IC 25-30 ARTICLE 30. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FIRMS,
SECURITY GUARDS, AND POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS
IC 25-30-1
Chapter 1. Private Investigator Firm Licensing
IC 25-30-1-1 Short title
Sec. 1. This chapter may be cited as the "Private Investigator Firm
License Law". (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.87; P.L.185-2007, SEC.8.
IC 25-30-1-1.2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-2 Definitions
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter:
(1) "Person" means an individual, a firm, a company, an
association, an organization, a partnership, or a corporation.
(2) "Licensee" means a person licensed under this chapter.
(3) "Private investigator firm" means the business of:
(A) making, for hire or reward, investigation or
investigations for the purpose of obtaining information with
reference to:
(i) a crime against the state or wrongs done or threatened;
(ii) the habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts,
association, transactions, reputation, or character of a
person;
(iii) credibility of witnesses or other persons;
(iv) the location or recovery of lost, abandoned,
unclaimed, or stolen property;
(v) the causes, origin, or responsibility for fires or
accidents or injuries to real or personal property; or
(vi) the truth or falsity of a statement or representation;
(B) securing, for hire or reward, evidence to be used for
authorized investigation committees or boards of award or
arbitration or in the trial of civil or criminal cases; or
(C) providing, for hire or reward, undercover investigators
to detect and prevent fraud and theft in the workplace or
elsewhere.
(4) "Board" refers to the private investigator and security guard
licensing board established under section 5.2 of this chapter.
(5) "Licensing agency" refers to the Indiana professional
licensing agency established under IC 25-1-5-3.
(6) "Business entity" means a firm, a company, an association,
an organization, a partnership, or a corporation. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.2; Acts 1965, c.162, s.1; Acts 1967,
c.171, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.88;
P.L.261-1987, SEC.1; P.L.234-1989, SEC.5; P.L.214-1993, SEC.66;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.46; P.L.1-2006, SEC.474; P.L.185-2007, SEC.9;
P.L.3-2008, SEC.196.
IC 25-30-1-3 Necessity of license
Sec. 3. It shall be unlawful for a person to:
(1) engage in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicit or advertise for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represent or hold the person out as a private investigator
firm;
unless the person is licensed as a private investigator firm under this
chapter and complies with this chapter and rules adopted under this
chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.3.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.89; P.L.234-1989, SEC.6; P.L.185-2007, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-4
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.214-1993, SEC.91.)
IC 25-30-1-5 Exceptions to licensing requirements
Sec. 5. This chapter does not require any of the following persons
to be a licensee:
(1) A law enforcement officer of the United States, a state, or a
political subdivision of a state to the extent that the officer or
employee is engaged in the performance of the officer's or
employee's official duties.
(2) Any person to the extent that the person is engaged in the
business of furnishing and obtaining information concerning the
financial rating of other persons.
(3) A collection agency licensed by the secretary of state or its
employee acting within the scope of the employee's
employment, to the extent that the person is making an
investigation incidental to the business of the agency, including
an investigation of the location of a debtor or a debtor's assets
in a property that the client has an interest in or a lien upon.
(4) An attorney or employee of an attorney to the extent that the
person is engaged in investigative matters incident to the
delivery of professional services that constitute the practice of
law.
(5) An insurance adjuster to the extent that the adjuster is
employed in the investigation and settlement of claims made
against insurance companies or persons insured by insurance
companies if the adjuster is a regular employee of the insurance
company and the insurance company is authorized to do
business in Indiana and is complying with the laws regulating
insurance companies in Indiana.
(6) A person primarily engaged in the business of furnishing
information for:
(A) business decisions and transactions in connection with
credit, employment, or marketing; or
(B) insurance underwriting purposes;
including a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair
Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
(7) A retail merchant or an employee of the retail merchant to
the extent that the person is hiring a private investigator for the
purposes of loss prevention investigations for the retail
merchant's retail establishment.
(8) A professional engineer registered under IC 25-31 or a
person acting under a registered professional engineer's
supervision, to the extent the professional engineer is engaged
in an investigation incident to the practice of engineering.
(9) An architect with a certificate of registration under IC 25-4,
to the extent the architect is engaged in an investigation incident
to the practice of architecture.
(10) A land surveyor with a certificate of registration under
IC 25-21.5, to the extent the land surveyor is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of land surveying.
(11) A certified public accountant with a certificate under
IC 25-2.1-3, to the extent that the person is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of accountancy.
(12) An independent consultant employed by the attorney
general under IC 32-34-1-48, to the extent that the independent
consultant is engaged in providing services for the attorney
general. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.5.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.91; P.L.261-1987, SEC.2; P.L.234-1989, SEC.7;
P.L.245-1995, SEC.1; P.L.42-1999, SEC.1; P.L.185-2007, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-5.1
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-5.2 Private investigator and security guard licensing board;
establishment; members; terms; salaries
Sec. 5.2. (a) The private investigator and security guard licensing
board is established.
(b) The board consists of:
(1) the superintendent of the state police department or the
superintendent's designee; and
(2) the following six (6) members appointed by the governor
from different geographic regions of Indiana as determined by
the governor:
(A) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a private
investigator firm licensed under this article.
(B) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a security
guard agency licensed under this article.
(C) One (1) local law enforcement official.
(D) One (1) person who is not associated with the private
investigator firm or security guard agency other than as a
consumer.
(c) Each member of the board appointed by the governor shall
serve a term of two (2) years.
(d) The governor may remove a board member appointed by the
governor for incompetency or failure to perform the member's duties
under this chapter.
(e) A vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled by
appointment by the governor for the unexpired term.
(f) Each member of the board who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). Each member of the board is entitled to
reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses actually
incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided in the
state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.12.
IC 25-30-1-5.3 Election of president and vice president
Sec. 5.3. The board shall, at its first meeting of each year, elect a
president and a vice president from among its membership by a
majority vote of all the members of the board. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.214-1993,
SEC.68.
IC 25-30-1-5.5 Rules
Sec. 5.5. (a) The board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
implement this chapter.
(b) The board may not adopt rules concerning qualifications for
licensure that are so restrictive that a person may not be licensed
under this chapter. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-6 Powers and duties of licensing agency
Sec. 6. The licensing agency shall assist the board by performing
administrative functions under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.6.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.92; P.L.234-1989, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-6.5 Meeting; quorum
Sec. 6.5. (a) The board shall meet upon the call of the board
president.
(b) Four (4) members of the board constitute a quorum. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.13.
IC 25-30-1-7 Application for license
Sec. 7. (a) An application for licensure as a private investigator
firm must be on a form prescribed by the board accompanied by the
license fee established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) The application for licensure as a private investigator firm
shall include the following:
(1) The full name and business address, including street
address, of the applicant.
(2) The name under which the applicant intends to do business
as a private investigator firm.
(3) The full name and residential address of each of the private
investigator firm's members, partners, officers, directors, and
managers.
(4) The proof of insurance required by section 15 of this
chapter.
(5) Other information, evidence, statements, or documents
required by the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.7.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.93; P.L.234-1989, SEC.12; P.L.194-2005, SEC.74;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.14.
IC 25-30-1-8 Qualifications for license; grounds for denial
Sec. 8. (a) The board may not issue a private investigator firm
license to an individual unless the individual:
(1) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(2) demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills, as
determined by the board, to conduct a private investigator firm
competently.
(b) The board may not issue a private investigator firm license to
a business entity unless:
(1) one (1) officer, in the case of a corporation; or
(2) one (1) partner, in the case of a partnership;
meets the personal qualifications as set out in subsection (a), unless
otherwise provided.
