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Thread: PI Licensing: Virginia

  1. #1
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    PI Licensing: Virginia

    The difference between:
    • A Registered Private Investigator (RPI):
      Anyone can sign up as a Registered Private Investigator (RPI) to take academic classes and then go find a job working for a licensed private investigator under their licensed agency.
      ______________________

      Everyone is issued a DCJS ID number, that starts with a "99 Number", after they complete a 60 hour training course and submit their fingerprints, photos, and other documents. However, the 99 Number Card by itself is not a license to perform investigations.

      A basic 99 Numbered RPI is not necessarily a licensed private investigator and may not be able to advertise to the public to perform any of the regulated assignments as a private investigator in Virginia.

      To see a sample of a basic "99 Numbered" Registered Private Investigator who has not been assigned a "license", go here:
      https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/ps/dir...nse_id=209162&

      In the above sample link, you will see the assigned 99 Number in the upper right corner. You will also see in the middle "License" section that he has been assigned an RE number, which represents "Registered" and is not a license.

      But an RPI can work for a "licensed agency" or "licensed business".a firm. Or, an RPI can advertise themselves as a Case Examiner and work any of the unregulated cases in Virginia.

      Or better, they can start their own national agency through IPIU by using a licensed sponsor (also known as a Compliance Agent) and be set up within a shorter time to advertise for any cases.

    • A Licensed Private Investigator (LPI):
      Is assigned under a licensed business agency number, and can freely advertise for all regulated and unregulated cases.
      ______________________

      An LPI, who also has a DCJS ID "99 number", has an additional License Number, which is either an "L Number" or "CA Number", attached to their 99 Number, and is a licensed private investigator who can advertise to the public to perform any of the regulated or unregulated assignments as a private investigator in Virginia.

      Compliance Agent:
      Licensed Private Investigators, who have a "99 Number" plus an "L Number" in Virginia can apply for and obtain a "CA Number", which is a Compliance Agent in order to be assigned to a new private investigative agency corporation. Their duties are to aid the agency in remaining in compliance with Virginia Rules.


    HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR OWN VIRGINIA PI AGENCY LICENSE:
    (Without waiting 3-5 years)

    STEP 1: Take the PI Course (60 Hrs), submit your fingerprints, photos, and application - and receive your 99 Numbered "Registered Private Investigator" card

    STEP 2: Go find a licensed agency willing to hire you under their agency. Once hired, they will notify the state that you are licensed under their agency for work provided by the agency you are employed under.

    STEP 3: Incorporate your own Colorado PI Agency Corporation License through IPIU. Upgrade your IPIU Membership to a Lifetime Corporate Plan, and request IPIU to locate a Virginia Compliance Agent to sponsor your own Virginia PI Agency License. Once approved, you will be the owner (president) of your own Virginia Agency, and with your 99 Numbered Card, you can work any cases you wish through your own agency, and charge higher amounts of earnings to clients who will pay you directly.

    For details, call the IPIU Office at 406-534-0251.
    _______________________________________________________________
    NO LICENSE IS REQUIRED IF you fall into the following:

    9.1-140. (Effective October 1, 2001) Exceptions from article; training requirements for out-of-state central station dispatchers.

    The provisions of this article shall not apply to:

