The Executive Suite: How to Open A Private Investigator Business in California

Monday, September 23, 2013

How to Open A Private Investigator Business in California

Working as a private investigator can be exciting, adventurous and can offer variety for those with demonstrated ability to work effectively under stressful conditions. California requires private investigators to be licensed. While there is no formal education requirement for licensing, you are required to have had compensated investigative work experience. The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services permits substitution of a degree in criminal justice or police science toward part of the work experience requirement.

Suggestions

Obtain the required three years' of compensated investigative work experience (not less than 6,000 hours). A bachelor degree in law or police science can be substituted for 2,000 hours of the experience requirement; an associate degree can be substituted for 1,000 hours. Past compensated experience as a law enforcement officer, military police officer, insurance adjuster, firefighter or employee of a licensed private investigation agency meet the work experience requirement.
Submit a completed private investigator license application and applicable fees to the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Include two recent passport-quality photographs and a private investigator Live Scan form. As noted by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, "Live Scan is a system for the electronic submission of fingerprints and subsequent automated background checks and responses."
Schedule and pass the state two-hour private investigator licensing examination after receiving application acceptance notification from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. The multiple-choice examination covers the laws, regulations and techniques concerning employment as a private investigator.
Complete the required courses and obtain a firearm permit from the California Department of Consumer Affairs if a firearm will be carried. A separate tear-gas permit is also required for those who wish to be authorized to use tear gas.
Obtain the required $1 million in liability insurance if a firearm will be carried ($500,000 in bodily injury or death-liability coverage and $500,000 in property-damage liability coverage).
Establish and equip an office for conducting the private investigation business. New investigators may work from home but having an established office in an area conveniently located to potential clients enhances professional image. Obtain a camera, recording devices and related equipment needed for conducting investigations and surveillance.
Market private investigative services to potential clients such as private individuals, insurance companies, corporations and attorneys, through personal visits and advertising.