Your Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Private Investigator in Georgia

Navigate the licensing process, training requirements, background checks, and continuing education with our step-by-step guide. The demand for private investigators is expected to grow by 8% in the next decade, offering a stable and rewarding career. Start your journey today!

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The Georgia PI Licensing Process: Step-by-Step

Becoming a private investigator in Georgia involves specific steps, whether you plan to work as an employee for an existing agency or establish your own. The process outlined below primarily focuses on becoming a registered employee, with additional requirements for agency owners detailed in the Insurance section.

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a criminal background check.

Step 2: Complete 70-Hour Training

Successfully complete a mandatory 70-hour private investigator course approved by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

Step 3: Apply for License/Registration

Submit your application, proof of training, fingerprints (typically via Cogent Services GAPS), and a $70 application fee to the Georgia Board. If employed, your agency will register you.

Step 4: Maintain License

Complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your private investigator license active.

Required Training & Education

To become a licensed private investigator in Georgia, you must complete a 70-hour basic training course. This course is crucial for equipping you with the fundamental knowledge and skills required in the field. It must be provided by a school or instructor approved by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

Key Course Topics Include:

  • Historical Perspective and Introduction to the PI Business
  • Overview of the United States Legal System & Georgia Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure, Laws of Arrest, Search & Seizure
  • Ethics in Theory and Practice
  • Interviewing Techniques & Methodology
  • Sources of Information & Surveillance Techniques
  • Undercover Operations
  • Incident & Crime Scene Analysis & Investigation
  • Documentation & Report Writing, Case Recording & Note-taking
  • Case Management & Courtroom Testimony
  • A final exam (minimum passing score 75%)

Providers like PI Education offer comprehensive online courses that meet these requirements, blending video content, webinars, digital content, case studies, and assessments.

Background Checks & Eligibility Criteria

A critical step in becoming a private investigator in Georgia is passing a thorough criminal background check. The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies requires all applicants to submit fingerprints for this process.

Fingerprint Submission:

Fingerprints are typically administered through Cogent Services GAPS. When completing your online application, you will need specific details such as the ORI Number (GA920240Z) and a Verification Code (920240Z), along with a fee (e.g., $52.75).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with work authorization.
  • No convictions for felonies, crimes involving weapons, or crimes of moral turpitude. Considerations may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Must not have committed any acts of fraud or dishonesty.

These criteria ensure that only individuals with integrity and a clean record are entrusted with the responsibilities of a private investigator.

Guidance on Obtaining Necessary Insurance (For Agency Owners)

While individual private investigator employees typically do not need to carry their own insurance, establishing your own private investigator agency in Georgia comes with significant financial and experience requirements.

Requirements for Agency Owners:

  • Financial Responsibility: You must demonstrate financial stability by having one of the following:
    • A $25,000 bond.
    • A $1 million liability insurance policy.
    • A net worth of $50,000 or more.
  • Experience/Education: To qualify for an agency license, you'll need at least one of the following:
    • Two years of experience in law enforcement.
    • Two years of experience as a registered private detective employed by a licensed private detective company.
    • A four-year degree in Criminal Justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.

These measures are in place to protect clients and ensure the professional operation of private investigation businesses. It is recommended to consult with the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies for the most current and detailed requirements and to download the application packages available on their website.

Continuing Education & Professional Development

Maintaining your private investigator license in Georgia requires ongoing commitment to professional development. The state mandates continuing education to ensure PIs remain current with laws, techniques, and ethical standards.

Requirements:

  • 16 Hours Every Two Years: All licensed private investigators must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
  • Approved Agencies: These hours must be obtained through state-approved agencies or courses.

Networking with other private investigators and joining professional associations can provide valuable insights, job opportunities, and access to approved continuing education resources. Staying updated is key to a successful and compliant career.

Key Resources & Organizations

Here are essential links and organizations to support your journey to becoming and thriving as a private investigator in Georgia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Private investigators in Georgia enjoy diverse job opportunities, ranging from legal investigations to handling infidelity cases. The field is expected to grow by 8% in the coming decade, offering stability and potential for a rewarding career.

The essential steps include meeting specific basic requirements, completing the mandatory 70-hour Private Investigator Course, applying for a license/registration through the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, and fulfilling continuing education obligations.

As per the Georgia Board’s guidelines, individuals must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, pass a criminal background check, and complete a board-approved 70-hour private investigator course. For agency owners, additional requirements include two years of experience in law enforcement or as a registered PI, OR a four-year degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.

In Georgia, the application fee for a private investigator license (for agency owners or initial registration) is $70. There's a $45 registration fee for unarmed licenses and $70 for armed licenses. Licenses must be renewed every two years, with a renewal fee of $65.

If you have a private investigator license in Georgia, it must be renewed every two years. You will have 90 days to renew it before the expiration date to avoid any late fees.

Becoming a PI in Georgia isn’t considered “easy.” Instead, it’s slightly challenging but not too difficult. You will have to go through the entire process of training, obtaining a license, and gaining experience. You must also meet the basic requirements. While Georgia doesn’t have strict education requirements for employees, agency owners must meet bonding and financial requirements.

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