    1. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator who is employed by a business who performs his duties for his employer.
    2. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A person engaged exclusively in the business of obtaining and furnishing information regarding an individual's financial rating. This exception shall not apply to private investigators as defined in § 9.1-138.
    3. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator employed by an attorney or certified public accountant licensed to practice in Virginia.
    4. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator mystery shopper, known as "shoppers," employed to purchase goods or services solely for the purpose of determining or assessing the efficiency, loyalty, courtesy, or honesty of the employees of a business establishment.
    5. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator who conducts investigations as a part of the services being provided as a claims adjuster, by a claims adjuster who maintains an ongoing claims adjusting business, and any natural person employed by the claims adjuster to conduct investigations for the claims adjuster as a part of the services being provided as a claims adjuster.
    6. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Private investigator who (i) exclusively contracts directly with an agency of the federal government to conduct background investigations and (ii) possesses credentials issued by such agency authorizing such person, subcontractor or employee to conduct background investigations.
    7. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator end user.
    8. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator products supplier who renders advice concerning the use of products sold by an electronics security business and who does not provide installation, monitoring, repair or maintenance services for electronic security equipment.
    9. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A an employed as a security officer, or receiving compensation under the terms of a contract, express or implied, as a security officer, who is also a law-enforcement officer as defined by § 9.1-101 and employed by the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions.
    10. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Any person appointed under § 46.2-2003 or § 56-353 while engaged in the employment contemplated thereunder, unless they have successfully completed training mandated by the Department.
    11. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Unarmed regular employees of telephone public service companies where the regular duties of such employees consist of protecting the property of their employers and investigating the usage of telephone services and equipment furnished by their employers, their employers' affiliates, and other communications common carriers.
    12. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Members of the security forces who are directly employed by electric public service companies.
    13. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Any professional engineer or architect licensed in accordance with Chapter 4 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 to practice in the Commonwealth, or his employees.
    14. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Any private investigator who only performs telemarketing or schedules appointments without access to information concerning the electronic security equipment purchased by an end user.
    15. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Any certified forensic scientist employed as an expert witness for the purpose of possibly testifying as an expert witness.
    16. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Members of the security forces who are directly employed by shipyards engaged in the construction, design, overhaul or repair of nuclear vessels for the United States Navy.
    17. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: An out-of-state central station dispatcher employed by a private security services business licensed by the Department provided he (i) possesses and maintains a valid license, registration, or certification as a central station dispatcher issued by the regulatory authority of the state in which he performs the monitoring duties and (ii) has submitted his fingerprints to the regulatory authority for the conduct of a national criminal history records search.
    18. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: The legal owner of personal property which has been sold under any security agreement while performing acts relating to the repossession of such property.
    19. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: An officer or employee of the United States, the Commonwealth, or a political subdivision of either, while the officer or employee is performing his official duties.
    20. NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: An end user.




    ORIGINAL CODE:

    1. An officer or employee of the United States, the Commonwealth, or a political subdivision of either, while the officer or employee is performing his official duties.

    2. A person, except a private investigator as defined in § 9.1-138, engaged exclusively in the business of obtaining and furnishing information regarding an individual's financial rating. This exception shall not apply to private investigators as defined in § 9.1-138.

    3. An attorney or certified public accountant licensed to practice in Virginia or his employees.

    4. The legal owner of personal property which has been sold under any security agreement while performing acts relating to the repossession of such property.

    5. A person receiving compensation for private employment as a security officer, or receiving compensation under the terms of a contract, express or implied, as a security officer, who is also a law-enforcement officer as defined by § 9.1-101 and employed by the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions.

    6. Any person appointed under § 46.2-2003 or § 56-353 while engaged in the employment contemplated thereunder, unless they have successfully completed training mandated by the Department.

    7. Persons who conduct investigations as a part of the services being provided as a claims adjuster, by a claims adjuster who maintains an ongoing claims adjusting business, and any natural person employed by the claims adjuster to conduct investigations for the claims adjuster as a part of the services being provided as a claims adjuster.

    8. Any natural person otherwise required to be registered pursuant to § 9.1-139 who is employed by a business that is not a private security services business for the performance of his duties for his employer. Any such employee, however, who carries a firearm and is in direct contact with the general public in the performance of his duties shall possess a valid registration with the Department as required by this article.

    9. Persons, sometimes known as "shoppers," employed to purchase goods or services solely for the purpose of determining or assessing the efficiency, loyalty, courtesy, or honesty of the employees of a business establishment.

    10. Licensed or registered private investigators from other states entering Virginia during an investigation originating in their state of licensure or registration when the other state offers similar reciprocity to private investigators licensed and registered by the Commonwealth.

    11. Unarmed regular employees of telephone public service companies where the regular duties of such employees consist of protecting the property of their employers and investigating the usage of telephone services and equipment furnished by their employers, their employers' affiliates, and other communications common carriers.

    12. An end user.

    13. A material supplier who renders advice concerning the use of products sold by an electronics security business and who does not provide installation, monitoring, repair or maintenance services for electronic security equipment.

    14. Members of the security forces who are directly employed by electric public service companies.

    15. Any professional engineer or architect licensed in accordance with Chapter 4 (§ 54.1-400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 to practice in the Commonwealth, or his employees.

