DCI News

Jefferson City, Mo. - State officials are reminding private investigators that they are now in violation of Missouri law if they are practicing without a private investigator license. A state law passed in 2007 requires private investigators to:

• Submit to a background check
• Pass a licensing exam
• Meeting continuing education requirements
• Carry professional liability insurance

Besides individual investigators, the law also requires licensing for private investigator agencies, some employees and trainers.

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration has begun receiving and approving license applications since Feb. 1, but says there are potentially hundreds of unlicensed investigators who have still not applied for a license.

Private investigators in Missouri need to know they face consequences if they continue to practice without a state license, says Douglas Mitchell, vice-chairman of the State Board of Private Investigator Examiners and an investigator from Warrensburg. At the same time, we understand this is a significant transition for these professionals.  Those applicants who have questions should contact the board immediately to ensure a smooth process for bringing them into compliance.

Mitchell says private investigators will benefit from the new regulations, which will for the first time bring testing, oversight and accountability to the industry.

The new licensing requirements are defined in Chapter 324.1100 through 324.1148 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. The board has also written regulations for enforcement, found in 20 CSR 2234.

An application form is available from the board's Web site, pr.mo.gov. Applications are also available by calling the board office at 573-522-7744.