PI License
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Licensing
Private Investigator Licence
How to get a PI licence
Licences for private investigators are generally issued and administered by police services in conjunction with courts in most states, however, in some states or territories of Australia this is managed by other government agencies such as Fair Trading offices.
Shown below is information sourced from relevant licensing authorities. You should check with them as to eligibility and procedure. In most instances the issue of a licence is directly dependent to you taking the Certificate 3 in Investigative Services course through a registered training organisation (RTO) such as ASSI or by TAFE. The rules vary between states and territories in Australia.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT does not yet require private investigators to be licensed, however, plans are underway toward licensing. The reality is that insurance companies and other organisations prefer to deal with licensed private investigators and therefore it is recommended to obtain a licence under NSW legislation.
New South Wales
Private investigators in NSW operate under the new Commercial Agents and Private Inquiry Agents Act 2004 (CAPI)
If you are contemplating applying for a licence, take the time to consider the licensing requirement which are very comprehensive.
What about a criminal record? Lots of people are asking whether one can become a PI despite a criminal record. The NSW Police website states in this regard:
What offences disqualify you from holding a licence?
The following offences are grounds for mandatory refusal of an application for a CAPI licence (including a Master licence) if the applicant (or close associate in the case of a Master Licence) was convicted within the last ten years or found guilty (with no conviction recorded) within the last 5 years of:
- Offences involving violence, fraud, dishonesty or theft, being an offence punishable by imprisonment
- Offences involving the unlawful possession or use of a firearm or other weapon
- Offences involving the unlawful possession or use of a drug
- Offences under Part 2 of the Listening Devices Act 1984, or under corresponding provisions of the law of the Commonwealth or of another State or Territory Offences under the Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 of the Commonwealth
- In the case of a Master licence holder, an application may also be refused if the licence holder, close associates or company named on the application has been found guilty of any of the above offences.
The NSW Police CAPI section on their website has a great FAQ which will probably answer most your questions.
Northern Territory
Private investigators obtain licences from the local courts under the Commercial and Private Agents Licensing Act 1979. The applicant must be at least 18 years old, not a bankrupt and there are provisions for other persons to object to an application. Administration of licences is carried out in the Northern Territory by the Department of Business (DoB).
Offices: Level 5, Charles Darwin Centre, 19 The Mall, Darwin NT 0800
Currently it there is no requirement in the NT to undertake a training course to be eligible for a licence.
Queensland
Private investigators in Queensland operate under Security Providers Act (1993) and licences are administered by the Office of Fair Trading (QLD). It defines eligibility criteria:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Successful completion of a training course approved by the OFT
- Must be an appropriate person to hold the licence
You should contact the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland for precise information. Licensing information and licence applications are handled by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General - full details here
South Australia
Private investigators in South Australia hold a Private Agents licenses administered by the Office of Consumer & Business Affairs, under the Security and Investigation Agents Act (1995).
The OBCA provides information about licensing eligibility at their website (PDF) or contact Business & Occupational Services, Office of Consumer and Business Affairs, Level 3 Chesser House, 91-97 Grenfell Street, Adelaide.
Tasmania
The Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002 provides for the licensing and control of Inquiry Agents is administered by the Department of Justice. You can apply for a security licence if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have successfully completed the required training
- Have no recorded conviction of a disqualifying offence
The training requirement for new applicants is the Certificate 3 in Investigative Services. For forms and full details go to the Dept of Justice website here.
Victoria
Private investigators in Victoria are known as Private Investigators and are licensed through the Licensing Services Division (LSD) which is administered by Victoria Police under the The Private Security Act 2004. Licensing requirements:
- Investigator applicants must complete the appropriate training for the activity of investigator
- Probity requirements (criminal history check) must be fulfilled
- Certain offences prohibit persons from obtaining a licence
- Conditions may be placed on licences
- Conditions may relate to training, supervision or case-by-case circumstances
For precise information see the Victoria Police Licensing Services Division (LSD) website here or go to:
Licensing Services Division
Level 4, Yarra Tower (Building D)
Victoria Police Centre
637 Flinders Street Melbourne 3005
Western Australia
Private investigators in Western Australia are licensed by the Western Australian Police Service under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act (1996). Two types of licences are available:
- Inquiry Agent - A person who can engage investigators to carry out the investigations, but may not carry out the work themselves unless they are also a licensed investigator;
- Investigator - A person who is engaged by an Inquiry Agent to carry out investigations.
It's a little like the relationship between solicitors and barristers. You should find out precise information from the Commercial Agents Squad, 297 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004 or visit their website here.
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