Obstacles to Becoming a Private Detective

Will a criminal conviction in one’s background from years ago prevent a person from becoming a private investigator?  

Every state requiring a license also requires a background investigation as a part of the licensing process. A felony conviction may automatically disqualify an applicant; however, it is not unknown for a former felon to receive a license. Misdemeanor convictions may be considered, depending upon the type and seriousness of the crime and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction. This will vary by state.

Will a negative military discharge affect one’s ability to become a private investigator? A negative discharge status may prevent a person from becoming licensed as a private investigator, but again, this depends on the state requirements. Some states require that applicants be free of negative military discharge classifications such as bad conduct, less than honorable, or other than honorable. Negative military discharges are grounds for denial of a license in several states and jurisdictions.

As the Florida Division of Licensing states: “Private investigators and private investigative agencies serve in positions of trust. Untrained and unlicensed persons or businesses, or persons not of good moral character, are a threat to the public safety and welfare. The private investigative industry is regulated to ensure the interests of the public are adequately served and protected.”



 

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