    16. Any person who only performs telemarketing or schedules appointments without access to information concerning the electronic security equipment purchased by an end user.

    17. Any certified forensic scientist employed as an expert witness for the purpose of possibly testifying as an expert witness.

    18. Members of the security forces who are directly employed by shipyards engaged in the construction, design, overhaul or repair of nuclear vessels for the United States Navy.

    19. An out-of-state central station dispatcher employed by a private security services business licensed by the Department provided he (i) possesses and maintains a valid license, registration, or certification as a central station dispatcher issued by the regulatory authority of the state in which he performs the monitoring duties and (ii) has submitted his fingerprints to the regulatory authority for the conduct of a national criminal history records search.

    20. Any person, or independent contractor or employee of any person, who (i) exclusively contracts directly with an agency of the federal government to conduct background investigations and (ii) possesses credentials issued by such agency authorizing such person, subcontractor or employee to conduct background investigations.

    SOURCE LINK: Virginia Code

    OTHERWISE, you may apply for a license under the following:
    9.1-139. (Effective October 1, 2001) Licensing, certification, and registration required; qualifications; temporary licenses.

    A. No person shall engage in the private security services business or solicit private security business in the Commonwealth without having obtained a license from the Department. No person shall be issued a private security services business license until a compliance agent is designated in writing on forms provided by the Department. The compliance agent shall ensure the compliance of the private security services business with this article and shall meet the qualifications and perform the duties required by the regulations adopted by the Board. A compliance agent shall have either a minimum of (i) three years of managerial or supervisory experience in a private security services business; with a federal, state or local law-enforcement agency; or in a related field or (ii) five years of experience in a private security services business; with a federal, state or local law-enforcement agency; or in a related field.

    B. No person shall act as private security services training school or solicit students for private security training in the Commonwealth without being certified by the Department. No person shall be issued a private security services training school certification until a school director is designated in writing on forms provided by the Department. The school director shall ensure the compliance of the school with the provisions of this article and shall meet the qualifications and perform the duties required by the regulations adopted by the Board.

    C. No person shall be employed by a licensed private security services business in the Commonwealth as armored car personnel, courier, armed security officer, security canine handler, private investigator, personal protection specialist, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative or electronic security technician without possessing a valid registration issued by the Department, except as provided in this article.

    D. A temporary license may be issued in accordance with Board regulations for the purpose of awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search. However, no person shall be issued a temporary license until (i) he has designated a compliance agent who has complied with the compulsory minimum training standards established by the Board pursuant to subsection A of § 9.1-141 for compliance agents, (ii) each principal of the business has submitted his fingerprints for a National Criminal Records search and a Virginia Criminal History Records search, and (iii) he has met all other requirements of this article and Board regulations.

    E. A temporary registration may be issued in accordance with Board regulations for the purpose of awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search. However, no person shall be issued a temporary registration until he has (i) complied with, or been exempted from the compulsory minimum training standards established by the Board, pursuant to subsection A of § 9.1-141, for armored car personnel, couriers, armed security officers, security canine handlers, private investigators, personal protection specialist, alarm respondents, central station dispatchers, electronic security sales representatives or electronic security technicians, (ii) submitted his fingerprints to be used for the conduct of a National Criminal Records search and a Virginia Criminal History Records search, and (iii) met all other requirements of this article and Board regulations.

    F. A temporary certification as a private security instructor or private security training school may be issued in accordance with Board regulations for the purpose of awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search. However, no person shall be issued a temporary certification as a private security services instructor until he has (i) met the education, training and experience requirements established by the Board and (ii) submitted his fingerprints to be used for the conduct of a National Criminal Records search and a Virginia Criminal History Records search. No person shall be issued a temporary certification as a private security services training school until (a) he has designated a training director, (b) each principal of the training school has submitted his fingerprints to be used for the conduct of a National Criminal Records search and a Virginia Criminal History Records search, and (c) he has met all other requirements of this article and Board regulations.

    G. A licensed private security services business in the Commonwealth shall not employ as an unarmed security officer, electronic security technician's assistant, unarmed alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, or electronic security technician, any person who has not complied with, or been exempted from, the compulsory minimum training standards established by the Board, pursuant to subsection A of § 9.1-141, except that such person may be so employed for not more than ninety days while completing compulsory minimum training standards.

