PI LICENSING: Maryland

[Andre Godsey]

Hello P.I. Colleagues: I would like to know if Maryland requires licensure. Thanks.

[Legal Affairs]

NO LICENSE NEEDED, IF WORKING FOR THE FOLLOWING: :
Exemptions:
NO LICENSE NEEDED: if an individual who is regularly and exclusively employed as an investigator or in any other capacity by a person (or company) who is not already engaged in the business of providing private detective services, while performing any duty of employment;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF: an officer or employee of any unit of the United States, of any state, or of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of any state, while performing a duty of the office or employment;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to a lawyer, while performing any activity that relates to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to an individual who, as a regular part-time or full-time employee of a lawyer, provides services that relate to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to a person who is licensed to engage in insurance business of any kind in the State, while conducting that business, or to any employee or licensed agent of that person, while conducting that business;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to an independent insurance adjuster, while conducting the business of an insurance adjuster;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to a person while conducting an investigation solely for the person's own account;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: to a special police officer appointed and while performing under Article 41, Subtitle 9 of the Code or subsection 16-16 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Baltimore City.


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: or performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making investigations and reports that relate to the financial standing, credit worthiness, or financial responsibility of any person;


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: or performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making a report for an insurance or credit purpose, except if the making of the report involves an investigation or surveillance of a sort normally performed by a person:


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: or monitoring an electronically controlled burglar or fire alarm system with a central unit; or


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: ormaking a marketing survey.


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: or a Representative member. - "Representative member" means a firm member who is appointed on behalf of the firm.


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: as a Security guard. - "Security guard" means an individual who provides security guard services, regardless of whether the individual is described as a security guard, watchman, or
private patrolman.


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: for Security guard services. - "Security guard services" includes any activity that is performed for compensation as a security guard to protect any individual or property, except the
activities of an individual or property, except the activities of an individual while performing as:


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: as a marine guard or ship watchman, regardless of whether the guard or watchman is stationed aboard a ship or on a pier; or


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: as a special police officer, as exempted from the provisions of this title.


NO LICENSE NEEDED IF working: as a Superintendent. - "Superintendent" means the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.








TO OBTAIN A LICENSE TO SOLICIT FOR YOUR OWN CLIENTS:

The applicant must provide documentation supporting a minimum of 3-5 years of employment as an investigator.

PI License Application: Click here (http://www.mdsp.org/downloads/licensing_application.pdf)

Other Forms, go to http://www.mdsp.org/ and choose the DOWNLOAD option for a menu.

CONTACT Sources:
Licensing@mdsp.org

Department of Maryland State Police
Criminal Investigation Bureau
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville Md 21208
410-653-4500 (http://www.dbm.state.md.us/phonebook/OfficeSub.asp?OID=6185)

John Simpson
Records Command
jsimpson@mdsp.org

Donald Harrison
Cmdr. Licensing Division
dharrison@mdsp.org

[Legal Affairs]

Originally posted by Andre Godsey
Hello P.I. Colleagues: I would like to know if Maryland requires licensure. Thanks.
See above.

[Andre Godsey]

Good Evening colleagues from the great state of Maryland, where the crabs are great, the Baltimore Ravens were outstanding world champions of NFL football and Cal Ripken the iron man of baseball is a icon for perservance. Speaking of the state of Maryland, I am interested in becoming a licensed p.i. but the only way to do that is to find a detective agency to license you and work under the hiring agencies license for five years. My problem is finding someone to hire me to do that. Is there anything IPIU can suggest to get licensed in the state of Maryland or is there any licensure through this program to become licensed as a p.i.? (I searched the forum initially with no success. I'm sure the answer is here). Thanks for your assistance.

[David Copeland]

Once you get through your manual you will be introduced to agencies and firms for assignments. With that experience, you will then progress to the local interview stage of assignments.

You do NOT need a license in Maryland if you work as a private investigator under the expemptions listed above in this topic. But while you work you gain the hours for a license.

[Andre Godsey]

David and legal affairs unit, thanks for your great work and information. I appreciate your assistance. :) :)

[Lydia Feigh]

Mr. Copeland:

In your response to Mr. Godsey, you mentioned a manual. I wanted to know what manual you were in reference to and how I can obtain one. Thank you.

I am a full-time legal secretary. The exemptions listed in the post read:

"to an individual who, as a regular part-time or full-time employee of a lawyer, provides services that relate to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State"

Can you explain this to me?

Thank you.