(c) The board may deny a license unless the applicant makes a
showing satisfactory to the board that the applicant or, if the
applicant is a business entity, the officer or partner referred to in
subsection (b):
(1) has not committed an act which, if committed by a licensee,
would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of a license
under this chapter;
(2) has not been convicted of a:
(A) felony; or
(B) misdemeanor that has a direct bearing upon the
applicant's ability to practice competently;
(3) has not been refused a license under this chapter or had a
license revoked;
(4) has not, while unlicensed, committed or aided and abetted
in the commission of an act for which a license is required by
this chapter;
(5) is not on probation or parole; and
(6) is not being sought under an active warrant against the
applicant, officer, or partner. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.8.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2549; P.L.261-1987, SEC.3; P.L.234-1989, SEC.13;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.69; P.L.185-2007, SEC.15; P.L.3-2008,
SEC.197.
IC 25-30-1-8.5 Change in ownership; termination of license
Sec. 8.5. If a change in the ownership of a private investigator
firm results in the failure to meet the qualifications set forth in
section 8 of this chapter:
(1) the license of the private investigator firm terminates on the
date the change in ownership is effective; and
(2) the private investigator firm must file a new application for
a license as a private investigator firm with the board. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.16.
IC 25-30-1-9 Continuation of business after death of licensee
Sec. 9. (a) Upon the death of an individual licensed under this
chapter, the private investigator firm with which the decedent was
connected may be carried on for a period of ninety (90) days after the
individual's death by the following:
(1) In the case of an individual licensee the surviving spouse, or
if there is no surviving spouse, the executor or administrator of
the estate of the decedent.
(2) In the case of a partner, the surviving partners.
(3) In the case of an officer of a business entity, the other
officers of the business entity.
(b) Upon the authorization of the board, the private investigator
firm may be carried on for a further period of time when necessary
to complete an investigation or assist in litigation pending at the
death of the decedent.
(c) Nothing in this section authorizes the solicitation or
acceptance of business after the death of the decedent except as
provided by this chapter.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the sale of
a private investigator firm if the vendee qualifies for a license under
this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.9.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.94; P.L.234-1989, SEC.14; P.L.185-2007, SEC.17. IC 25-30-1-10 Form of license; pocket card; change of information; assignment
of license
Sec. 10. (a) A license, when issued, shall be in a form determined
by the board and shall include the following:
(1) The full name of the licensee.
(2) The number and expiration date of the license.
(b) Upon the issuance of a private investigator firm license, a
pocket card shall be issued without charge to the licensee. When a
license is revoked, the pocket card shall be surrendered and, not later
than five (5) days after revocation, shall be mailed or delivered by
the licensee to the board for cancellation.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, not later than thirty
(30) days after a change, notify the board of any changes to the:
(1) licensee's address;
(2) name under which the licensee does business; and
(3) licensee's officers, directors, members, or partners.
(d) A license issued under this chapter is not assignable and is
personal to the licensee.
(e) A licensee shall present, upon the request of a client, a pocket
card license that indicates the:
(1) license is active; and
(2) licensee is in good standing. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.10.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.95; P.L.234-1989, SEC.15; P.L.214-1993, SEC.70;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.47; P.L.185-2007, SEC.18.
IC 25-30-1-11 Employees of licensee
Sec. 11. (a) A licensee may employ, to assist the licensee in the
licensee's business as a private investigator firm, as many unlicensed
persons as may be necessary. The licensee is civilly responsible for
the good conduct of all employees while the unlicensed persons are
acting on behalf of the licensee.
(b) A licensee shall maintain a record, relative to the licensee's
employees, containing the following information:
(1) A picture taken within thirty (30) days of the date that the
employee commences employment with the licensee.
(2) A full set of fingerprints of both hands of the employee.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, at the board's
request, provide the board with a roster of all unlicensed individuals
employed by the private investigator firm. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.11.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2550; P.L.234-1989, SEC.16; P.L.214-1993, SEC.71;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.48; P.L.185-2007, SEC.19.
IC 25-30-1-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.35-1984, SEC.10.) IC 25-30-1-13 Advertisements
Sec. 13. An advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising
for business must contain the name and address of the licensee as
they appear in the records of the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.13.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.17.
IC 25-30-1-14 Nonresidents
Sec. 14. It shall be unlawful for a person licensed by any other
state to do business in Indiana unless the person is licensed and
authorized to do business in Indiana. A person may not do business
in Indiana until the person is licensed with the board and meets the
requirements for licensees of this state. In addition, an out-of-state
person must prove to the board that the person is in good standing in
the state the person was issued a license. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.14.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.18; P.L.214-1993, SEC.72; P.L.185-2007, SEC.20.
IC 25-30-1-15 Insurance
Sec. 15. (a) An applicant for a private investigator firm license
shall submit to the board a certificate of insurance or other evidence
of financial responsibility that:
(1) is approved by the board; and
(2) meets the following requirements:
(A) Is issued by an insurance company or other legal entity
authorized to transact business in Indiana.
(B) Provides for general liability coverage of at least one
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
(C) Lists the state as an additional insured.
(D) States that cancellation and nonrenewal of the
underlying policy or other evidence of financial
responsibility is not effective until the board receives written
notice at least ten (10) days before the cancellation or
nonrenewal of the policy.
(E) Contains any other terms and conditions established by
the board.
(b) The insurance referred to in subsection (a):
(1) must cover damages that the insured becomes legally
obligated to pay for bodily injury or property damage
proximately caused to a person by the insured in conducting
business as a private investigator firm;
(2) must include coverage for:
(A) false arrest, detention, or imprisonment;
(B) malicious prosecution; and
(C) wrongful entry or eviction, or other invasion of the right
of private occupancy; and
(3) may not exclude coverage for an intentional act taken by or
at the direction of the insured that results in bodily injury, if
such injury arises solely from the use of reasonable force for the
purpose of protecting persons or property.
(c) If a licensee fails to comply with the insurance requirements
of this section, the license of the licensee shall be suspended. A
license suspended under this subsection may not be reinstated until
an application for reinstatement of the license, in the form prescribed
by the board, is filed with the board, together with proper proof of
insurance.
(d) The board may deny an application for the reinstatement of a
license suspended under this section, notwithstanding the applicant's
compliance with the insurance requirements of this section for any
of the following:
(1) Any reason that would justify a refusal to issue, a
suspension, or a revocation of a license.
(2) The performance by the applicant, while the applicant's
license was suspended under this section, of any practice for
which a license under this chapter is required. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.15.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.97; P.L.261-1987, SEC.4; P.L.157-1988, SEC.1;
P.L.234-1989, SEC.19; P.L.214-1993, SEC.73; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.21.
IC 25-30-1-16 Expiration; reinstatement
Sec. 16. (a) Unless a license is renewed, a license issued under
this chapter expires on a date specified by the licensing agency under
IC 25-1-6-4 and expires every four (4) years after the initial
expiration date. An applicant for renewal shall pay the renewal fee
established by the board under IC 25-1-8-2 on or before the renewal
date specified by the licensing agency.
(b) If the holder of a license does not renew the license by the date
specified by the licensing agency, the license expires and becomes
invalid without any action taken by the board.
(c) If a license has been expired for not more than three (3) years,
the license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6(c).
(d) If a license has been expired for more than three (3) years, the
license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements for reinstatement under IC 25-1-8-6(d). (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.16.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.98; P.L.234-1989, SEC.20; P.L.214-1993, SEC.74;
P.L.194-2005, SEC.75; P.L.157-2006, SEC.68; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.22; P.L.105-2008, SEC.57.