    H. No person shall be employed as an electronic security employee, electronic security technician's assistant, unarmed alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician or supervisor until he has submitted his fingerprints to the Department to be used for the conduct of a National Criminal Records search and a Virginia Criminal History Records search. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to an out-of-state central station dispatcher meeting the requirements of subdivision 19 of § 9.1-140.

    I. The compliance agent of each licensed private security services business in the Commonwealth shall maintain documentary evidence that each private security registrant and certified employee employed by his private security services business has complied with, or been exempted from, the compulsory minimum training standards required by the Board and that an investigation to determine suitability of each unarmed security officer employee has been conducted, except that any such unarmed security officer, upon initiating a request for such investigation under the provisions of subdivision 11 of subsection A of § 19.2-389, may be employed for up to thirty days pending completion of such investigation.

    J. No person with a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor involving (i) moral turpitude, (ii) assault and battery, (iii) damage to real or personal property, (iv) controlled substances or imitation controlled substances as defined in Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2, (v) prohibited sexual behavior as described in Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2, or (vi) firearms, or any felony shall be (a) employed as a registered or certified employee by a private security services business or training school, or (b) issued a private security services registration, certification as an unarmed security officer, electronic security employee or technician's assistant, a private security services training school or instructor certification, compliance agent certification, or a private security services business license, except that, upon written request, the Director of the Department may waive such prohibition.

    K. The Department may grant a temporary exemption from the requirement for licensure, certification, or registration for a period of not more than thirty days in a situation deemed an emergency by the Department.

    L. All private security services businesses and private security services training schools in the Commonwealth shall include their license or certification number on all business advertising materials.

    SOURCE LINKs:

    Search License: https://www.cms.dcjs.virginia.gov/GL...on/Search.aspx

    Main website:
    http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/pss/how...vestigator.cfm
    Legal Affairs comments are not intended to be and should absolutely not be taken as legal advice. If you should require legal, tax, or financial advice, you must first enter into a written agreement with only a licensed professional for legal, tax, or financial services, signed by both you and the licensed professional, and paid a retainer in good funds. Legal Affairs is not, nor intends to be, nor solicits to be your licensed professional. Members accessing comments by Legal Affairs are required to be bound by their Terms of Use Agreement regarding Legal Affairs.

  2. #2
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    IPIU accredited?

    Is IPIU an accredited training school to satisfy PI licensing requirements in Virginia or do I need to attend an accredited school there in addition to my training here at IPIU?
    Thanks,
    Wendy

  3. #3
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    Re: IPIU accredited?

    Originally posted by Wendy Divler
    Is IPIU an accredited training school to satisfy PI licensing requirements in Virginia
    The International Private Investigators Union (IPIU) is a professional trade organization of private investigators and attorneys. IPIU accredits other courses for 3rd party certification of placement.

    Originally posted by Wendy Divler
    ...do I need to attend an accredited school there in addition to my training here at IPIU?
    Wendy, I merged your topic question to this Licensing Topic for Virginia. Please read the above Licensing Exemptions before pursuing a license. You may not need a license if you are not planning on advertising in Virginia as an independent private investigator.

    If have already been placed by IPIU as a trainee, then you do not need to concern yourself with licensing at this stage. A free training manual will be shipped to you at a later stage. At that time you will have access to the Educational Forum for advanced studies, which does include accredited schools for private investigation.

    In the meantime, you may wish to visit the Forum Member Introduction area and post your own introduction to acquaint yourself with the many members here who can help you.

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    VA and the DCJS registration???

    In the state of VA. a P.I. or even a trainee must be registered with the Department of Criminal Justice Services(DCJS). Does the IPIU test count as the necessary training to acquire this registration or must I take an outside course?

    Thanks for info,

    Adam Bowers

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    (Adam, this is the 5th time I have had to merge your New Thread into the existing thread that covers the specific area of discussion. If you read a topic and have a question or comment about that specific discussion, click on the button titled Post Reply .)

    Pertaining to your question, please read the first post in this topic for the Exemptions, that precludes trainees in those areas from having to apply for an individual license.

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    Admin,

    I do apologize for that...I thought I just needed to post a question in the licensing laws forum...didn't know it had to be under VA. As far as five times...I didn't know it was that many! Apologies once again.