[Darin Biddle]

Originally posted by Lydia Feigh
Mr. Copeland:

In your response to Mr. Godsey, you mentioned a manual. I wanted to know what manual you were in reference to and how I can obtain one. Thank you.
The manual in reference is the training manual given to the union members as part of their training.


Originally posted by Lydia Feigh

I am a full-time legal secretary. The exemptions listed in the post read:

"to an individual who, as a regular part-time or full-time employee of a lawyer, provides services that relate to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State"

Can you explain this to me?

It is stating that you may act as a private investigator while carrying out duties for a licensed attorney in the state. I take the meaning to be that, if an attorney asks you to investigate something on a case that he is currently working on than you are exempt.

[Maria Beecher]

Hi,
Do you have to work for 3 years straight? Or can you work for different people on and off in those 3 years?
Thank You,
Maria B.

[David Copeland]

Originally posted by Maria Beecher
Hi,
Do you have to work for 3 years straight? Or can you work for different people on and off in those 3 years?
Thank You,
Maria B.
You mean before you can perform investigations? If so, no. See the comment posted by Legal Affairs for all of the exemptions, which permit private investigators to do assignments without a state issued license.

If you are speaking about obtaining your state license in order to advertise for your own clients, then you can gain the experience from more than one firm. I believe the statutes state that it is total of 3 years of "time" or the amount of normal hours earned.

[Maria Beecher]

Thank You for the info:)
Maria B.

[Jeff Colon]

This will probably sound kind of silly, but if I want to open up my own agency when I get licensed as a PI, do I need a business license as well?
Also, at what point of the process of making my own PI business do I get bonded and insured?

Thanks.

[admin]

Originally posted by Jeff Colon
This will probably sound kind of silly, but if I want to open up my own agency when I get licensed as a PI, do I need a business license as well?
Also, at what point of the process of making my own PI business do I get bonded and insured?

Thanks.
The first item is to obtain all of the state forms. Then read them fully.

Also call your local city or county licensing office and ask them if you already have a state PI license, are you required to also have a local business license.

Any other questions regarding setting up your business should be posted in the Level 4 Members Only forum titled Obtaining Your Private Investigator License or Agency License! (http://www.ipiu.org/forums//forumdisplay.php?daysprune=&forumid=17) . Just make sure you read that forum's rules before posting. :)

[Jeff Colon]

Originally posted by admin
Any other questions regarding setting up your business should be posted in the Level 4 Members Only forum titled Obtaining Your Private Investigator License or Agency License! . Just make sure you read that forum's rules before posting.

Thanks for your response. However, regarding the above statement, I don't have access to level 4 yet. This is why I posted my question here. I apologize for any inconvenience. But thanks again! :)

[admin]

Originally posted by Jeff Colon

.. I don't have access to level 4 yet. [/B]
I am sure you will soon. Hang in there. :)

[Jeff Colon]

Originally posted by admin
I am sure you will soon. Hang in there.


Yes I know. I was just saying that this is why I posted my question here.
Thanks! :)

[Roni L. Pohl]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by admin
[B]
The first item is to obtain all of the state forms. Then read them fully.

Also call your local city or county licensing office and ask them if you already have a state PI license, are you required to also have a local business license.

Great advice. The Maryland State Police regulates the licensing of individual private investigators. They also regulate and provide all information regarding licensing of an agency as well. It would be a good place idea to start there for information, other than here that is.

:p

[Pam Tomlinson]

What exactly are you allowed to do if you dont work at a agency as far as PI work. I passed my test in June and still waiting to hear from agencies. I would love to get started in my work. I am in Maryland also. Thank you.

Respectfully,

[Roni L. Pohl]

Originally posted by Pam Tomlinson
What exactly are you allowed to do if you dont work at a agency as far as PI work. I passed my test in June and still waiting to hear from agencies. I would love to get started in my work. I am in Maryland also. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Hi Pam,

I am going to attempt to answer your question. Regarding IPIU, if you passed your exam in June, you should be receiving referrals for assignments, and you should also be able to access the section of the forums that refer you to local agencies. There you can apply for assignment and positions and while the agencies might not be local themselves, they are still allowed to hire you for local assignments. Mystery shopping for example is a great way to break into the investigative field.

However, Maryland is one of the more strict licensing states, so if you are asking what you are allowed to do outside of IPIU, you can apply for trainee positions through the local paper, you can start as a private process or skip tracer, or you can apply for a position as a security guard. These, among other things, are all position that will help break into the investigation fields. Maryland requires 5 years of full time duty in an investigative or law/military enforcement position before you can apply for a PI license.

I hope this was what you were asking and good luck with everything.