IC 25-30-1-17 Fees
Sec. 17. (a) The board shall charge and the licensing agency shall
collect the fees established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) All fees collected under this chapter shall go into the general
fund and shall be accounted for by the licensing agency.
(c) All fees collected under this chapter are nontransferable and
nonrefundable. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.17.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.99; P.L.5-1988, SEC.137; P.L.234-1989, SEC.21;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.75; P.L.194-2005, SEC.76; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-18 Administrative proceedings; violation of professional standards;
sanctions against licensees
Sec. 18. (a) The proceedings under this chapter shall be conducted
in accordance with IC 4-21.5. In conducting proceedings under this
chapter, the board has all powers granted under IC 4-21.5.
(b) The board may impose sanctions against a licensee under
IC 25-1-11 if the board determines that the licensee has done any of
the following:
(1) Forcibly and without the consent of the person in lawful
possession, entered a building or portion of a building.
(2) Impersonated, permitted an employee to impersonate, or
aided and abetted an employee in impersonating:
(A) a law enforcement officer;
(B) an employee of the United States government;
(C) an employee of the state; or
(D) an employee of a political subdivision of the state.
(3) During the period between the expiration of a license for
failure to renew within the time fixed by this chapter and the
reinstatement of the license, committed or permitted an
employee to commit an act that would be cause for suspension
or revocation of a license or grounds for the denial of the
application for a license.
(4) Committed an act that is grounds for a denial of an
application for a license under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.18.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2551; P.L.7-1987, SEC.127; P.L.234-1989, SEC.22;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.76; P.L.3-2008, SEC.198.
IC 25-30-1-19 Carrying weapons
Sec. 19. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize
any licensee to carry any weapon. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.19.) As amended by P.L.3-1989,
SEC.147.
IC 25-30-1-19.5 Action to collect fees; burden of proving licensure or exemption
Sec. 19.5. A person that files a civil action to collect fees for
performing acts regulated by this chapter must allege and prove that
when the action arose the person was not in violation of section 22
of this chapter.
As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.77. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.24.
IC 25-30-1-20 Prosecuting attorneys; reporting violations
Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of a prosecuting attorney to whom the
board reports a violation of this chapter to cause proceedings to be
commenced against a person violating this chapter and to prosecute
the person to final termination. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.20.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-21 Violations; fines; separate offenses; complaints
Sec. 21. (a) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class
A misdemeanor.
(b) A person violates this chapter if the person is not exempt
under section 5 of this chapter, does not have a private investigator
firm license, and knowingly or intentionally:
(1) engages in the private investigator firm business;
(2) solicits or advertises for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) in any way represents to be a private investigator firm.
(c) In addition to any other fine imposed on the person, the court
shall fine the person convicted of an offense under subsection (b) the
amount of compensation earned by the person in the commission of
the offense. Notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-2, the total fine imposed
under this section may exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if
necessary to comply with this subsection.
(d) Each transaction under subsection (b) constitutes a separate
offense.
(e) A complaint for a violation of this chapter or for an injunction
under section 22 of this chapter is sufficient if the complaint alleges
that a person on a specific day in a specific county:
(1) engages in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicited or advertised for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represented to be a private investigator firm;
without a private investigator firm license.
(f) A person who knowingly or intentionally fails or refuses to
surrender a private investigator firm license issued under this chapter
when the license is revoked by the board commits a Class A
misdemeanor. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.21.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2552; P.L.214-1993, SEC.78; P.L.1-1998, SEC.134;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.25.
IC 25-30-1-22 Activities by unlicensed persons; show cause notice; cease and
desist order
Sec. 22. (a) If the board determines that a person that is not
licensed or exempt under this chapter is engaged in activities that
require a license, the board may send a notice of hearing requiring
the person to show cause why the challenged activities are not a
violation of this chapter. The notice must be in writing and include
the following information:
(1) The date, time, and place of the hearing.
(2) The alleged violation.
(3) That the affected person or the person's representative may
present evidence concerning the alleged violation.
(b) A hearing conducted under this section must comply with the
requirements under IC 4-21.5.
(c) If the board after a hearing determines that the activities that
the person engaged in are subject to licensing under this chapter, the
board may issue a cease and desist order that describes the person
and activities that are the subject of the order.
(d) A cease and desist order issued under this section is
enforceable in the circuit courts of Indiana.
(e) The attorney general, the board, or the prosecuting attorney of
any county where a violation of section 21(b) of this chapter occurs
may file an action in the name of the state for an injunction. As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.79. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.26.
IC 25-30 ARTICLE 30. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FIRMS,
SECURITY GUARDS, AND POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS
IC 25-30-1
Chapter 1. Private Investigator Firm Licensing
IC 25-30-1-1 Short title
Sec. 1. This chapter may be cited as the "Private Investigator Firm
License Law". (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.87; P.L.185-2007, SEC.8.
IC 25-30-1-1.2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-2 Definitions
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter:
(1) "Person" means an individual, a firm, a company, an
association, an organization, a partnership, or a corporation.
(2) "Licensee" means a person licensed under this chapter.
(3) "Private investigator firm" means the business of:
(A) making, for hire or reward, investigation or
investigations for the purpose of obtaining information with
reference to:
(i) a crime against the state or wrongs done or threatened;
(ii) the habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts,
association, transactions, reputation, or character of a
person;
(iii) credibility of witnesses or other persons;
(iv) the location or recovery of lost, abandoned,
unclaimed, or stolen property;
(v) the causes, origin, or responsibility for fires or
accidents or injuries to real or personal property; or
(vi) the truth or falsity of a statement or representation;
(B) securing, for hire or reward, evidence to be used for
authorized investigation committees or boards of award or
arbitration or in the trial of civil or criminal cases; or
(C) providing, for hire or reward, undercover investigators
to detect and prevent fraud and theft in the workplace or
elsewhere.
(4) "Board" refers to the private investigator and security guard
licensing board established under section 5.2 of this chapter.
(5) "Licensing agency" refers to the Indiana professional
licensing agency established under IC 25-1-5-3.
(6) "Business entity" means a firm, a company, an association,
an organization, a partnership, or a corporation. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.2; Acts 1965, c.162, s.1; Acts 1967,
c.171, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.88;
P.L.261-1987, SEC.1; P.L.234-1989, SEC.5; P.L.214-1993, SEC.66;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.46; P.L.1-2006, SEC.474; P.L.185-2007, SEC.9;
P.L.3-2008, SEC.196.
IC 25-30-1-3 Necessity of license
Sec. 3. It shall be unlawful for a person to:
(1) engage in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicit or advertise for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represent or hold the person out as a private investigator
firm;
unless the person is licensed as a private investigator firm under this
chapter and complies with this chapter and rules adopted under this
chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.3.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.89; P.L.234-1989, SEC.6; P.L.185-2007, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-4
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.214-1993, SEC.91.)
IC 25-30-1-5 Exceptions to licensing requirements
Sec. 5. This chapter does not require any of the following persons
to be a licensee:
(1) A law enforcement officer of the United States, a state, or a
political subdivision of a state to the extent that the officer or
employee is engaged in the performance of the officer's or
employee's official duties.
(2) Any person to the extent that the person is engaged in the
business of furnishing and obtaining information concerning the
financial rating of other persons.
