Q. What does a Private
Investigator (PI) do?
A.Generally speaking, a private
investigator is hired to obtain information regarding the identity,
habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, associations,
transactions, reputation, or character of any person or group of
persons. A private investigator may also conduct investigations
regarding the credibility of witnesses; the whereabouts of missing
persons; the location of missing persons; the location or recovery
of lost or stolen property; and the causes and origin of- or
responsibility for- fires, libels, or losses.
Q. What are the licensing
requirements for a California Private Investigator?
A. The general requirements for a
Private Investigator are:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Three years of compensated
experience totaling not less than 6,000 hours in investigative
work, while employed by law enforcement agencies, collection
agencies, insurance agencies, banks, courts, and other private
investigation agencies, etc.
- A college degree in criminal law,
criminal justice or police science can be substituted for part
of the experience.
- Pass a written exam.
- Undergo a criminal history review.
Q. Can a Private Investigator
carry a concealed weapon?
A. Yes. A Private Investigator may
carry a concealed weapon on duty if he/she also has BSIS exposed
firearms permit, and possesses a concealed weapons permit issued by
local law enforcement or:
- Is a retired peace officer with an
endorsement to carry a concealed weapon or
- Is an active duty peace officer
Q. A Private Investigator has been
hired to conduct an investigation. Who must he/she divulge
information to?
A. A Private Investigator may not
release information acquired during an investigation to anyone other
than his or her client, unless otherwise instructed by the client.
However, if there are any criminal offenses, information may be
released to local law enforcement or the district attorney.
Q. Can a Private Investigator do
anything that a police officer can do?
A. No. A Private Investigator has no
law enforcement authority even if he/she has been hired by law
enforcement to perform an investigation. A Private Investigator is
an ordinary citizen and can only make citizen's arrests.
Q. Can a Private Investigator
enter property without an owner's consent?
A. No. A Private Investigator may not
enter any private building without owner's consent.
Q. Can a Private Investigator use
a badge?
A. No. A Private Investigator may not
carry or wear a badge in connection with an investigation since it
may mislead others to believe that he or she is a peace officer or
other government official.
Still have questions? Contact
the staff at Lungren Investigations! We're here to
help!