Roni

[Eric Christian 2]

Now that I unerstand Maryland licensing law, what type of PI work is available in Marylandand the US for newly licensed PI's.

[Cynthia Ford]

Originally posted by Eric Christian
Now that I unerstand Maryland licensing law, what type of PI work is available in Marylandand the US for newly licensed PI's.
Take the POLL in the Trainee Forum.

[Pam Tomlinson]

I would like to know also. I would love to put this talent to work :)

Respectfully,
Pam Tomlinson
Maryland

[Alfonso Pelote]

I served in the military for 22years, performed armed security for 4 years, performed Juvenille Correctional Officer/ Peace Officer duties for two years, and currently work as a security Officer.

[Roni L. Pohl]

Alfonso, based on your post, if you are a Maryland resident, you would have met the requirements to apply for licensing in Maryland through your experience in the security field and corrections field. However I noticed you are in New York, so if you are inquiring about NY laws, I would refer you to another section on the boards which would discuss NY licensing laws. Good Luck.

[Alfonso Pelote]

Hello Roni,
And thank-you for the information. I plan to move to Maryland in the near future.

[Roni L. Pohl]

That's awesome Alfonso, Good Luck!

[Raymond Fogle]

Everyone peeked my interest in finding out more concerning this issue since I am a Maryland resident as well. I have placed some inquiries into this question as well. I will provide any additional information I receive to everyone in this thread once I receive it.

[Roni L. Pohl]

Raymond, I am not sure what other information you need but here is the State Law on Private Investigator Licensing:
Additionally, the Maryland State Police governs the applications and issuance of PI Licenses, all you have to do is call them.

PI LICENSING: Maryland

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO LICENSE NEEDED, IF WORKING FOR THE FOLLOWING::
Exemptions:


an officer or employee of any unit of the United States, of any state, or of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of any state, while performing a duty of the office or employment;


to a lawyer, while performing any activity that relates to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State;


to an individual who, as a regular part-time or full-time employee of a lawyer, provides services that relate to the lawyer's regular practice of law in the State;


to an individual who is regularly and exclusively employed as an investigator or in any other capacity by a person who is not engaged in the business of providing private detective services, while performing any duty of employment;


to a person who is licensed to engage in insurance business of any kind in the State, while conducting that business, or to any employee or licensed agent of that person, while conducting that business;


to an independent insurance adjuster, while conducting the business of an insurance adjuster;


to a person while conducting an investigation solely for the person's own account;


to a special police officer appointed and while performing under Article 41, Subtitle 9 of the Code or subsection 16-16 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Baltimore City.


performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making investigations and reports that relate to the financial standing, credit worthiness, or financial responsibility of any person;


performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making a report for an insurance or credit purpose, except if the making of the report involves an investigation or surveillance of a sort normally performed by a person:


monitoring an electronically controlled burglar or fire alarm system with a central unit; or


making a marketing survey.


Representative member. - "Representative member" means a firm member who is appointed on behalf of the firm.


Security guard. - "Security guard" means an individual who provides security guard services, regardless of whether the individual is described as a security guard, watchman, or
private patrolman.


Security guard services. - "Security guard services" includes any activity that is performed for compensation as a security guard to protect any individual or property, except the
activities of an individual or property, except the activities of an individual while performing as:


a marine guard or ship watchman, regardless of whether the guard or watchman is stationed aboard a ship or on a pier; or


a special police officer, as exempted from the provisions of this title.


Superintendent. - "Superintendent" means the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.


TO OBTAIN A LICENSE TO SOLICIT FOR YOUR OWN CLIENTS:


The applicant must provide documentation supporting a minimum of 3-5 years of employment as an investigator.

[Raymond Fogle]

Thanks for the additional information. I was just curious as to whether they had anything on their website since I was browsing around and could not find much. It seems some of the links posted previously are dead due to almost every Maryland State Agency having their own individual websites now. I do appreciate the prompt response and look forward to learning more as time goes on.

Best Wishes.

[Roni L. Pohl]

No Problem, there's a woman that I usually talk to over at the MD State Police. She always very helpful and answers questions. If you call the main No. for the MD state Police and ask to speak with someone in the PI licensing Dept., I'm sure they will answer any questions and provide additional information. Good Luck :)

[Darlene Luckett -]

The information here is extremely helpful. I never would have guessed that Maryland was so strict! :eek: Guess it's time for my ambition to kick in! I do suppose it is a good thing. By the time you are able to get your license, you will have plenty of experience under your belt.