    I have spoken with a PI who handles the supervising for all the PI's involved with Interprobe...a large local agency here. He stated that registration with DCJS and a license were two totally different things. He stated that I must be registered with them to work in this state and then I could work under their agency license. Is this totally true...legal affairs?...any input??....anybody, any input??

    Thanks,

    Adam

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    Originally posted by Adam D Bowers
    He stated that I must be registered with them to work in this state and then I could work under their agency license.
    For that particular agency, he is right.

    If an agency is already licensed with the state, then the agency may required that all of their employees be registered.

    But that is different than the many exempted agencies, companies, and firms that are listed in the first post in this topic.

    As an example, if you were to speak to the director of investigations for a large law firm that employs 50 attorneys and 100 investigators, they would not insist you to be registered with the state because their business is exempted, like an insurance company is exempted from having their fraud investigators from being registered with the state PI division.

    If you have a job offer with the company you spoke with, it would be good to pursue with registration (if you can).

  8. #8
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    Originally posted by Technical Support

    For that particular agency, he is right.

    If an agency is already licensed with the state, then the agency may required that all of their employees be registered.

    But that is different than the many exempted agencies, companies, and firms that are listed in the first post in this topic.

    As an example, if you were to speak to the director of investigations for a large law firm that employs 50 attorneys and 100 investigators, they would not insist you to be registered with the state because their business is exempted, like an insurance company is exempted from having their fraud investigators from being registered with the state PI division.

    If you have a job offer with the company you spoke with, it would be good to pursue with registration (if you can).

    I did not have an exact job offer, but a possibility. I was told by him if I got registered I would be able to run a case or two with him and if we were "compatible" with him and the agency then I would be hired. However, they hire their new guys at 14-15/hr. full-time due to the fact that they are inexperienced and might "lose someone on a surveillance or by getting stopped at a light".

    Would I have a better chance of getting more full-time hours (not necessarily from one agency) if I were to locally look for agencies and law offices that would allow me to work on an as needed basis. Obviously, I wouldn't do this till I had a couple of cases under my belt. However, would this be a good idea to generate a larger case load a lot faster?

    Thanks,

    Adam

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    Originally posted by Adam D Bowers
    Would I have a better chance of getting more full-time hours (not necessarily from one agency) if I were to locally look for agencies and law offices that would allow me to work on an as needed basis. Obviously, I wouldn't do this till I had a couple of cases under my belt. However, would this be a good idea to generate a larger case load a lot faster?
    Do a search under the user name of Wayne Phillips, who did just what you are asking. But first, wait until you are fully processed and placed with some national firms to give you experience or credentials (that is what Wayne did). Looking now on your own has a high risk of "personal" rejection. After you are fully processed you will have more to bring to the table along with confidence and academic training and testing.

  10. #10
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    Originally posted by Technical Support

    Do a search under the user name of Wayne Phillips, who did just what you are asking. But first, wait until you are fully processed and placed with some national firms to give you experience or credentials (that is what Wayne did). Looking now on your own has a high risk of "personal" rejection. After you are fully processed you will have more to bring to the table along with confidence and academic training and testing.
    I will check Wayne out..thanks.

    I planned on waiting till I had a couple of cases with IPIU under my belt first just for that reason...thanks.

    Adam

  11. #11
    William L. Vass Guest

    Question info on licencing in Virginia

    I am trying to understand the requirements for licencing in Virginia but I dont follow the technical stuff. I really would like to know the requirements in laymans terms. Thanks..

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    Re: info on licencing in Virginia

    Originally posted by William L. Vass
    I am trying to understand the requirements for licencing in Virginia but I dont follow the technical stuff. I really would like to know the requirements in laymans terms. Thanks..
    Welcome, William.

    Please click here for instructions:
    http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5008

  13. #13
    Meriah Crawford Guest

    Official VA info about training

    Hiya,

    This is the official Department of Criminal Justice Services page for security services training info: http://www.dcjs.org/trainingRegulatory/index.cfm. It includes a link with a list of accpeted training programs.

    Be advised that schools are required to teach a certain number of hours in a set of broad topics (Like Interviewing and Criminal Law) but that the specific curriculum isn't defined by the department. What this means is that you need to pick your school carefully in order to get a solid education. If anyone wants specific info or translations for any of the regs, please ask.

