Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed act HB5274 into law which will bring about exciting new changes for Private Investigators in Michigan. One of the biggest changes is in the act itself; once known as the Private Detective Act of 1965 the act will now be known as the Professional Investigator Licensure Act, causing all investigators to be recognized as Private Investigators on their licenses.
The passing of this bill will also create new areas for individuals to be considered a private investigator in Michigan. This includes individuals preventing, detecting or removing observation devices, using electronic tracking devices for investigation purposes or those partaking in computer forensics. Additionally there are multiple positions that are now considered to be under the realm of a private investigator including: investigators, detectives, special agents, intelligence specialists, parole agents, probation officers and certified police officers that are employed by any government executive, military, judicial or legislative agency. The law will also include those lawfully engaged in any investigation business acceptable to the department.
Additional changes that will be seen with the introduction of the bill are new standards individuals must be in compliance with before they are able to obtain a private investigator license. Reciprocal agreements will also be put into place to be used by the regulatory department. Finally this bill will also specify the authority of the Attorney General, State Police and local law enforcement in regards to enforcing licensing laws (penalties for practicing without a license will remain unaffected).
To read the bill in its entirety go to www.michiganlegislature.org where it is available to be downloaded and visit our licensing survey at www.investigation.com/surveymap/surveymap.html for details on requirements in all states.
