Spies Online

[PIMAN02]

Not sure about you but I am really wondering what good it does me to have a PI License these days. I mean can we obtain anymore information than the average person? When I went to do a utilities verification, I was told that I would need a court order. When I go to do a apartment verification, I was told that I would need a court order. When I go to the local County Clerks office to try and run a plate number, I was told that they could not give me that information because I was not a police officer. Sure there are other avenues that we can use to get the information but when you pay as much as we do for a PI license shouldn't it be worth a little more than a scratch piece of paper? What are your thoughts?
_________________
Craig Pifer
Eagle Investigations
122 W Pleasant Ave
Covington, TN 38019
Eaglepi@hughes.net
901-301-2584

[TexasPI]

Well, I have to agree with you in part. I do think the licensing structure needs to be there. We have it in Texas, and it's not getting any cheaper. This helps weed out the fly-by-night low lifes.

BUT, getting all the info you need may just involve a little "social engineering", a skill which most people don't have and need to develop. I know I lack greatly in this area, but I have been known to get people to say things they otherwise wouldn't say.

Like you said, you can run a plate through LocatePlus or PublicData or some other means. On the verifications, I would just keep pressing. Try telephone pretexting as an express delivery guy and need to know what apartment somebody lives in so you can deliver the package. For utilities, call up and pose as a telephone repairman and need to make sure you have the right house, etc. Get creative.

[PIMAN02]

I totally agree with you, but my point is this. If we are required to take the continuing education and pay for it, and maintain a professional company then why do we only get treated as a normal average joe? I have many ways to get the information that I need, but I shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get it after what I have to pay for our License, Insurance, and the Education.

Heck in this state you do not even have to have a license to be a process server, and I think they get treated better than us Licensed PI's do. It gets on your nerves when you are trying to help someone. You know what I mean?
_________________
Craig Pifer
Eagle Investigations
122 W Pleasant Ave
Covington, TN 38019
Eaglepi@hughes.net
901-301-2584

[Spies Online]

If a license is required in your state for PI work and you take money from people for performing PI work, I suspect you can get into really big trouble if you don't have a license.

[TexasPI]

PIMAN02:

Well, I agree to an extent. I never want to be equated with LE (Law Enforcement). LEOs go through rigorous training, and are sworn to the state. As a licensed PI, I can back down from a case any time I want, and I don't have to subject myself to any dangers I'm uncomfortable with.

LEOs may at times look down on PIs. This is likely due to some unethical PIs dirtying up their LE investigations, or stomping all over town setting off everyone. I would start by getting to know your local LEOs well, and letting them know that you will cooperate with them, and will also inform them when you think you may be investigating a case that has some criminal elements.

In this age of privacy protection (some of which we are paid to protect), we will HAVE to jump through some hoops to get that information. Otherwise, the same privacy we are sometimes paid to protect is compromised or destroyed.

ADMIN:

I agree with the need for licensing, and I guarantee I will bring down anyone I know practicing without a license. The only thing I am concerned about is the cost of licensing, at least in Texas. The cost goes up and up, and the money just pads the general fund. Doesn't make sense. Plus, insurance gets no cheaper. I sympathize with PIMAN02 on the cost issue. Thank goodness I'm just registered under an agency license, since the costs are low.