It took me almost a year to get everything together for my PI membership. My membership is complete, and I am ready for the next step. I'm looking forward to all that IPIU has to offer. :)

Christopher D. Taylor

Hi,
I have received my wallet and badge today after only a short wait (what you would expect with an item of this type).

The badge and wallet are in my opinion of a very high quality. It has lived up to my expectations and feel it adds a certain professionalism to the role and career I have decided to embark on.

I would seriously urge all those members whose state allows for the carrying of the badge to purchase one. IPIU is to be highly commended for offering such a high quality product for its members.

Again many thanks.

John Bannon
Badge #11534

Hello fellow Investigators. I just wanted to say a few things about the experience I have had with IPIU as of late. I love it here. I am a corp. owner with the Colorado package. That was the single most important decision I have made in a long time. Not to mention the best thing I have done for me and my family.

First of all the customer service. Gary and Daryl at the IPIU corp office are fantastic! I signed up for my credentials, management membership and Colorado Platinum package on a Thursday.

By the next day I had e-mails galore! My corp name was submitted, I was a corp in a day!

Then the Monday, my credential paperwork came. That same day I am a level 3, so I start reading and reading, I took the test on a Wednesday. I actually was going faster than the US Mail service.

Then I was put in contact with Agent Relations. Those people there are like a guardian angel. They will verify credentials, get your file togeather....it is endless!

I am now a 3 week old company. I have already had cases through my Colorado office (making some real good money too!:) ). I have mad more contacts as a business than it would ever be possible doing this on my own. Lawyers, Car dealerships, doctors offices, and I have even built rapport with the local PD and State police in my area.

I can not say enough good things about the IPIU, I was in the US Army for 4 years. And the comradory I see here is equal if not greater than even that. I just want to extend a heartfelt thank you and God bless to all of you here on the forum, and to the seldom seen Corp, security and agent relations folks.

Thank You,

Christopher Beaudoin
President
Full Spectrum Investigations,INC

I must admit that months back when I joined I thought that the value of this site would decline for me and my team over time.

Boy was I wrong! It appears that we have everything that a PI could need here as far as advice, understanding and training. I now sense a brotherhood that is really hard to come by in our field. Lets face it we are not the most appreciated people in the world! (just ask someone that has had one of us on them!)

I salute all the dedicate professionals on this site as well as the new up and coming investigators.

I am now a converted firm believer in what we do here and how we can help each other.
Who knows maybe we will work together at some point.

John

I have been a IPIU Union member a little over 1 1/2 yrs and have not found a site where the staff, and members help each other as much as they do here. I have made well over 10x's my union membership dues. Thanks, and keep on keeping on IPIU.

I enjoyed reading another member's comment why he finds the International Private Investigators Union (IPIU) one of the best associations, based on his professional opinion.

Read his comments:

John Hick wrote:

---

I am not one of the underdogs who is jealous of the "bigshots." I am a former Fed who is also struggling to "break in." I want to go head-to head with the "bigshots," and show them that this much-maligned union, IPIU, (sorry - but that is the small consensus by some of the "established" PI's) can be just a wee-bit more potent than they. I am always willing to take the stand (250+ cases); are they also willing to do so?

Look, IPIU may bill you for every little thing. But can you start a business without any outside assistance, yourself? Although IPIU is not a welfare program - it is, rather, a self-assistance program. The union needs to pay their personnel, rent, bills, etc (it's called fixed-costs). Some people want it free? Then try creativeimpacts (com).

I, for one, like IPIU's approach. It makes good business sense. I get to pay in small, affordable increments. IPIU just doesn't place your regions into extreme competitive environments; it helps you combat those same extreme competitive environments. Trust 'em (IPIU), please.

---

My point too, except I will add "All Good will be attacked". To think not, would be naive.

Why? Because my research shows that IPIU has only been around for the last decade or so, and that some associations and some "PI Schools" fear IPIU's Mission Statement. I feel their fear comes from losing their dollars to a better, more organized union that offers more benefits for less money. Does that make sense?

My research also shows that IPIU has some critics. Without any critics, IPIU would not have anything to offer to anyone! Anyone or any organization that offers so much Good should always have a few critics, don't you think?

