Virginia consumers need to know and understand the difference between a licensed Private Security Services Businesses (PSSB) and a registered private investigator before purchasing investigative services.
Virginia Licensing and Registration Requirements
Consumers should always:
- Ask for the company's DCJS license number or request a copy of the DCJS license.
- Verify the validity of a DCJS license for their own protection. Verify License
- Be provided with a written agreement that includes scope and cost of services.
- Report possible unlicensed activity to DCJS. Anonymous complaints are accepted.
- Contact the DCJS to obtain complaint information @ http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/privatesecurity
Reciprocity Agreements
As of April 2002, Virginia has entered into reciprocity agreements with six states. Under the terms of reciprocity agreements, investigations may be conducted by DCJS licensed businesses in the following states: North Carolina; Oklahoma; Tennessee; Georgia; Florida and Louisiana. The agreements can be inspected at: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/privatesecurity
CONSUMER ALERT!
Virginia consumers need to know that many businesses and individuals advertising under Virginia telephone directory headings of “Investigator” and/or “Detective” are not licensed to provide or conduct private investigations in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
PIAVA was responsible for bringing the widespread problem of these violations to the attention of DCJS. As a result, DCJS has undertaken the painstaking process of working with the publishers of telephone directories to rectify this serious problem.
Consumers are urged to always verify a company’s DCJS license before contracting for investigative services. Verify License
CONSUMER ALERT!
Consumers need to know that businesses conducting investigations in states outside the Commonwealth may be subject to licensing requirements.
The District of Columbia and Maryland are examples of states that require licensing before investigations can be legally conducted in those jurisdictions.
Consumers are urged to request a copy of a business's license for investigations that may occur outside Virginia’s jurisdiction.
As of April 2002, Virginia has entered into reciprocity agreements with six states. Under the terms of reciprocity agreements, investigations may be conducted by DCJS licensed businesses in the following states: North Carolina; Oklahoma; Tennessee; Georgia; Florida and Louisiana
Some states do not have licensing requirements for private investigations. For state-by-state licensing information please visit International Association of Security and Investigative Regulators