Thanks again for all of the helpful information! :p

[Robin Poling]

I also live in MD. I would love to do skip tracing. Has anyone ever saw any advertisments hiring for that. Also if I call the PI dept Of the MAryland State Police. Would they have any info on PI trainee? Robin Poling

[Roni L. Pohl]

Depending on where you are in MD Robin, you can search the local paper for a full or part time position as a process server. Of course the ad probably won't be that specific. Sometimes it just says "need people to deliver court document in the _____ area". I worked for a company as a proces server/skip tracer, I did it part time and made a decent part time income doing it. You can probably look in the yellow pages and call local agencies and ask if they are hiring as well.

As far as the licensing information, I believe they will only give you the requirements for applying for a PI license, they don't necessarily go into detail on trainee information. Your best bet if you are looking for a trainee position is to again, search the local paper in the classified section. Working for any Maryland licensed PI agency will meet the requirements and earn you hours towards applying for your own license.

Hope that's helpful. :)

[Robin Poling]

that was helpful. I will check the paper and the yellow pages thanks.

[Darlene Luckett -]

Thanks so much for the "detailed" information. It was very helpful to me also. Being a member of the MD State Police Crime Scene Search Team, I have a few handy "brains to pick" for contact information! Thanks again! ;)

[Roni L. Pohl]

Darlene, also check to see what, if any, requirements your current position meets towards applying for a PI license. I don't know what "crime scene search" means, but it sounds investigative and it sounds like a law enforcement position. Depending on how long you've been with the MSP, you may already be eligible to apply for a license.

[Vera L Arrington]

This forum has answered my questions regarding licensure in Maryland. Thanks to everyone!

[Roni L. Pohl]

I'm so glad it helped you Vera, Good luck. :)

[William Wells]

I Have Worked Security For A Long Time And I Was Wondering If Security Hours Count As Hours For Getting Your Pi License In Maryland?

[Roni L. Pohl]

Yes it does count, assuming it's a licensed security company that you worked for. Call the Maryland State Police and ask to speak with someone in private investigation licensing. There's a woman over there that handles all the calls and takes your information and tells you if you qualify for an application. Good luck :)

[William Wells]

i just found out since i worked licensed security for 15 years i can apply for my md pi license. can i apply but still stay a trainee to get the experience?

[Roni L. Pohl]

You can become a Maryland licensed PI and still be a trainee with IPIU, but once you get your license, send a copy to IPIU because you get recognition in your IPIU crudentials for being licensed and you'll want to enjoy the benefits of a "licensed" membership with IPIU.

IPIU is a seperate organization from licensing, you can be a trainee with IPIU regardless of your state license status.

Good luck and please update us on your achievments. :)

[Maria Beecher]

What are the steps you take in becomeing a licensed PI? It was told to me that the laws have changed and you must now be police officer and then apply for investigations.
I am not sure anymore.
Maria

[William Wells]

i just called md state police and they said that security does not count ,they said that i have to be a actualpi for 3years in the state of maryland .i guess laws are changing.thanks for all your help,i cant wait to get started.

[David Copeland]

What are the steps you take in becomeing a licensed PI? It was told to me that the laws have changed and you must now be police officer and then apply for investigations.
I am not sure anymore.
Maria
Never rely on a phone conversation with any state official when looking to become licensed. They are not the lawmakers or the attorneys who authored the requirements and the options and the exemptions.

Always, always refer to the written statutes and written applications. And make sure you have the full set of documents, and are not missing what would otherwise allow you to obtain your goal.

[Maria Beecher]

OK, Thank You for your help. I am just very unsure of what I need to do next.

Thank You.
Maria :)

[Cynthia Keating]

William,

That's what I got from various sources of information pertaining to a License in MD. If you come across anything contrary I'd love to hear about it. All the best.

Cindy

[Lavon Reynolds]

:) Good luck to you all in getting your license in MD. I will stride to do the same :)

[Christopher Small -]

My fellow Marylanders,

Thank you all!

This is some very helpful information. Not needing a license in MD to do PI work will really speed up the process of my getting started in this field.


Chris
http://mysite.verizon.net/bigalo/images/privateEye.gif

[Lavon Reynolds]

Chris,

Best of luck :D

[Chad Haltom]

There is only one way to gain a license in the state of Maryland. You must be with an agency licensed in Maryland and you must comply with the application requirements.
If you work with an agency you will be required to submit applications to Maryland State Police Barracks in Jessup.

The cost is 57 dollars

[Technical Support]

There is only one way to gain a license in the state of Maryland. You must be with an agency licensed in Maryland and you must comply with the application requirements.
If you work with an agency you will be required to submit applications to Maryland State Police Barracks in Jessup.

