Private Investigator Service and Licensure in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of forty-three states which require some type licensure for private investigators. Private investigators in Massachusetts have a variety of duties. Attorneys required the services of private investigator, preparation for trial.

Requirements in order to receive a license

A would be licensee will only become a licensed private investigator if he passes a rigorous screening process conducted by the Massachusetts State Police. First the applicant must submit, to the State Police, an application to be licensed as a private investigator. Applicants must also submit references and are subject to background checks. If the State Police find that the applicant has a criminal conviction, or find evidence of bad character then the application will be denied. In addition, the State Police will only license a private investigator who meets one of several rigorous career criteria. To be licensed as a private investigator the applicant must either have worked fifteen years as a police officer, ten years as a police supervisor, or three years as a private detective. A would-be private investigator license holder must also put a cash bond as a surety in case that he is found liable. Relative to many other States the requirements to be private investigator in Massachusetts are stringent.

Alternatives to licensing

The years required as police officers or investigators to meet the career criteria are time prohibited for many would be investigators. It is not required that a private investigator be licensed, only that all private investigative agencies be licensed. An unlicensed private investigator can work for or even own a private investigative agency as long as that agency has a manager or part owner who is licensed as a private investigator.

External links

* [http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Law+Enforcement+%26+Criminal+Justice&L2=Law+Enforcement&L3=Professional+Standards&L4=Certification+Unit&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=msp_msp_private_investigator_license_requirements&csid=Eeops Licensing requirements from State Police Website] .