(3) A collection agency licensed by the secretary of state or its
employee acting within the scope of the employee's
employment, to the extent that the person is making an
investigation incidental to the business of the agency, including
an investigation of the location of a debtor or a debtor's assets
in a property that the client has an interest in or a lien upon.
(4) An attorney or employee of an attorney to the extent that the
person is engaged in investigative matters incident to the
delivery of professional services that constitute the practice of
law.
(5) An insurance adjuster to the extent that the adjuster is
employed in the investigation and settlement of claims made
against insurance companies or persons insured by insurance
companies if the adjuster is a regular employee of the insurance
company and the insurance company is authorized to do
business in Indiana and is complying with the laws regulating
insurance companies in Indiana.
(6) A person primarily engaged in the business of furnishing
information for:
(A) business decisions and transactions in connection with
credit, employment, or marketing; or
(B) insurance underwriting purposes;
including a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair
Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
(7) A retail merchant or an employee of the retail merchant to
the extent that the person is hiring a private investigator for the
purposes of loss prevention investigations for the retail
merchant's retail establishment.
(8) A professional engineer registered under IC 25-31 or a
person acting under a registered professional engineer's
supervision, to the extent the professional engineer is engaged
in an investigation incident to the practice of engineering.
(9) An architect with a certificate of registration under IC 25-4,
to the extent the architect is engaged in an investigation incident
to the practice of architecture.
(10) A land surveyor with a certificate of registration under
IC 25-21.5, to the extent the land surveyor is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of land surveying.
(11) A certified public accountant with a certificate under
IC 25-2.1-3, to the extent that the person is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of accountancy.
(12) An independent consultant employed by the attorney
general under IC 32-34-1-48, to the extent that the independent
consultant is engaged in providing services for the attorney
general. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.5.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.91; P.L.261-1987, SEC.2; P.L.234-1989, SEC.7;
P.L.245-1995, SEC.1; P.L.42-1999, SEC.1; P.L.185-2007, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-5.1
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-5.2 Private investigator and security guard licensing board;
establishment; members; terms; salaries
Sec. 5.2. (a) The private investigator and security guard licensing
board is established.
(b) The board consists of:
(1) the superintendent of the state police department or the
superintendent's designee; and
(2) the following six (6) members appointed by the governor
from different geographic regions of Indiana as determined by
the governor:
(A) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a private
investigator firm licensed under this article.
(B) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a security
guard agency licensed under this article.
(C) One (1) local law enforcement official.
(D) One (1) person who is not associated with the private
investigator firm or security guard agency other than as a
consumer.
(c) Each member of the board appointed by the governor shall
serve a term of two (2) years.
(d) The governor may remove a board member appointed by the
governor for incompetency or failure to perform the member's duties
under this chapter.
(e) A vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled by
appointment by the governor for the unexpired term.
(f) Each member of the board who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). Each member of the board is entitled to
reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses actually
incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided in the
state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.12.
IC 25-30-1-5.3 Election of president and vice president
Sec. 5.3. The board shall, at its first meeting of each year, elect a
president and a vice president from among its membership by a
majority vote of all the members of the board. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.214-1993,
SEC.68.
IC 25-30-1-5.5 Rules
Sec. 5.5. (a) The board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
implement this chapter.
(b) The board may not adopt rules concerning qualifications for
licensure that are so restrictive that a person may not be licensed
under this chapter. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-6 Powers and duties of licensing agency
Sec. 6. The licensing agency shall assist the board by performing
administrative functions under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.6.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.92; P.L.234-1989, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-6.5 Meeting; quorum
Sec. 6.5. (a) The board shall meet upon the call of the board
president.
(b) Four (4) members of the board constitute a quorum. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.13.
IC 25-30-1-7 Application for license
Sec. 7. (a) An application for licensure as a private investigator
firm must be on a form prescribed by the board accompanied by the
license fee established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) The application for licensure as a private investigator firm
shall include the following:
(1) The full name and business address, including street
address, of the applicant.
(2) The name under which the applicant intends to do business
as a private investigator firm.
(3) The full name and residential address of each of the private
investigator firm's members, partners, officers, directors, and
managers.
(4) The proof of insurance required by section 15 of this
chapter.
(5) Other information, evidence, statements, or documents
required by the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.7.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.93; P.L.234-1989, SEC.12; P.L.194-2005, SEC.74;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.14.
IC 25-30-1-8 Qualifications for license; grounds for denial
Sec. 8. (a) The board may not issue a private investigator firm
license to an individual unless the individual:
(1) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(2) demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills, as
determined by the board, to conduct a private investigator firm
competently.
(b) The board may not issue a private investigator firm license to
a business entity unless:
(1) one (1) officer, in the case of a corporation; or
(2) one (1) partner, in the case of a partnership;
meets the personal qualifications as set out in subsection (a), unless
otherwise provided.
(c) The board may deny a license unless the applicant makes a
showing satisfactory to the board that the applicant or, if the
applicant is a business entity, the officer or partner referred to in
subsection (b):
(1) has not committed an act which, if committed by a licensee,
would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of a license
under this chapter;
(2) has not been convicted of a:
(A) felony; or
(B) misdemeanor that has a direct bearing upon the
applicant's ability to practice competently;
(3) has not been refused a license under this chapter or had a
license revoked;
(4) has not, while unlicensed, committed or aided and abetted
in the commission of an act for which a license is required by
this chapter;
(5) is not on probation or parole; and
(6) is not being sought under an active warrant against the
applicant, officer, or partner. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.8.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2549; P.L.261-1987, SEC.3; P.L.234-1989, SEC.13;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.69; P.L.185-2007, SEC.15; P.L.3-2008,
SEC.197.
IC 25-30-1-8.5 Change in ownership; termination of license
Sec. 8.5. If a change in the ownership of a private investigator
firm results in the failure to meet the qualifications set forth in
section 8 of this chapter:
(1) the license of the private investigator firm terminates on the
date the change in ownership is effective; and
(2) the private investigator firm must file a new application for
a license as a private investigator firm with the board. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.16.
IC 25-30-1-9 Continuation of business after death of licensee
Sec. 9. (a) Upon the death of an individual licensed under this
chapter, the private investigator firm with which the decedent was
connected may be carried on for a period of ninety (90) days after the
individual's death by the following:
(1) In the case of an individual licensee the surviving spouse, or
if there is no surviving spouse, the executor or administrator of
the estate of the decedent.
(2) In the case of a partner, the surviving partners.
(3) In the case of an officer of a business entity, the other
officers of the business entity.
(b) Upon the authorization of the board, the private investigator
firm may be carried on for a further period of time when necessary
to complete an investigation or assist in litigation pending at the
death of the decedent.
(c) Nothing in this section authorizes the solicitation or
acceptance of business after the death of the decedent except as
provided by this chapter.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the sale of
a private investigator firm if the vendee qualifies for a license under
this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.9.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.94; P.L.234-1989, SEC.14; P.L.185-2007, SEC.17. IC 25-30-1-10 Form of license; pocket card; change of information; assignment
of license
Sec. 10. (a) A license, when issued, shall be in a form determined
by the board and shall include the following:
(1) The full name of the licensee.
(2) The number and expiration date of the license.
(b) Upon the issuance of a private investigator firm license, a
pocket card shall be issued without charge to the licensee. When a
license is revoked, the pocket card shall be surrendered and, not later
than five (5) days after revocation, shall be mailed or delivered by
the licensee to the board for cancellation.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, not later than thirty
(30) days after a change, notify the board of any changes to the:
(1) licensee's address;
(2) name under which the licensee does business; and
(3) licensee's officers, directors, members, or partners.