As an American, I have millions of critics whenever I leave the country! But does that mean my country, as a whole, is not worthy to be a country for the 300 million of us? Then why should IPIU be any different as a worldwide organization.

If you are a union member of IPIU, or a non-union member who has a free forum membership here, then you would have had to agree to IPIU's Code of Ethics. Have you read your copy lately? Would you honor and defend your Code of Ethics? If not, then I doubt you would earn my respect as a citizen of your own country, whether America or otherwise. Why agree to support what you purport to believe in, if you would not defend it?

Have you read the Forum Rules you agreed to? Probably not, as I did not. All I know is that I agreed to them, but after reading them I found that I have never seen a stricter set of rules that govern the conduct of it's members anywhere I have been. Why? Because Greatness requires Great People to be Great. If you want an easy association or an easy PI School or an easy life, then go elsewhere. There are plenty out there for a cheap price of expectation of it's members. I see that the International Private Investigators Union requires greatness in respect to it's members, as well as it's members showing respect to all others, regardless of their beliefs.

I have explored the many forums and comments and features of this website for sometime, and I have seen massive improvements since I first came three years ago. IPIU keeps getting better every month! What other association or PI school can claim that?

And that is another point that the critics fear, namely that IPIU will ultimately reach a worldwide status that no one can touch!

Respectfully,

Michael

My position with negative posts of IPIU on the web: I know that there are a few posts that call IPIU a "s_c_a_m" and that say that IPIU doesn't give customers what they ask for.

I need to state, for the record, that IPIU has done what it says it will--teach you to be a better private investigator.

But IPIU is more than just a professional union or job bank. Though one purpose is to find jobs and interesting work, I have reaped a lot more than just any kind of occupation. I've made friends all over the world, I have the tools I need to succeed, I have people that are willing to go the extra mile to see our members be happy they're with IPIU. Plus, believe it or not, IPIU members and staff are people who DO care for one personally, and for one's reputation.

I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the best trainee PI right now, but then, I have the tools, the knowledge, and the will to make things happen. IPIU has provided a lot more than just belonging to an association or a trade union. They've provided a family, which is something that a lot of organizations do not do. IPIU works if you work with them and the tools you have at your disposal.

Yes, some posts get moderated and archived, but you have to think--Do you want to see your home in a great condition with no bad spots on it? or would you rather have a site where everyone is after everyone and a lot of mud and trash is slung around. That's why I'm happy to have an Oath & Code of Ethics and all the other safeguards that are in place here.

If you have passcode access as a Level 3 member, take a close look at the Blogs Topic , which says that blogs, if not used carefully, can be destructive. That's why this forum is not a blog.

IPIU and licensed private investigative agencies sponsor the Private Investigators Forums and also teaches me that respect for oneself and others is important. Part of that respect is not just following the rules, but being positive, uplifting, helping, and inviting.

I wish I could go out there and wipe the negative things said about IPIU from the internet, but unfortunately there's something called free speech. Everybody has the right to express themselves. However, they do NOT have the right to libel/slander an organization who is honestly doing it's very best to teach the arts and sciences of investigation to all levels of people.

IPIU also teaches the laws involved with PI work, so that it's possible to earn a license to take on clients. Or in my case, to choose to work from clients who fall within the unregulated waivers or exemptions common to most states, and have the agency I have established be in Colorado, to prevent needless worry on anyone's part of any misrepresentations. It's very unique, but everything in this website about PI work is very true.

That's the reason I tend to get "snarky" with anyone who wants to talk trash about IPIU. I've actually only posted once about that, so far, and I am hoping I don't need to post like that again. Even though it was "snarky", I made the point--If anyone has a problem with IPIU, use the channels to contact [EMAIL="legal.affairs@ipiu.org"]Legal[/EMAIL] or someone in Agent Relations who will help explain the matter.

As for those few negative internet sites slamming IPIU, I'm hoping the entities responsible do the right thing and dispose of those sites. It is costing the site owners a lot of grief and loss of their reputation, and that is needless at this time.

I'm just stating my views, but I've given my testimonial. Now I give a defense. Because the facts are that IPIU does what it says it does.

That is my story, and I will back it while on this earth.

Johnny

I went out on a Nov. 18 assignment. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was exciting.