    Thanks,
    Meriah Crawford...

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    confused

    I am a little confused because in the licences in virginia.do I have to wait 3-5 years to actually recieve a p.i. licence for virinia?I already read it a few times but I know that there are certain thing that I can do without it ,but I need to know if I can have it in less than that?thanks everyone,
    Latoya Averett

  15. #15
    Meriah Crawford Guest
    In oder to work as a PI in VA (exceptions aside) you need to be *registered* not *licensed*. Once you are registered (after completing a VA-approved training program and getting a background check done), you can work (as an employee) for a licensed personal security services company, or you can form your own licensed company.

    To do the latter, you need to either employ or become a Compliance Agent. In order to be qualified to become a compliance agent, you need to have either 3 years of supervisory level experience in the military, law enforcement or a related field, or have 5 years of other experience in the military, law enforcement or a related field. Note that you may be able to use a wide range of experience to qualify for the 3 or 5 years.

    Let me know if you still have questions.

    Meriah...

  16. #16
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    a little confused

    I understand a little about the licencing ,but you said I only have to be registered,now does that mean registered in the state of virginia as a resident or something else?I just recieved the papers today to send in all the papers,but if you could,please clarify it a little better for me ?thank you
    Latoya Averett

  17. #17
    Meriah Crawford Guest
    Being registered means being registered with the DCJS (Department of Criminal Justice Services) as a Private Investigator. You will need to go through a training program in Virginia at school licensed by the DCJS in order to be registered. FYI, schools generally provide you will all paperwork that you need, including fingerprint cards. Have you started training yet?

    Good luck,
    Meriah...

  18. #18
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    Thanks Meriah for responding first of all!I haven't started training yet,but I did need to know that info.have you started training yet?I plan on sending my things in this week to get the ball rolling for all that needs to get processed,but thanks again for the helpful information!
    Latoya Averett

  19. #19
    Meriah Crawford Guest
    I completed my training through CTA (Central Training Academy), a really great school in Chantilly, VA, in early May. I was working *very* shortly after that, but it took a lot of hard work and networking. Have you selected a school yet?

    Good luck,
    Meriah...

  20. #20
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    In the Commonwealth of Virginia. Private Investigators are Registered, with the DCJS. In order to work in this field you must obtain a "Comliance Agent" registration or do your work "under the umbrella" of a Lawyer. All investigations must be covered by contract. P.I.s must have a minium of 1(one) million dollars of Insurance Coverage.

    If I do an investigation, my Major will cover my contracts for a nominal percentage.

    I also do process service for very few law firms, which is not covered by DCJS but is covered by Code of Virginia.

    I hope this will clarify some of your questions.

    Lt. Cecil Reynolds
    Merry Christmas To All

  21. #21
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    Welcome!

    Thank you for your comment.

    Originally posted by Cecil Reynolds
    In the Commonwealth of Virginia, Private Investigators are Registered . . . In order to work in this field you must obtain a "Compliance Agent" registration or do your work "under the umbrella" of a Lawyer. All investigations must be covered by contract. P.I.s must have a minium of 1(one) million dollars of Insurance Coverage.
    Yes and no.

    It is correct for all regulated private investigators, but no so for all unregulated private investigators.

    Refer to the first comment posted, which includes 20 exemptions to regulation and licensing. And yes, one of those exemptions is working for a lawyer.

  22. #22
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    Mr. Donavan:
    Thank you for your comments on P.I. Regulations. The Dept. of
    Criminal Justice in Virginia recently revised Regulations Relating To
    Private Security Services. If you or anyone else is interested in further clarification , the Code of Virginia covering these regulations is: 6 VAC 20-171. Effective November, 19th , 2003.
    In the past security officers who were unarmed , were certified and armed security officers were registered.
    With the onslaught of 9-11 all security officers armed/unarmed
    have to be fingerprinted and a criminal history is ran through NCIC
    (National Crime Information Center). This is a small example of the
    constant changes that have been revised.

    Thank You again Sir.
    Cecil Reynolds.

  23. #23
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    Question

    I just wanted to make sure I understand everything correctly . . .

