License Requirements for a Maryland Private Detective
Private detectives work for individual clients and businesses to locate and analyze information. Clients may hire private detectives to find legal or financial information for a criminal case. A private detective may work in a firm or as an independent detective in his own business. The state of Maryland requires private detectives meet licensing requirements to work in the state and provide services to clients.
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Application
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A Maryland private detective must apply for a license with the state police. Candidates must be at least 25 years old to qualify for a private detective's license. The application requires the name, address and age of the applicant as well as a listing of current and past employers. Applicants must supply the address for the private investigation firm and any fictitious names the private detective will use in his business. Private detectives who plan to hire a minimum of five employees must provide proof of at least $1 million in liability insurance for errors and omissions.
Recommendations
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Applicants for a private detective license must supply the names of at least three references who can attest to the detective's character. Applications for a private detective firm must have references for each firm member applying for licensure.
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Experience
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Private detective applicants in Maryland must have at least five years experience as a licensed private detective or three years experience as a police officer to qualify for a state license. Candidates may satisfy the experience requirement with five years as a fire investigator. Private detective candidates who satisfy the requirements with police or fire investigator experience must undergo training for the position as well.
Criminal Background Check
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All applicants must submit to a criminal background check when applying for licensure as a private detective. The state submits two sets of fingerprints to check the criminal background with the state of Maryland and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The state will check the criminal history of applicants in all 50 states before licensing a private detective in Maryland.
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