My manager kept in touch by e-mail and telephone. I was able to contact her any time and she offered advice to improve the work. I am completely pleased with the program.

Thank you for the opportunity

I am a police officer in ohio and I ran my own PI Agency at one time. I joined IPIU and one day I was showing my ID card to another officer but I had my old PI badge at which time the officer informed me that I should purchase IPIU's offical badge because the company was pretty well known and I should not have any problems. This was back in Jan 2003, this year 2008, I decided to reapply to IPIU and the first thing I did was to order my badge.

I truly believe that if you are a professional when you find that you have to present it, you are not going to have a problem. The idea is to think of yourself as Walt Disney told all his cast, "Always act as if you are on stage." As professionals the minute we come out of our homes we are on stage in the presence of our community.

Hello everyone, I am currently a licensed PI in Oklahoma. I found this forum when look for information concerning Private Process Servers and the amount of information I found was amazing. Decided to join based on the wealth of information I found here just in the public section of the forums, and the possiblity of networking with other established PI's.

I'm so glade that I'm a member here IPIU. is the best
thank you so much.
Bobby Jo Davenport
Badge # 11575

[IMG]http://www.ipiu.org/images/Piracy/420.JPG[/IMG][IMG]http://www.ipiu.org/images/Piracy/420.JPG[/IMG][IMG]http://www.ipiu.org/images/Piracy/420.JPG>
[SIZE="4"]Trainee earns over $2500.00 for 3 hour Piracy Broadcast:[/SIZE]
I just received word that one of our IPIU trainees earned more than $2500.00 for the 3-hour assignment to catch pirates last Saturday, May 5th.

Her averaged earnings were over $800/per hour, the highest reported. Most trainees are reporting good hourly earnings, but this is the highest so far.

Until she posts her earnings report in the Federal Anti-Piracy Forum, I am withholding her name.

If you have Level 4 Access and you are preapproved to sign up for piracy cases, then read for yourself the other earning reports here:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1901

Or visit the Federal Anti-Piracy Forum to sign up for the next case in two weeks:

http://www.ipiu.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12

Don't give up! Thieves are always stealing.

Donna

To all that reads the threads, I received my IPIU Private Investigator Photo Credentials in Feb of 2006. It is now June of 2006 and I am happy to say that I have been hired by a private investigation agency as a mobile surveillance investigator. They do work for the insurance companies.

I am real excited about finally learning how to be an investigator. I am being trained by the agency and the money is not bad at all.

I want everyone to know that you can do this if you really want too.

Thank you I.P.I.U for helping me to get started, and making my dream a reality!

Hello All:

I wanted to give you an update on how things have been going for me with the many different companies I have been working with as a result of being an IPIU union member.

As of todays date, I have completed 102 Integrity Cases (MS) with three of the companies listed in the IPIU Level 4 agencies forum. I have also done 15 product retrievals as a result of consumer complaints for another Level 4 listed agency.

I just found out last week that I may be offered a full-time position to be Lead Special Investigator in the Counterfeit Alcohol & Tobacco Division for the company, which is one of the best companies I have worked for in a very long time. Fair, consistent, and they pay well.

Remember that these jobs are not going to fall into your lap...you have to be proactive in applying with the many companies listed here at IPIU. For those of you who keep asking why you are not getting any work, ask yourself these questions:

• Have you applied to every single company listed in the Level 4 agencies forum?

  
  

• Have you followed up with an email, phone call, etc after a week or so of not hearing back from the agency you applied with?

  
  

• Is your forum post count over 100 (which represents your participation)? You do know that prospective employers login into the forums everyday, don't you?
  

If you answered "no" to any of these questions than maybe you need to re-evaluate how much you really want this type of career.

Best of Luck to all of you. I am always available if you need any help or have any questions!:)

i moved to Florida after 26 yrs of being married two times,raising kids.....i moved here because of an abusive man, i had no idea where i was going to live or what work i would do, i took classes & got licensed as security and did armed escort work.

6 months here i was rear ended and was laid off from both companies i had worked for.

i found the Private Investigators Forum and the International Private Investigators Union IPIU web site and started with this. through what i have learned and the forums, i am not looking to open my own agency here in Florida soon.

i owe ipiu a debt that is endless... they gave me direction in my life. thank you, IPIU.