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Who is this private investigator, this enigma, this mythical person fostered though books, movies and television? . . . the person who drinks to excess, works out of a dingy office and kicks down doors – the person that drives a red Ferrari and may even wear a Hawaiian shirt.

Conversely, the contemporary private investigator is a professional. He or she is always licensed in states requiring licensing, which are all but a few, and is a business person who works ethically and who obtains information within legal boundaries.

Licensed Private Investigators are an integral component of the US legal system. Without the work of PIs, substantial fraud would go unchallenged and criminal or civil cases would not be investigated properly or even at all.

Professional Licensed Investigators:

• Adhere to a professional Code of Ethics
• Respect consumer privacy
• Stay current on applicable laws
• Charge reasonable fees for services
• Update clients promptly
• And complete investigations in a timely manner

If YOU have a need for a PI . . . ask

• Are you licensed & bonded?
• Will you provide references?
• Are you a member of a professional trade association?
• How long have you been in business?
• How will you handle confidential information?
• Will you sign a contract?

Only hire after you are comfortable with the individual, your questions are fully answered and you both agree in writing on the services to be performed. It’s important that you verify the license of the PI you hire. If you come across a PI who is not properly licensed reporting unlicensed activity is a must in order to protect consumers.

U.S. Investigators

The National Council of Investigation and Security Services – - NCISS – - is an excellent place to start seeking a qualified PI anywhere in the country. . Go to www.NCISS.org or call 1-800-445-8408.

National Association of Legal Investigators is another association with highly qualified investigators . . . go to www.NALIonline.org or call 1-866-520-NALI (6254).

International Investigators

Two international associations can provide investigators worldwide: Council of International Investigators, www.cii2.org, 206-361-8869 or World Association of Detectives, www.wad.net , 443-982-4586.

California Investigators

If you are seeking a qualified private investigator specifically in California, contact 1-800-350-2254 or go to www.cali-pi.org. At the least, verify the individual has a California Private Investigator’s license at California Bureau of Security and Investigation Services.

Unlicensed Activity

If you become aware of a person working in California as an investigator without a license, report this violation to: Bureau of Security and Investigation Services Unlicensed Activates Action Unit.

California Business & Professions Code

 7523.

(a) Unless specifically exempted by Section 7522, no person shall engage in the business of private investigator, as defined in Section 7521, unless that person has applied for and received a license to engage in that business pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who conspires with another person to violate any provision of this chapter, relating to private investigator licensure, or who knowingly engages a nonexempt unlicensed person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.