(d) A license issued under this chapter is not assignable and is
personal to the licensee.
(e) A licensee shall present, upon the request of a client, a pocket
card license that indicates the:
(1) license is active; and
(2) licensee is in good standing. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.10.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.95; P.L.234-1989, SEC.15; P.L.214-1993, SEC.70;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.47; P.L.185-2007, SEC.18.
IC 25-30-1-11 Employees of licensee
Sec. 11. (a) A licensee may employ, to assist the licensee in the
licensee's business as a private investigator firm, as many unlicensed
persons as may be necessary. The licensee is civilly responsible for
the good conduct of all employees while the unlicensed persons are
acting on behalf of the licensee.
(b) A licensee shall maintain a record, relative to the licensee's
employees, containing the following information:
(1) A picture taken within thirty (30) days of the date that the
employee commences employment with the licensee.
(2) A full set of fingerprints of both hands of the employee.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, at the board's
request, provide the board with a roster of all unlicensed individuals
employed by the private investigator firm. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.11.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2550; P.L.234-1989, SEC.16; P.L.214-1993, SEC.71;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.48; P.L.185-2007, SEC.19.
IC 25-30-1-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.35-1984, SEC.10.) IC 25-30-1-13 Advertisements
Sec. 13. An advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising
for business must contain the name and address of the licensee as
they appear in the records of the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.13.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.17.
IC 25-30-1-14 Nonresidents
Sec. 14. It shall be unlawful for a person licensed by any other
state to do business in Indiana unless the person is licensed and
authorized to do business in Indiana. A person may not do business
in Indiana until the person is licensed with the board and meets the
requirements for licensees of this state. In addition, an out-of-state
person must prove to the board that the person is in good standing in
the state the person was issued a license. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.14.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.18; P.L.214-1993, SEC.72; P.L.185-2007, SEC.20.
IC 25-30-1-15 Insurance
Sec. 15. (a) An applicant for a private investigator firm license
shall submit to the board a certificate of insurance or other evidence
of financial responsibility that:
(1) is approved by the board; and
(2) meets the following requirements:
(A) Is issued by an insurance company or other legal entity
authorized to transact business in Indiana.
(B) Provides for general liability coverage of at least one
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
(C) Lists the state as an additional insured.
(D) States that cancellation and nonrenewal of the
underlying policy or other evidence of financial
responsibility is not effective until the board receives written
notice at least ten (10) days before the cancellation or
nonrenewal of the policy.
(E) Contains any other terms and conditions established by
the board.
(b) The insurance referred to in subsection (a):
(1) must cover damages that the insured becomes legally
obligated to pay for bodily injury or property damage
proximately caused to a person by the insured in conducting
business as a private investigator firm;
(2) must include coverage for:
(A) false arrest, detention, or imprisonment;
(B) malicious prosecution; and
(C) wrongful entry or eviction, or other invasion of the right
of private occupancy; and
(3) may not exclude coverage for an intentional act taken by or
at the direction of the insured that results in bodily injury, if
such injury arises solely from the use of reasonable force for the
purpose of protecting persons or property.
(c) If a licensee fails to comply with the insurance requirements
of this section, the license of the licensee shall be suspended. A
license suspended under this subsection may not be reinstated until
an application for reinstatement of the license, in the form prescribed
by the board, is filed with the board, together with proper proof of
insurance.
(d) The board may deny an application for the reinstatement of a
license suspended under this section, notwithstanding the applicant's
compliance with the insurance requirements of this section for any
of the following:
(1) Any reason that would justify a refusal to issue, a
suspension, or a revocation of a license.
(2) The performance by the applicant, while the applicant's
license was suspended under this section, of any practice for
which a license under this chapter is required. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.15.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.97; P.L.261-1987, SEC.4; P.L.157-1988, SEC.1;
P.L.234-1989, SEC.19; P.L.214-1993, SEC.73; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.21.
IC 25-30-1-16 Expiration; reinstatement
Sec. 16. (a) Unless a license is renewed, a license issued under
this chapter expires on a date specified by the licensing agency under
IC 25-1-6-4 and expires every four (4) years after the initial
expiration date. An applicant for renewal shall pay the renewal fee
established by the board under IC 25-1-8-2 on or before the renewal
date specified by the licensing agency.
(b) If the holder of a license does not renew the license by the date
specified by the licensing agency, the license expires and becomes
invalid without any action taken by the board.
(c) If a license has been expired for not more than three (3) years,
the license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6(c).
(d) If a license has been expired for more than three (3) years, the
license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements for reinstatement under IC 25-1-8-6(d). (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.16.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.98; P.L.234-1989, SEC.20; P.L.214-1993, SEC.74;
P.L.194-2005, SEC.75; P.L.157-2006, SEC.68; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.22; P.L.105-2008, SEC.57.
IC 25-30-1-17 Fees
Sec. 17. (a) The board shall charge and the licensing agency shall
collect the fees established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) All fees collected under this chapter shall go into the general
fund and shall be accounted for by the licensing agency.
(c) All fees collected under this chapter are nontransferable and
nonrefundable. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.17.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.99; P.L.5-1988, SEC.137; P.L.234-1989, SEC.21;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.75; P.L.194-2005, SEC.76; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-18 Administrative proceedings; violation of professional standards;
sanctions against licensees
Sec. 18. (a) The proceedings under this chapter shall be conducted
in accordance with IC 4-21.5. In conducting proceedings under this
chapter, the board has all powers granted under IC 4-21.5.
(b) The board may impose sanctions against a licensee under
IC 25-1-11 if the board determines that the licensee has done any of
the following:
(1) Forcibly and without the consent of the person in lawful
possession, entered a building or portion of a building.
(2) Impersonated, permitted an employee to impersonate, or
aided and abetted an employee in impersonating:
(A) a law enforcement officer;
(B) an employee of the United States government;
(C) an employee of the state; or
(D) an employee of a political subdivision of the state.
(3) During the period between the expiration of a license for
failure to renew within the time fixed by this chapter and the
reinstatement of the license, committed or permitted an
employee to commit an act that would be cause for suspension
or revocation of a license or grounds for the denial of the
application for a license.
(4) Committed an act that is grounds for a denial of an
application for a license under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.18.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2551; P.L.7-1987, SEC.127; P.L.234-1989, SEC.22;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.76; P.L.3-2008, SEC.198.
IC 25-30-1-19 Carrying weapons
Sec. 19. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize
any licensee to carry any weapon. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.19.) As amended by P.L.3-1989,
SEC.147.
IC 25-30-1-19.5 Action to collect fees; burden of proving licensure or exemption
Sec. 19.5. A person that files a civil action to collect fees for
performing acts regulated by this chapter must allege and prove that
when the action arose the person was not in violation of section 22
of this chapter.
As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.77. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.24.
IC 25-30-1-20 Prosecuting attorneys; reporting violations
Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of a prosecuting attorney to whom the
board reports a violation of this chapter to cause proceedings to be
commenced against a person violating this chapter and to prosecute
the person to final termination. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.20.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-21 Violations; fines; separate offenses; complaints
Sec. 21. (a) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class
A misdemeanor.
(b) A person violates this chapter if the person is not exempt
under section 5 of this chapter, does not have a private investigator
firm license, and knowingly or intentionally:
(1) engages in the private investigator firm business;
(2) solicits or advertises for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) in any way represents to be a private investigator firm.
(c) In addition to any other fine imposed on the person, the court
shall fine the person convicted of an offense under subsection (b) the
amount of compensation earned by the person in the commission of
the offense. Notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-2, the total fine imposed
under this section may exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if
necessary to comply with this subsection.