The cost is 57 dollarsYes and no, Chad. That is certainly the more traditional way.

But IPIU union members also have access to a private forum where they gain free help in setting up their own PI Agency without having any prior PI experience with any agency using the full Maryland statutes.

[Chad Haltom]

Sorry,

I was told this by the State Police Private Detective Division. I was also not aware of the access to a private forum where we can gain free help in setting up angency. Is this the case in Florida also. I have found nothing on this in the forums I have read. I have been reading alot. But maybe I should read more. Well thanks I will see to gaining a managment membership soon...



Chad Haltom

[Karl Murphy]

I am a new member and am interested in an entry level or trainee position as a private investigator, I worked as a special investigator in a foreign country, and speak a few languages as well.
I would like to speak to others that also live in the State of Maryland to get some idea of where to start off.

[Karl Murphy]

Yes and no, Chad. That is certainly the more traditional way.

"But IPIU union members also have access to a private forum where they gain free help in setting up their own PI Agency without having any prior PI experience with any agency using the full Maryland statutes."


I sure would like to be able to do that,
and perhaps work with other new investigative agencies as well.

[Lavon Reynolds]

Hello Karl,

I suggest that you start off with reading all the threads in this forum and go to the new trainee form.


<marquee>good luck :) </marquee>

[Karl Murphy]

That is what I have been doing, but I am also looking for a focused aproach as opposed to a shotgun aproach that is costly time wise.

[Chad Haltom]

That is what I have been doing, but I am also looking for a focused aproach as opposed to a shotgun aproach that is costly time wise.
Walk before you run

[Lavon Reynolds]

Hello Karl,

The forum you maybe looking for is Free Marketing-Advertising Help Forum level 4 access. I hope this forum helps you out. :rolleyes:

<marquee> :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) </marquee>

[Lisa Frye -]

That is what I have been doing, but I am also looking for a focused aproach as opposed to a shotgun aproach that is costly time wise.

Karl,

I see that you have not yet posted an introduction. Please go to the following link so others can welcome you ;). I see you have quiete a few posts but we would like to get you started in the right direction. :) (Edit yourself a new thread)

Forum Members Welcome Loung (http://www.ipiu.org/forums//forumdisplay.php?f=45)

[Pat Rooney]

Maryland folks,

Being new to the forums, you'll have to excuse me being a little slow in replying.

I am a retired Baltimore County Police Officer and retired Naval Reserve Security Warrant Officer so I guess getting my PI license in MD was slightly easier than it sounds like most of you are having.

Just to clarify a few thing and help you get pointed in the right direction; KEEP RECORDS OF ANY AND ALL TRAINING YOU RECEIVE! Got that? ANY AND ALL! You would be surprised how much one of those little certificates so many people throw away or file somewhere that they forget where they kept it.

Personally, I have a 4 in. 3-ring binder that I keep all of my certificates in. I learned that years ago when I was just a duckling in the PD. If you want to blow somebody away, especially in court, and they want to see "proof" you were trained to do something, just whip out the book and show them. I separated mine into categories like; general (Police Academies, etc.), criminal investigation, traffic, tactical, hazardous materials, etc. That way you can find it easily.

When I showed up for my interview with MSP to get my PI license, the Trooper took one look at the binder, browsed through it, and told me I should be asking her questions. :)

For those of you who have had ANY military police experience, that is a big help with getting your license too. Keep those cerificates. If you lose them, try to keep training records. If need be, keep your own. I do that too.

One company asked me to do some executive protection work for them. When they asked how much training and experience I have in that field, I told them, "280 hours". The guy laughed until I showed him the list of courses and asked him to total up the times. :D I got the job!

DO NOT TRY TO B.S. YOUR WAY THROUGH TRAINING. If you don't have it, you don't have it. GO GET IT! Simple as that. If you lie or "exagerate" what you have and get caught, you are done. One little mistake regarding training can ruin any plans you have.

It is nothing to be ashamed of to say you lack experience in a particular field. You would be surprised at the number of companies out there that would rather you learn their way than break you of any bad habits you may have developed elsewhere.

When you get your own Maryland Private Detective License, it is something to be proud of, just because it is a little harder to get.

So endeth the sermon for today.

Pat Rooney

[Linda Prisby -]

Thanks for the good info. I will call the PI licensing Dept.

[Corwyn Patterson]

Thanks for the information Pat.I like to get all the training I possibly can.I keep all my certificates.I hope I get the chance to to somehow use those training certificates and gain my license.

[Michael A Jones]

Great info!! I'm getting an application as soon as I get some on the job training.

