This past year when I was debating my decision to transition from a Litigation Paralegal to a Private Investigator I had many of questions. So in the spirit of my possible profession I investigated the prospect of changing professions. I asked others how they felt about the profession and what things I needed to know. Mind you I had been investigating case for 20+ years so I knew I wanted to make the change I just did not know how to start. I knew I had the experience and the expertise in my field to make the transition but I was not sure where to start. Talking to some other investigators I was told not to worry about a license, that did not seem right to me. So I grabbed the Oregon Revised Statutes because I knew if there is a rule thats where it would be. ORS 703.435(2) outlines the requirements for obtaining a private investigators license. Once I knew what specifically needed to be done my quest began. I needed to establish that I had spent 1500 hours in the field; no problem! I then needed to get bonded and insured which I did and finally I had to take a test. It all came together much easier than I imagined but I was still nervous. Here I am today blogging away because I have that license. Since that time I have offered to mentor others interested in this field because misinformation can be dangerous.
So my answer is this yes we need to be licensed because individuals posing as investigators do not do themselves or our profession any favors by not licensing themselves according to the rules of each state they may reside. We all need to uphold ourselves with integrity and professionalism. Having a license establishes confidence it is our job to earn the rest. Get your License.
Great post Dawn. Very well put. I would like to note that in some states, a license is required to do any investigations for money. Oklahoma is an example. It is my opinion that licensing in Oklahoma should be more difficult than it is.
Colorado does not have licensing. In Colorado the reputation for investigators over all, is not very good. Not because of all investigators, but because there are a lot of people there claiming to be a PI, and having no skill what so ever. There are some great investigators in Colorado, but licensing is needed there. At least that is my opinion.
To anyone else reading this:
I would never hesitate to hire Dawn should I need something done in her area. I would also never hesitate to recommend her.