(d) Each transaction under subsection (b) constitutes a separate
offense.
(e) A complaint for a violation of this chapter or for an injunction
under section 22 of this chapter is sufficient if the complaint alleges
that a person on a specific day in a specific county:
(1) engages in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicited or advertised for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represented to be a private investigator firm;
without a private investigator firm license.
(f) A person who knowingly or intentionally fails or refuses to
surrender a private investigator firm license issued under this chapter
when the license is revoked by the board commits a Class A
misdemeanor. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.21.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2552; P.L.214-1993, SEC.78; P.L.1-1998, SEC.134;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.25.
IC 25-30-1-22 Activities by unlicensed persons; show cause notice; cease and
desist order
Sec. 22. (a) If the board determines that a person that is not
licensed or exempt under this chapter is engaged in activities that
require a license, the board may send a notice of hearing requiring
the person to show cause why the challenged activities are not a
violation of this chapter. The notice must be in writing and include
the following information:
(1) The date, time, and place of the hearing.
(2) The alleged violation.
(3) That the affected person or the person's representative may
present evidence concerning the alleged violation.
(b) A hearing conducted under this section must comply with the
requirements under IC 4-21.5.
(c) If the board after a hearing determines that the activities that
the person engaged in are subject to licensing under this chapter, the
board may issue a cease and desist order that describes the person
and activities that are the subject of the order.
(d) A cease and desist order issued under this section is
enforceable in the circuit courts of Indiana.
(e) The attorney general, the board, or the prosecuting attorney of
any county where a violation of section 21(b) of this chapter occurs
may file an action in the name of the state for an injunction. As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.79. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.26.
IC 25-30 ARTICLE 30. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FIRMS,
SECURITY GUARDS, AND POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS
IC 25-30-1
Chapter 1. Private Investigator Firm Licensing
IC 25-30-1-1 Short title
Sec. 1. This chapter may be cited as the "Private Investigator Firm
License Law". (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.87; P.L.185-2007, SEC.8.
IC 25-30-1-1.2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-2 Definitions
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter:
(1) "Person" means an individual, a firm, a company, an
association, an organization, a partnership, or a corporation.
(2) "Licensee" means a person licensed under this chapter.
(3) "Private investigator firm" means the business of:
(A) making, for hire or reward, investigation or
investigations for the purpose of obtaining information with
reference to:
(i) a crime against the state or wrongs done or threatened;
(ii) the habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts,
association, transactions, reputation, or character of a
person;
(iii) credibility of witnesses or other persons;
(iv) the location or recovery of lost, abandoned,
unclaimed, or stolen property;
(v) the causes, origin, or responsibility for fires or
accidents or injuries to real or personal property; or
(vi) the truth or falsity of a statement or representation;
(B) securing, for hire or reward, evidence to be used for
authorized investigation committees or boards of award or
arbitration or in the trial of civil or criminal cases; or
(C) providing, for hire or reward, undercover investigators
to detect and prevent fraud and theft in the workplace or
elsewhere.
(4) "Board" refers to the private investigator and security guard
licensing board established under section 5.2 of this chapter.
(5) "Licensing agency" refers to the Indiana professional
licensing agency established under IC 25-1-5-3.
(6) "Business entity" means a firm, a company, an association,
an organization, a partnership, or a corporation. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.2; Acts 1965, c.162, s.1; Acts 1967,
c.171, s.1.) As amended by Acts 1982, P.L.154, SEC.88;
P.L.261-1987, SEC.1; P.L.234-1989, SEC.5; P.L.214-1993, SEC.66;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.46; P.L.1-2006, SEC.474; P.L.185-2007, SEC.9;
P.L.3-2008, SEC.196.
IC 25-30-1-3 Necessity of license
Sec. 3. It shall be unlawful for a person to:
(1) engage in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicit or advertise for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represent or hold the person out as a private investigator
firm;
unless the person is licensed as a private investigator firm under this
chapter and complies with this chapter and rules adopted under this
chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.3.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.89; P.L.234-1989, SEC.6; P.L.185-2007, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-4
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.214-1993, SEC.91.)
IC 25-30-1-5 Exceptions to licensing requirements
Sec. 5. This chapter does not require any of the following persons
to be a licensee:
(1) A law enforcement officer of the United States, a state, or a
political subdivision of a state to the extent that the officer or
employee is engaged in the performance of the officer's or
employee's official duties.
(2) Any person to the extent that the person is engaged in the
business of furnishing and obtaining information concerning the
financial rating of other persons.
(3) A collection agency licensed by the secretary of state or its
employee acting within the scope of the employee's
employment, to the extent that the person is making an
investigation incidental to the business of the agency, including
an investigation of the location of a debtor or a debtor's assets
in a property that the client has an interest in or a lien upon.
(4) An attorney or employee of an attorney to the extent that the
person is engaged in investigative matters incident to the
delivery of professional services that constitute the practice of
law.
(5) An insurance adjuster to the extent that the adjuster is
employed in the investigation and settlement of claims made
against insurance companies or persons insured by insurance
companies if the adjuster is a regular employee of the insurance
company and the insurance company is authorized to do
business in Indiana and is complying with the laws regulating
insurance companies in Indiana.
(6) A person primarily engaged in the business of furnishing
information for:
(A) business decisions and transactions in connection with
credit, employment, or marketing; or
(B) insurance underwriting purposes;
including a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair
Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.).
(7) A retail merchant or an employee of the retail merchant to
the extent that the person is hiring a private investigator for the
purposes of loss prevention investigations for the retail
merchant's retail establishment.
(8) A professional engineer registered under IC 25-31 or a
person acting under a registered professional engineer's
supervision, to the extent the professional engineer is engaged
in an investigation incident to the practice of engineering.
(9) An architect with a certificate of registration under IC 25-4,
to the extent the architect is engaged in an investigation incident
to the practice of architecture.
(10) A land surveyor with a certificate of registration under
IC 25-21.5, to the extent the land surveyor is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of land surveying.
(11) A certified public accountant with a certificate under
IC 25-2.1-3, to the extent that the person is engaged in an
investigation incident to the practice of accountancy.
(12) An independent consultant employed by the attorney
general under IC 32-34-1-48, to the extent that the independent
consultant is engaged in providing services for the attorney
general. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.5.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.91; P.L.261-1987, SEC.2; P.L.234-1989, SEC.7;
P.L.245-1995, SEC.1; P.L.42-1999, SEC.1; P.L.185-2007, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-5.1
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.185-2007, SEC.28.)
IC 25-30-1-5.2 Private investigator and security guard licensing board;
establishment; members; terms; salaries
Sec. 5.2. (a) The private investigator and security guard licensing
board is established.
(b) The board consists of:
(1) the superintendent of the state police department or the
superintendent's designee; and
(2) the following six (6) members appointed by the governor
from different geographic regions of Indiana as determined by
the governor:
(A) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a private
investigator firm licensed under this article.
(B) Two (2) individuals who are associated with a security
guard agency licensed under this article.
(C) One (1) local law enforcement official.
(D) One (1) person who is not associated with the private
investigator firm or security guard agency other than as a
consumer.
(c) Each member of the board appointed by the governor shall
serve a term of two (2) years.
(d) The governor may remove a board member appointed by the
governor for incompetency or failure to perform the member's duties
under this chapter.
(e) A vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled by
appointment by the governor for the unexpired term.