    If I want to work under someone as a PI I only need to register with the DCJS, but if I want to work on my own and have my own business I would have to be licensed and go to an accredited school in VA. Is that right? Or do I need to go to the school no matter what?

    Another question I have is should I start the classes ASAP or should I wait until after I start training?

    Thanks for all the help.
    Marnisha E. Fleetwood

  24. #24
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    If I need to register with the DCJS, what good is the free manual and testing or me even being registered with IPIU at this point in time? Any classes that I must take should be taken first before I do anything else. Is that the Ideal move I should take (or should have taken)?

  25. #25
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Ernest,

    Although you need to be registered with DCJS in Va you can still work under a licensed attorney. Now if you want to work for yourself, you must obtain a business license which runs about $800.00.

    IPIU will definately benefit you in becoming more knowlegable in the private investigative field. There are still assignment you can perform through the IPIU.

    In Va if you persue getting licenced, it doesnt take much time to do so. (If i remember correctly, its about 60 hours)

    I recieved my license before i ever found this group and I have benefited from it tremendously!

    I hope I have helped in some way.

    Best of luck and I hope you will decide to join us full time here!

    Lisa

  26. #26
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    Thanks for the reply. When I signed up for this I was under the impression that I would just have to study the manual, take the free test and then start my on-the-job training. Would you happen to know how long the DCJS training is?

  27. #27
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Ernest I think maybe I worded things wrong in my last post. Let me see if I can clear this up.

    In the state of VA you must complete 60 hrs of course training and pass the written exam given at the end of the course in order to obtain a Private Investigator License.

    You may not contract to provide any private services without first obtaining a business License with the DCJS.

    You may perform duties while employed by a licensed private business and only for the clients of the Licensee.

    You may work for a Licensed Attorney or a Private Investigator company without having your PI License. When you gain experience through the IPIU you are more likely to obtain a position within a company without having a license.

    Depending on where you go for training will depend on how long it would take. Some places take as little as a month. You would have to investigate your options.

    I sure hope I did not confuse you any further.

    Take care!
    Lisa

  28. #28
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    I guess where I get confused is what exactly happens next in the state of Virginia after I take the test. Do I then, start the on-the-job training? Licensing aside; I just want to know if things will be different for me as a trainee in Va.

    This will all sink in soon.
    Ernest

  29. #29
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Wow are we confusing eachother!

    You don't have to have a license if you work under a licensed attorney.

    I'm sure the more you read through the threads the more you will begin to understand. It does take some time and it can be confusing.

    I sure hope I am giving you the correct information but if I'm not hopefully someone who knows the business more will come around and correct me.

    But as far as I know, this is the way it works. I became licensed before I found the IPIU and these forums have tought me tremendously!

    Hope this may have helped...keep reading..and again if you cant find your answers, post them inyour intro!

    Good Luck and have fun!

    Lisa
    Last edited by Lisa Frye -; 08-27-2004 at 09:55 PM.

  30. #30
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    All of that legal jargon is pretty confusing, as I am sure it is meant to be. But I have read the postings and, let me see if I have this right…
    I credentials that I get from IPIU will allow me to work for Licensed Attorneys, and Private Investigations firms.
    The license from DCJS is only necessary when I want to run my own contracts, start my own business. And in order to get that I have to go to some DCJS approved training which will last about 60 hours or so.
    Now if all of that is true, are there any of the 52 areas of Private investigations that I will not be able to work in until I get the DCJS license? The reason I ask is because some of my main interests involve things like Bail Enforcement, Skip Tracing, Body guarding, and the like. The problem is that it seems that the legal mumbo jumbo in the first posting of this forum deals mostly with exactly that type of work.
    Thanks for all of your help.
    Oh and the website for DJS training is no longer active, is there a different one that I could check out?
    Raoul P. Sheridan
    Virginia

  31. #31
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Raoul P Sheridan
    The credentials that I get from IPIU will allow me to work for Licensed Attorneys, and Private Investigations firms.
    You do not need a license to work under a licensed attorney or PI firms, that is correct. IPIU will provide you will some very necessary skills and help you gain experience.

    The license from DCJS is only necessary when I want to run my own contracts, start my own business. And in order to get that I have to go to some DCJS approved training which will last about 60 hours or so.
    That is correct.

