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.
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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.
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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:
- NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator who is employed by a business who performs his duties for his employer.
- 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.
- NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator employed by an attorney or certified public accountant licensed to practice in Virginia.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: A private investigator end user.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Members of the security forces who are directly employed by electric public service companies.
- 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.
- 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.
- NO PI LICENSE NEEDED if: Any certified forensic scientist employed as an expert witness for the purpose of possibly testifying as an expert witness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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