The general requirements for a Private Investigator are:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Three years of compensated experience totaling not less than 6,000 hours in investigative work, while employed by law enforcement agencies, collection agencies, insurance agencies, banks, courts, and other private investigation agencies, etc.
• A college degree in criminal law, criminal justice or police science can be substituted for part of the experience.
• Pass a written exam.
• Undergo a criminal history review

Yes. A Private Investigator may carry a concealed weapon on duty if he/she also has BSIS exposed firearms permit, and possesses a concealed weapons permit issued by local law enforcement or:

• Is a retired peace officer with an endorsement to carry a concealed weapon or
• Is an active duty peace officer

Yes. Even though a Private Investigator may possess a concealed weapons permit, he/she must also complete Bureau-approved firearms training course and obtain the Bureau's exposed firearms permit prior to carrying and using a firearm.

To apply for a firearms permit you must:

• Take a 14-hour course (8 hours classroom, 6 hours range) in the carrying and use of firearms given by a firearms training instructor certified by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• Pass the written and range exams given at the end of the course.
• Submit an application with appropriate fees.
• Be a United States citizen or have permanent legal alien status.
• Undergo a criminal history review
• Be 18 years of age

A Private Investigator may protect individuals. However, he/she may only do so in connection with a case that he/she has been previously hired to investigate.

Private Investigators are only required to carry insurance if carrying a firearm. Investigators must maintain a minimum of $500,000 liability insurance for loss due to bodily injury or death and $500,000 for one loss due to injury or destruction of property.