(f) Each member of the board who is not a state employee is
entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by
IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). Each member of the board is entitled to
reimbursement for traveling expenses and other expenses actually
incurred in connection with the member's duties, as provided in the
state travel policies and procedures established by the Indiana
department of administration and approved by the budget agency. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.12.
IC 25-30-1-5.3 Election of president and vice president
Sec. 5.3. The board shall, at its first meeting of each year, elect a
president and a vice president from among its membership by a
majority vote of all the members of the board. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.214-1993,
SEC.68.
IC 25-30-1-5.5 Rules
Sec. 5.5. (a) The board shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to
implement this chapter.
(b) The board may not adopt rules concerning qualifications for
licensure that are so restrictive that a person may not be licensed
under this chapter. As added by P.L.234-1989, SEC.10.
IC 25-30-1-6 Powers and duties of licensing agency
Sec. 6. The licensing agency shall assist the board by performing
administrative functions under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.6.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.92; P.L.234-1989, SEC.11.
IC 25-30-1-6.5 Meeting; quorum
Sec. 6.5. (a) The board shall meet upon the call of the board
president.
(b) Four (4) members of the board constitute a quorum. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.13.
IC 25-30-1-7 Application for license
Sec. 7. (a) An application for licensure as a private investigator
firm must be on a form prescribed by the board accompanied by the
license fee established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) The application for licensure as a private investigator firm
shall include the following:
(1) The full name and business address, including street
address, of the applicant.
(2) The name under which the applicant intends to do business
as a private investigator firm.
(3) The full name and residential address of each of the private
investigator firm's members, partners, officers, directors, and
managers.
(4) The proof of insurance required by section 15 of this
chapter.
(5) Other information, evidence, statements, or documents
required by the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.7.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.93; P.L.234-1989, SEC.12; P.L.194-2005, SEC.74;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.14.
IC 25-30-1-8 Qualifications for license; grounds for denial
Sec. 8. (a) The board may not issue a private investigator firm
license to an individual unless the individual:
(1) is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and
(2) demonstrates the necessary knowledge and skills, as
determined by the board, to conduct a private investigator firm
competently.
(b) The board may not issue a private investigator firm license to
a business entity unless:
(1) one (1) officer, in the case of a corporation; or
(2) one (1) partner, in the case of a partnership;
meets the personal qualifications as set out in subsection (a), unless
otherwise provided.
(c) The board may deny a license unless the applicant makes a
showing satisfactory to the board that the applicant or, if the
applicant is a business entity, the officer or partner referred to in
subsection (b):
(1) has not committed an act which, if committed by a licensee,
would be grounds for the suspension or revocation of a license
under this chapter;
(2) has not been convicted of a:
(A) felony; or
(B) misdemeanor that has a direct bearing upon the
applicant's ability to practice competently;
(3) has not been refused a license under this chapter or had a
license revoked;
(4) has not, while unlicensed, committed or aided and abetted
in the commission of an act for which a license is required by
this chapter;
(5) is not on probation or parole; and
(6) is not being sought under an active warrant against the
applicant, officer, or partner. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.8.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2549; P.L.261-1987, SEC.3; P.L.234-1989, SEC.13;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.69; P.L.185-2007, SEC.15; P.L.3-2008,
SEC.197.
IC 25-30-1-8.5 Change in ownership; termination of license
Sec. 8.5. If a change in the ownership of a private investigator
firm results in the failure to meet the qualifications set forth in
section 8 of this chapter:
(1) the license of the private investigator firm terminates on the
date the change in ownership is effective; and
(2) the private investigator firm must file a new application for
a license as a private investigator firm with the board. As added by P.L.185-2007, SEC.16.
IC 25-30-1-9 Continuation of business after death of licensee
Sec. 9. (a) Upon the death of an individual licensed under this
chapter, the private investigator firm with which the decedent was
connected may be carried on for a period of ninety (90) days after the
individual's death by the following:
(1) In the case of an individual licensee the surviving spouse, or
if there is no surviving spouse, the executor or administrator of
the estate of the decedent.
(2) In the case of a partner, the surviving partners.
(3) In the case of an officer of a business entity, the other
officers of the business entity.
(b) Upon the authorization of the board, the private investigator
firm may be carried on for a further period of time when necessary
to complete an investigation or assist in litigation pending at the
death of the decedent.
(c) Nothing in this section authorizes the solicitation or
acceptance of business after the death of the decedent except as
provided by this chapter.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the sale of
a private investigator firm if the vendee qualifies for a license under
this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.9.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.94; P.L.234-1989, SEC.14; P.L.185-2007, SEC.17. IC 25-30-1-10 Form of license; pocket card; change of information; assignment
of license
Sec. 10. (a) A license, when issued, shall be in a form determined
by the board and shall include the following:
(1) The full name of the licensee.
(2) The number and expiration date of the license.
(b) Upon the issuance of a private investigator firm license, a
pocket card shall be issued without charge to the licensee. When a
license is revoked, the pocket card shall be surrendered and, not later
than five (5) days after revocation, shall be mailed or delivered by
the licensee to the board for cancellation.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, not later than thirty
(30) days after a change, notify the board of any changes to the:
(1) licensee's address;
(2) name under which the licensee does business; and
(3) licensee's officers, directors, members, or partners.
(d) A license issued under this chapter is not assignable and is
personal to the licensee.
(e) A licensee shall present, upon the request of a client, a pocket
card license that indicates the:
(1) license is active; and
(2) licensee is in good standing. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.10.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.95; P.L.234-1989, SEC.15; P.L.214-1993, SEC.70;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.47; P.L.185-2007, SEC.18.
IC 25-30-1-11 Employees of licensee
Sec. 11. (a) A licensee may employ, to assist the licensee in the
licensee's business as a private investigator firm, as many unlicensed
persons as may be necessary. The licensee is civilly responsible for
the good conduct of all employees while the unlicensed persons are
acting on behalf of the licensee.
(b) A licensee shall maintain a record, relative to the licensee's
employees, containing the following information:
(1) A picture taken within thirty (30) days of the date that the
employee commences employment with the licensee.
(2) A full set of fingerprints of both hands of the employee.
(c) A licensed private investigator firm shall, at the board's
request, provide the board with a roster of all unlicensed individuals
employed by the private investigator firm. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.11.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2550; P.L.234-1989, SEC.16; P.L.214-1993, SEC.71;
P.L.236-1995, SEC.48; P.L.185-2007, SEC.19.
IC 25-30-1-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.35-1984, SEC.10.) IC 25-30-1-13 Advertisements
Sec. 13. An advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising
for business must contain the name and address of the licensee as
they appear in the records of the board. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.13.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.17.
IC 25-30-1-14 Nonresidents
Sec. 14. It shall be unlawful for a person licensed by any other
state to do business in Indiana unless the person is licensed and
authorized to do business in Indiana. A person may not do business
in Indiana until the person is licensed with the board and meets the
requirements for licensees of this state. In addition, an out-of-state
person must prove to the board that the person is in good standing in
the state the person was issued a license. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.14.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.18; P.L.214-1993, SEC.72; P.L.185-2007, SEC.20.
IC 25-30-1-15 Insurance
Sec. 15. (a) An applicant for a private investigator firm license
shall submit to the board a certificate of insurance or other evidence
of financial responsibility that:
(1) is approved by the board; and
(2) meets the following requirements:
(A) Is issued by an insurance company or other legal entity
authorized to transact business in Indiana.
(B) Provides for general liability coverage of at least one
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
(C) Lists the state as an additional insured.