[Karin Solomon]

I am ready and willing to get my feet wet as a trainee in maryland. I am still in the process of getting my photo credentials but would love to be a body guard ect.
thanks all,
Karin

[Hugh Goodwyn]

Thanks, I was wondering about the security exemption can I work if I have a security license in Virginia.

[John Lacher -]

Please keep in mind that I am going back about 10 years. The licensing requirements may have changed. I was first licensed in Maryland back in 1978.

At that time you had to apply at the licensing division of the Maryland State Police, headquarters barracks, Pikesville, Baltimore County, Maryland. The requirements were at that time yhat you had to have worked for an agency, known then as Class A agency for a period of five consequetive years. No unbroken time, not even one (1) day or your time started all over again to Day # 1 of year # 1. Maryland in one of the few states that are very difficult to deal with. You must go in person for everything. Nothing is done over the telephone, in writing or the internet.

The State Police conduct their own investigations and I can tell you they do not miss a thing. It takes several months to clear a background with them so in the mean time you might want to consider getting your local and county business license, insurance, and most of all errors and omissions. or, you can wait intil your background is cleared and do it all then.

If I remember corectly you were also required to take the hand gun exam. It's a pass or fail, shooting right and left handed. MSP did all the testing at their Pikesville hand gun police range.

I remember taking mine with snow on the ground on a bright sunny day without wearing shooting glasses. The glare off the sun was terrible. Looking right into the sun.

[John Lacher -]

Pat Rooney mentioned some really great point's on the subject of DOCUMENTATION. yes...oh yes, by all means listen to Pat. Gee, I forgot to mention the thing about documentation and it's importance. As many of you may have been told at some time or another, " if you don't know, say you don't know. Do not lead the trooper or investigator to believe that you have something when you don't. If you do not have the required time on the job or the necessary contacts, or references, then state that you don't. Believe me, Pikesville will be more open to guiding you in the direction of working toward your goal by getting the experience you need. Create your 3-ring binder now. Document everything. Who, what, when, where, how, and why. The moment you pick up the phone to call an agency for an employment inquiry to get the time you need make sure your binder is open to the contacts page, and have pen in hand. WRITE IT DOWN. keep a section for important emails and suggestions so you can refer back to them in 6 months. otherwise, I will promise you, you will forget. Always, always keep a note book and pen with you. You can transfer information to your 3 ring binder in the evening. That binder is your lifeline. Learn to use it everyday. In another binder, keep your important documents, certifications, etc.

[Robin Poling]

It doesn't sound like anyone has found work in MD. I'm still waitint for my manuels and can't seem to contact anyone by phone. I am very confused by this site. I stsrted theprocess about 2 years ago let it go and figure maybe give it on emore try. Can anyone encourageme to keep going Thanks Robin

[John Lacher -]

TO: Robin Poling

Robin,

Perhaps I can help you. Please describe the status you are in right now in the licensing process.

The Maryland State Police at police headquarters in Pikesville, Maryland handles all PI licensing, background checks, etc. I would call the licensing division at Pikesville and ask for a status of your application. The investigators are quite helpful and are extremely fast in doing the backgrounds. Two years is far from the norm of 90 to 120 days to complete the background investigation and complete the licensing process. Often times information that was originally requested on the application needs to be updated such as telephone numbers and addresses of references. Keep in mind that it is up to you to supply the correct and current information that you submitted on your application. If you suspect that the information you gave is not correct, don't wait to get a letter or phone call from the investigator. Give what they need, make sure all information is good. Stay on top and always follow up. You will get ahead much further and the investigator handling your file will view you as an organized, professional, and serious about your application. Ask the investigator, is there anything I can do or additional information I can give you that will assist you in your investigation? What you are doing is establishing a dialog, a professional image and a professional relationship with the investigator that may very well help you down the road.

Please read, and re-read the IPIU forums. 99% of the time you will find the answer to your question before you ask it. But, that doesn't mean you should not ask questions. By all means, please ask. You have a family of IPIU professionals ready to help you in any subject matter.

[Vicky Poleck]

I worked 12 years for the State of Maryland in Criminal Law as a paralegal. Have served a ton of subpoenas as well as investigated crime scenes with attorneys, interviewed incarcerated clients. My question is, my job description was paralegal so I still need 5 years with an investigative agency to become a licensed investigator.

[John Lacher -]

I worked 12 years for the State of Maryland in Criminal Law as a paralegal. Have served a ton of subpoenas as well as investigated crime scenes with attorneys, interviewed incarcerated clients. My question is, my job description was paralegal so I still need 5 years with an investigative agency to become a licensed investigator.

