The Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs licenses professional investigator agencies. Professional Investigators are regulated under Public Act 285 of 1965, as amended ("the Act"). The Act defines a Professional Investigator as a person who accepts employment to conduct investigation business.

"Investigation business" is defined by the Act as a business that accepts employment to make an investigation for the purpose of obtaining information pertaining to the following: crimes or wrongs done or threatened against the United States or any person or other legal entity; the identity, habits, conduct business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, trustworthiness, whereabouts or character of a person; the location or recovery of stolen property; securing evidence to be used in court; the prevention, detection or removal of devices designed for eavesdropping and/or observation; electronic tracking of an individual or motor vehicle; computer forensics to be used as evidence before a court, board, officer or investigating committee.

New!  Renewals for these tasks are accessible through the Michigan Business One Stop portal.

A. NAME OF LICENSE OR APPROVAL:

Professional Investigation Agency Application form

Other Professional Investigation forms

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

PA 285 of 1965 (Occupational Code)

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION:

N/A

D. SUMMARY OF LICENSE/APPROVAL PROCESS:

 1.  Applicability (activities that require the license)

The following is a summary of the requirements to become licensed as a professional investigator. For the complete requirement details see the Professional Investigator Licensure Act, Act 285 of 1965, as amended. A licensed professional investigator must meet the following requirements:

(a) Is a citizen of the United States.

(b) Is not less than 25 years of age.

(c) Has a high school education or its equivalent.

(d) Has not been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor involving any of the following:

(i) Dishonesty or fraud.

(ii) Unauthorized divulging or selling of information or evidence.

(iii) Impersonation of a law enforcement officer or employee of the United States or a state, or a political subdivision of the United States or a state.

(iv) Illegally using, carrying, or possessing a dangerous weapon.

(v) Two or more alcohol related offenses.

(vi) Controlled substances as defined under the Michigan Public Health Code.

(vii) An assault.

(e) Has not been dishonorably discharged from a branch of the United States military service.

(f) For a period of not less than 3 years has been or is any of the following on a full-time basis:

(i) Lawfully engaged in the professional investigation business as a licensee, registrant, or investigative employee in another state.

(ii) Lawfully engaged in the investigation business as an investigative employee of the holder of a license to conduct a professional investigation agency.

(iii) An investigator, detective, special agent, intelligence specialist, parole agent, probation officer, or certified police officer employed by any government executive, military, judicial, or legislative agency, or other public authority engaged in investigative or intelligence activities.

(iv) A graduate of an accredited institution of higher education with a baccalaureate or postgraduate degree in the field of police administration, security management, investigation, law, criminal justice, or computer forensics certificated study that is acceptable to the department.

(v) Lawfully engaged in the investigation business as a full-time proprietary or in-house investigator employed by a business or attorney, or as an investigative reporter employed by a recognized media outlet, acceptable to the department.

(g) Has posted a $10,000.00 bond or insurance policy provided for in this act.

(2) In the case of a person, firm, partnership, company, limited liability company, or corporation now doing or seeking to do business in this state, the manager shall comply with the qualifications of this section.

 2.  Pre-Application Requirements

N/A

 3.  Application Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit a signed application form and the information that is specified in P.A. 285 of 1965, as amended (Occupational Code) laws and/or rules and directions for completing an application.

 4.  Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining License or Approval

N/A

 5.  Operational Requirements

N/A

 6.  Fees

• Professional Investigator

Sole Proprietor/LLC/Corporation Application $750.00

Sole Proprietor/LLC/Corporation Renewal $300.00

Sole Proprietor/LLC/Corporation Re-licensure $750.00

Fingerprints $49.25

 

• Branch Office

Branch Office Application $125.00

Branch Office Renewal $125.00

Re-licensure $125.00

 7.  Appeal Process

For the occupations regulated under the Occupational Code, this generally describes the procedure that is followed when an applicant for a license has received a formal denial of the application. The Code calls what they file a Petition for Review and requires that the Department receive it within 30 days. The appeal/petition is placed on the board agenda for the next regularly scheduled board meeting. The Petitioner files a written request to appeal that is accompanied by any documents, which would substantiate their reason why the denial should be overturned and a license granted. The two main categories of denial are: lack of good moral character and failure to meet the license requirements (lack of education, experience, failed exam, etc.) The Board and Department hear the appeal/Petition during the meeting. The Board vote must be agreed upon by the Department; in case of the Board voting to overturn the denial and the Department disagreeing (wanting the denial to stand), the Department has the final decision. If the Petitioner is in attendance, the Petitioner knows the outcome then but either way a letter outlining the results is mailed to the Petitioner. Should the Petitioner wish to appeal an upheld denial determination made at the Board meeting, the next step would be filing in Circuit Court. If the occupation is not under the Occupational Code, the Bureau Director would hear the appeal and any upheld denial by the Bureau Director could also be appealed to Circuit Court.

 8.  Public Input Opportunities

The public has an opportunity to provide input in various ways. Typical opportunities for input are when administrative rules are being considered at a Public Hearing. The public has an opportunity to address specific draft rules or the rule set overall either in writing or by testimony at the hearing. At open Board Meetings, the public is given an opportunity to address the board on either specific items or in general. At any time a member of the public wishes to address a Bureau practice, policy or procedure, a letter to the Bureau Director may be sent. The Bureau also receives many inquiries or comments by way of letters to the Governor regarding Bureau operations or specific licensure applications.

E. Contact Information:

Contact Us

 

Creation/Revision Date:

September 29, 2010