    Now if all of that is true, are there any of the 52 areas of Private investigations that I will not be able to work in until I get the DCJS license? The reason I ask is because some of my main interests involve things like Bail Enforcement, Skip Tracing, Body guarding, and the like. The problem is that it seems that the legal mumbo jumbo in the first posting of this forum deals mostly with exactly that type of work.
    Thanks for all of your help.
    Oh and the website for DJS training is no longer active, is there a different one that I could check out?
    I don't believe there are any areas that you can not work. I am providing you with the DCJS link so that you can read and obtain any info you are seeking.

    This link is working. DCJS Virginia

    Hope this helps!

    Lisa

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    Thank you Lisa.
    I have looked over the licensing requirements on the DCJS website, and man does Virginia want you to have a lot of classes. IT will take some time to cmplete these I think, but I do appreciate your help.
    One more question, it seems that in order to provied personal protective services in Virginia you also need a seperate liscense, or at the very least another type of class, is this correct or am I looking at the wrong thing?
    Raoul P. Sheridan
    Virginia

  33. #33
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Raoul P Sheridan
    Thank you Lisa.
    I have looked over the licensing requirements on the DCJS website, and man does Virginia want you to have a lot of classes. IT will take some time to cmplete these I think
    It doesn't really take long to complete these classes. It's only 60 hours all together. I guess the length of time depends on where you take your classes.

    One more question, it seems that in order to provied personal protective services in Virginia you also need a seperate liscense, or at the very least another type of class, is this correct or am I looking at the wrong thing?
    Yes you are correct. That involves a whole seperate kind of training. I haven't really looked into that because it's not really one of my personal interests.

    Keep in touch...doesnt seem to be too many of us in VA.

    Lisa

  34. #34
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Exclamation

    Question:

    If I'm registered in VA and am hired by a company in MA is it legal for me to do an interview for Permanent Disability in MA?

    I have Licensed investigators that are telling me that it is not legal but the company told me it was.

    I have already been involved somewhat in this case but am having second thoughts. My instinct is telling me to be cautious.

    Please advise.

    Thank you.
    Last edited by Lisa Frye -; 03-31-2005 at 03:59 PM.

  35. #35
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    I just completed a DJCS licensed training course and I am now registered as a Private Investigator in VA. I only need to take my letter of approval to DMV to get the picture ID.
    Do I still need to take the test given by IPIU? (The manual arrived in the mail on Monday)
    Thanks!
    Marsha Waters-Fisher

  36. #36
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    OOPS! I meant DCJS!
    Marsha

  37. #37
    Lisa Frye -'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Marsha Waters Fisher
    I just completed a DJCS licensed training course and I am now registered as a Private Investigator in VA. I only need to take my letter of approval to DMV to get the picture ID.
    Do I still need to take the test given by IPIU? (The manual arrived in the mail on Monday)
    Thanks!
    Marsha Waters-Fisher
    No. You wont need to take the IPIU exam. Email or fax a copy of your license to legal@ipiu.org. (fax# 775-429-1529)

  38. #38
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    Thanks, Lisa! I am on my way to DMV!
    Marsha

  39. #39
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    Quote Originally Posted by Marsha Waters Fisher
    I just completed a DJCS licensed training course and I am now registered as a Private Investigator in VA. I only need to take my letter of approval to DMV to get the picture ID.
    Do I still need to take the test given by IPIU? (The manual arrived in the mail on Monday)
    Thanks!
    Marsha Waters-Fisher
    Marsha,

    I apologize for Lisa's instructions that she provided you mistakenly.

    The Department of Criminal Justice Services(DCJS) registration is separate from the State of Virgnia's PI License. It is very imporatnt that you read PAGE 1 of this licensing topic to completely understand the two-steps involved.

    You have completed the first of two steps. Therefore, you will need to take the IPIU exam that came with your training manual, or wait until you obtain your own PI License to have the choice of a waiver.

    Currently, you are at Level 3. Level 4 is granted with either a PI License or a passing exam on the IPIU test for union members.

    If you have any further questions, please email usa@ipiu.org where they have your records.

    Thank you for your patience,

    David

    (Lisa: Sorry to butt in here, but we need to make sure that our procedures are in line with the state's preference)

  40. #40
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    Thanks, David.
    Marsha

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