(D) States that cancellation and nonrenewal of the
underlying policy or other evidence of financial
responsibility is not effective until the board receives written
notice at least ten (10) days before the cancellation or
nonrenewal of the policy.
(E) Contains any other terms and conditions established by
the board.
(b) The insurance referred to in subsection (a):
(1) must cover damages that the insured becomes legally
obligated to pay for bodily injury or property damage
proximately caused to a person by the insured in conducting
business as a private investigator firm;
(2) must include coverage for:
(A) false arrest, detention, or imprisonment;
(B) malicious prosecution; and
(C) wrongful entry or eviction, or other invasion of the right
of private occupancy; and
(3) may not exclude coverage for an intentional act taken by or
at the direction of the insured that results in bodily injury, if
such injury arises solely from the use of reasonable force for the
purpose of protecting persons or property.
(c) If a licensee fails to comply with the insurance requirements
of this section, the license of the licensee shall be suspended. A
license suspended under this subsection may not be reinstated until
an application for reinstatement of the license, in the form prescribed
by the board, is filed with the board, together with proper proof of
insurance.
(d) The board may deny an application for the reinstatement of a
license suspended under this section, notwithstanding the applicant's
compliance with the insurance requirements of this section for any
of the following:
(1) Any reason that would justify a refusal to issue, a
suspension, or a revocation of a license.
(2) The performance by the applicant, while the applicant's
license was suspended under this section, of any practice for
which a license under this chapter is required. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.15.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.97; P.L.261-1987, SEC.4; P.L.157-1988, SEC.1;
P.L.234-1989, SEC.19; P.L.214-1993, SEC.73; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.21.
IC 25-30-1-16 Expiration; reinstatement
Sec. 16. (a) Unless a license is renewed, a license issued under
this chapter expires on a date specified by the licensing agency under
IC 25-1-6-4 and expires every four (4) years after the initial
expiration date. An applicant for renewal shall pay the renewal fee
established by the board under IC 25-1-8-2 on or before the renewal
date specified by the licensing agency.
(b) If the holder of a license does not renew the license by the date
specified by the licensing agency, the license expires and becomes
invalid without any action taken by the board.
(c) If a license has been expired for not more than three (3) years,
the license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6(c).
(d) If a license has been expired for more than three (3) years, the
license may be reinstated by the board if the holder of the license
meets the requirements for reinstatement under IC 25-1-8-6(d). (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.16.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.98; P.L.234-1989, SEC.20; P.L.214-1993, SEC.74;
P.L.194-2005, SEC.75; P.L.157-2006, SEC.68; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.22; P.L.105-2008, SEC.57.
IC 25-30-1-17 Fees
Sec. 17. (a) The board shall charge and the licensing agency shall
collect the fees established by the board under IC 25-1-8.
(b) All fees collected under this chapter shall go into the general
fund and shall be accounted for by the licensing agency.
(c) All fees collected under this chapter are nontransferable and
nonrefundable. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.17.) As amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.154, SEC.99; P.L.5-1988, SEC.137; P.L.234-1989, SEC.21;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.75; P.L.194-2005, SEC.76; P.L.185-2007,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-18 Administrative proceedings; violation of professional standards;
sanctions against licensees
Sec. 18. (a) The proceedings under this chapter shall be conducted
in accordance with IC 4-21.5. In conducting proceedings under this
chapter, the board has all powers granted under IC 4-21.5.
(b) The board may impose sanctions against a licensee under
IC 25-1-11 if the board determines that the licensee has done any of
the following:
(1) Forcibly and without the consent of the person in lawful
possession, entered a building or portion of a building.
(2) Impersonated, permitted an employee to impersonate, or
aided and abetted an employee in impersonating:
(A) a law enforcement officer;
(B) an employee of the United States government;
(C) an employee of the state; or
(D) an employee of a political subdivision of the state.
(3) During the period between the expiration of a license for
failure to renew within the time fixed by this chapter and the
reinstatement of the license, committed or permitted an
employee to commit an act that would be cause for suspension
or revocation of a license or grounds for the denial of the
application for a license.
(4) Committed an act that is grounds for a denial of an
application for a license under this chapter. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.18.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2551; P.L.7-1987, SEC.127; P.L.234-1989, SEC.22;
P.L.214-1993, SEC.76; P.L.3-2008, SEC.198.
IC 25-30-1-19 Carrying weapons
Sec. 19. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize
any licensee to carry any weapon. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.19.) As amended by P.L.3-1989,
SEC.147.
IC 25-30-1-19.5 Action to collect fees; burden of proving licensure or exemption
Sec. 19.5. A person that files a civil action to collect fees for
performing acts regulated by this chapter must allege and prove that
when the action arose the person was not in violation of section 22
of this chapter.
As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.77. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.24.
IC 25-30-1-20 Prosecuting attorneys; reporting violations
Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of a prosecuting attorney to whom the
board reports a violation of this chapter to cause proceedings to be
commenced against a person violating this chapter and to prosecute
the person to final termination. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.20.) As amended by P.L.234-1989,
SEC.23.
IC 25-30-1-21 Violations; fines; separate offenses; complaints
Sec. 21. (a) A person who violates this chapter commits a Class
A misdemeanor.
(b) A person violates this chapter if the person is not exempt
under section 5 of this chapter, does not have a private investigator
firm license, and knowingly or intentionally:
(1) engages in the private investigator firm business;
(2) solicits or advertises for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) in any way represents to be a private investigator firm.
(c) In addition to any other fine imposed on the person, the court
shall fine the person convicted of an offense under subsection (b) the
amount of compensation earned by the person in the commission of
the offense. Notwithstanding IC 35-50-3-2, the total fine imposed
under this section may exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) if
necessary to comply with this subsection.
(d) Each transaction under subsection (b) constitutes a separate
offense.
(e) A complaint for a violation of this chapter or for an injunction
under section 22 of this chapter is sufficient if the complaint alleges
that a person on a specific day in a specific county:
(1) engages in business as a private investigator firm;
(2) solicited or advertised for business as a private investigator
firm; or
(3) represented to be a private investigator firm;
without a private investigator firm license.
(f) A person who knowingly or intentionally fails or refuses to
surrender a private investigator firm license issued under this chapter
when the license is revoked by the board commits a Class A
misdemeanor. (Formerly: Acts 1961, c.163, s.21.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2,
SEC.2552; P.L.214-1993, SEC.78; P.L.1-1998, SEC.134;
P.L.185-2007, SEC.25.
IC 25-30-1-22 Activities by unlicensed persons; show cause notice; cease and
desist order
Sec. 22. (a) If the board determines that a person that is not
licensed or exempt under this chapter is engaged in activities that
require a license, the board may send a notice of hearing requiring
the person to show cause why the challenged activities are not a
violation of this chapter. The notice must be in writing and include
the following information:
(1) The date, time, and place of the hearing.
(2) The alleged violation.
(3) That the affected person or the person's representative may
present evidence concerning the alleged violation.
(b) A hearing conducted under this section must comply with the
requirements under IC 4-21.5.
(c) If the board after a hearing determines that the activities that
the person engaged in are subject to licensing under this chapter, the
board may issue a cease and desist order that describes the person
and activities that are the subject of the order.
(d) A cease and desist order issued under this section is
enforceable in the circuit courts of Indiana.
(e) The attorney general, the board, or the prosecuting attorney of
any county where a violation of section 21(b) of this chapter occurs
may file an action in the name of the state for an injunction. As added by P.L.214-1993, SEC.79. Amended by P.L.185-2007,
SEC.26.