Vicky,

In answer to your question, attached please find the current Maryland State Law as it applies to PI Licensing, for the State of Maryland, only.

Maryland
Maryland State Police, PI Licensing Division
Jessup, MD
(410) 799-0191, ext. 331
State Law (http://www.inform.umd.edu/UMS+State/MD_Resources/MDSP/title13.txt)
http://www.mdsp.org/

[Roni L. Pohl]

Actually Robin, I did get several assignments in MD through IPIU. I didn't post anything about it here because there was another forum for that. But yes, IPIU provided excellent opportunities for me in MD and I was paid well for them. I have not worked for IPIU in a while but I plan to get back into it soon. For me, I ended up pursuing a career in the legal field rather than pursue a full time PI career with an agency.
Good Luck,
Roni

[John Lacher -]

It doesn't sound like anyone has found work in MD. I'm still waitint for my manuels and can't seem to contact anyone by phone. I am very confused by this site. I stsrted theprocess about 2 years ago let it go and figure maybe give it on emore try. Can anyone encourageme to keep going Thanks Robin

Hi Robin:

I am originally from Maryland. Back in the early 70's and mid 80's I operated two PI agencies, one in Baltimore county and the other in Baltimore City. The 70's and 80's were the times when it was either feast or famine. If you were a small one person agency you had some real hard times ahead of you. The larger agencies that had been around for several years, mostly owned and operated by former police officers did quite well. They normally had several clients in their pocket before they even became licensed. Many had paid their dues or had "old neighborhood dues that had not been paid that generated the business simply by who they knew by face on the court house steps. It didn't matter who you were working for as long as they paid their bill on time and didn't have loose lips. The " old salt" shoe leather express agencies all belonged to the " good Ole boys club", so if you were starting out and was not known, or an x-police, the years ahead of you were going to be long before you were able to " establish yourself.

Many out there think that becoming a PI and making a living starting out is a cake walk!

It is NOT easy and no one should make you think that it will be. It takes patience, money, time, initiative, and above average time management and marketing skills to get off the ground. You must advertise and have your business cards, brochures, thank you for your business cards, and a 3 ring binder with you at all times, if not a lap top computer, PDA, or a host of other tools needed by today's standards compared to the 70's and 80's. The times have changed and if those out there are not willing to change then they will be out of business.

Keep current on all aspects of the profession. Keep your membership current with at least two or three professional affiliations. IPIU being one of them. Stay licensed, insured and bonded. Network, and I mean network with as many individuals and organizations that can help you. Join the local insurance adjuster groups. Go to the early morning breakfast and coffee gatherings, dinners and seminars. make sure you have a BOX of business cards in your brief case or the trunk of your car. Running out of business cards or not having them on you is the worst thing that can happen to you. Writing your name and phone number on a napkin doesn't do it.
Remember that 3 ring binder I mentioned? Keep it full of paper. Each time you do your marketing and walk into the attorney office or insurance adjuster, have it with you. Get their business card. Use one sheet and glue or tape the card to the blank sheet of paper. Then slide the sheet into a plastic sheet protector. Make notes on the sheet about the conversation you had. If you found out their spouses name, children, family pet, etc, WRITE IT DOWN. This binder will be your life line to that person who may very well become a CLIENT. Each time you visit that office, look at the history sheet. Remember the persons name, birthday, spouses name and kids. Knowing about them and the special little things will make them feel important, which they are!

It isn't difficult getting off the ground and getting clients if you treat each and every contact with respect and interest. You have a Code of Ethics to abide by. Stick to them.

Everyone regardless of their locality may find it hard to set up shop but when you think about it, it is all a " people thing" if your are outgoing, an extrovert, friendly, open minded with a heart and a smile, you will do well. Just know who the players and actors are, know and study your competition, find out what they are doing that is feeding them, week after week. You might be surprised!

Did I go off topic?

[Donna Reagan]

Did I go off topic?

Answer: Yes. :(


(If you place your mouse cursor over the OFF TOPIC smilie, there is a special message that pops up.)

Off-topic comments are usually archived or moved to keep the topic on-topic.

[Rick Conaway -]

Here is a crazy question... Maryland requires PI's to be licensed to solicit work independently, right? How does the state know if you are working independently or under their exception guidelines? Isn't it possibly for a state official to challenge the licensing requirement?

Let's say you are working for an attorney which fine under the guidelines without a license; now someone requests the validity of your actions as a PI working independently and not under the guidelines of MD. How do you prove you are working for someone else and not you independently? Do you need a letter documenting a case load or some other type of work order to prove that you are not being fraudulent?

