualified Insurance Adjuster and Insurance Underwriter, and worked tirelessly at developing his “people” skills through his vast network of associates and professional affiliations.

An International Reputation

Through sheer hard work and perseverance, Mr. Franco added many of the largest law firms, insurance companies, adjusters and private organizations to his list of clients. His expertise was recognized across North America, in Europe and the Middle East.

Sharing His Vision Led to the Birth of CSPIS

With his unique set of skills he had a new dream. To pass on what he had learned through a lifetime of acquiring credentials and experience. Mr. Franco took on the task of founding the most authoritative academic institution in Canada for private investigators and security professionals.

In 1980, the years of preparation and planning came to fruition: the Canadian School of Private Investigation and Security opened its doors. CSPIS was the only educational institution in Canada dedicated exclusively to professional advancement within the private sector of law enforcement. In the decades since then, has been the guiding force at the school, as his many early students can attest. Centralized Campus.We believe in focusing all our resources into one highly centralized training facility in Toronto.

Students have travelled to our facility from across Canada and around the world to learn from us. Our campus provides large, modern classrooms, state-of-the-art equipment and space offering an unparalleled learning experience.

Wide Range of Basic and Advanced Courses

CSPIS offers courses approved by the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to prepare you for your security guard and private investigator licensing exams. These intensive courses give you the skills and confidence you need to successfully challenge the Ministry exam requirements.

We also offer advanced training programs to help you gain professional level skills and qualifications so you can advance your career as a private investigator, security professional, police officer or public law enforcement officer.

Canadian School of Private Investigation & Security Ltd. Real Training for the Real World.

Reasons to Choose CSPIS

Only CSPIS offers its students a comfortable learning environment, large well-equipped classrooms and student support services including test scheduling and license application assistance. With dedicated educational counsellors and more than 40 years experience training students for employment in Ontario’s demanding private security and investigation industry, CSPIS has the experience and know-how to help get students ready for industry challenges and demands!