I mean this would only be in an extreme case but, I don't want to operate under a gray cloud that may not give me certain protections when I believe I am working under the MD guidelines. I know it all falls under mental culpabilty and intent but, at the same time ignorance is no excuse.

Thanks,

Rick

[Lugene Herbst]

Here is a crazy question... Maryland requires PI's to be licensed to solicit work independently, right? How does the state know if you are working independently or under their exception guidelines? Isn't it possibly for a state official to challenge the licensing requirement?

Let's say you are working for an attorney which fine under the guidelines without a license; now someone requests the validity of your actions as a PI working independently and not under the guidelines of MD. How do you prove you are working for someone else and not you independently? Do you need a letter documenting a case load or some other type of work order to prove that you are not being fraudulent?

I mean this would only be in an extreme case but, I don't want to operate under a gray cloud that may not give me certain protections when I believe I am working under the MD guidelines. I know it all falls under mental culpabilty and intent but, at the same time ignorance is no excuse.

Thanks,

Rick
Maryland does not require a PI license to work as a private investigator. They only require a license to solicit as a private investigator, and to later make claim from receiving money that you performed the regulated case. That is why all forms of solicitation as a private investigator should include a PI License number. If not, then the solicitation (business card, letterhead, web site, etc) should clarify under what unregulated areas or unregulated assignments the non-licensed PI is operating.

Here is another way to go (Colorado Headquarter Office Plan:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=248

And if you have Level 3 access here as an IPIU Union member, look at the sample business cards of both regulated and unregulated private investigators:
http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=242

In another topic you asked about internet investigating. The Colorado PI Office Program is excellent for that. You have an office, phone, email, secretary, and a state corporate license, all for $7 to $15 per month (when paid annually), which allows you to investigate anything anywhere in the world by computer. If you need a live person to do surveillance in Maryland, then just sub-contract one of IPIU's licensed PI's to do the job for the small portion of your earnings.

Although the internet is virtual, having a web page with a real office and business license in an unregulated state gives you the authority to work within the lawful guidelines of Maryland and other states.

To inquire, call 800-548-1526 and choose Option 2 for Gary when he returns on Monday.

[Cain N Jones]

So are you saying as long as your not taking money you can preform investagations,online or by other means,without a licence?

[Rick Conaway -]

Lugene Herbst,

Thank you, your information has been very helpful.

Rick

[Technical Support - USA]

So are you saying as long as your not taking money you can preform investagations,online or by other means,without a licence?
Hello, Cain.

Although it appears you are in Virginia and not Maryland, both states have similar laws and statutes.

I suggest you download or print off a complete copy of the entire statutes (or you can take the time to read it online).

What you will find is a very wordy documented authored by lawyers (who are the lawmakers of the state, and who passed the original bill to regulate private investigators).

Somewhere buried in the statutes are what we call the "exemptions" to the entire bill and regulations. Lawyers do that. The phrase you are looking for is similar to the standard phrase of "this bill does not apply to the following . . .".

Compare the exemptions to the rest of the statutes and you will see there is no over-all general law telling a citizen they cannot be a private investigator or perform private investigations. What the statutes do is regulate the advertising of a private investigator to the public (for money or not). It is the advertising that draws customers to hire the person who is performing the investigations. If there is no advertising, anyone can "investigate" anyone with or without a license.

As an example, I can investigate a stranger through the public courthouse, with no questions asked. But if I advertise that I can do that, then I must be careful on what my advertising says.

So if I advertise "I am a private investigator. Call me to investigate your neighbor to see if they have a criminal record". Then I need a PI License, regardless if I charge or not.

But if I advertise "I am a records retriever. Call me to obtain a criminal record record on someone you are interested in." Then I do not need a PI License, because anyone can use the public records and resell the results on that basis alone.

One famous PI said, "I have a state PI License to advertise everything I can do with and without a license. But I have found that out of a thousand clients that pay me for my services, only 5% of the cases I end up doing are regulated under my state license, while 95% of the the cases I do are not regulated, meaning anyone could have performed them without a state license."

[Cain N Jones]

Thanks for taking the time to answer this,its been very helpful,and I will research the statues.

[Thomas McCue]

This has been very informative!

Thanks
Thomas McCue

[Bruce McManus]

This thread has been very helpful.

[Anthony Bonner]

This information has been very helpful,and a great start for me to continue in this field.

[John Sanderson]

Here is a direct link to the licensing application, that includes the other licenses available to Private Investigators in the same app.
http://www.msp.maryland.gov/downloads/licensing_application.pdf