| There are many situations that require the use of | | | | The AALPI is a organization for investigators, but |
| a skilled, licensed private investigator. | | | | they do not do the actual licensing. The licensing |
| Some of the situations in which a detective can | | | | itself is governed by the AZDPS. There are very |
| be of assistance is surveillance and security. While | | | | strict definitions and standards for individuals acting |
| these are things many citizens would commonly | | | | in this capacity, unfortunately, they are rarely |
| take into their own hands, it may not be advisable | | | | enforced. Never assume an individual is licensed |
| to do so while attempting to prove the guilt of | | | | and authorized to conduct investigative activities |
| the third party whom one is watching or | | | | by the state of Arizona. |
| protecting themselves from. | | | | To learn more about the Arizona statutes |
| This type of work is best done by ex law | | | | governing private detectives, see Arizona Revised |
| enforcement, who has the ability to remain | | | | Statutes 32-2401 - 32-2413, which can be found |
| undetected while conducting these activities. Be | | | | on the AZ legislature website. It is a bit |
| careful who you select, as many of the PI's in | | | | overwhelming, but the point to take away is that |
| Arizona are not ex-law enforcement, or have no | | | | actual PI's have a responsibility to their clients, and |
| experience in actual detective work. Selecting | | | | must act in good faith, be truthful, not have or |
| someone with a varied background should give | | | | commit crimes, etc... Please check them out to be |
| you the best bang for your buck, and provide | | | | sure you understand the investigators powers and |
| you with someone who is cognizant enough of | | | | limitations. |
| Arizona law not to violate it while acting on your | | | | Here are some red flags to watch out for. Any |
| behalf, and technically capable enough to perform | | | | private investigator that seems too cheap, |
| electronic surveillance and advanced investigative | | | | probably is. If you are being quoted rates of 20 |
| techniques. | | | | an hour, run in the other direction. There is a lot |
| There is also a licensing organization for Arizona | | | | of expense and training that goes into doing a |
| Private Investigators, called the AALPI. You can | | | | proper job, and low ball bidders will only get you in |
| contact them at 602-225-7400, to inquire about a | | | | trouble. Remember that the investigator is acting |
| particular detective, see if there are any open | | | | on your behalf, so any wrongdoing on his part |
| complaints lodged against this individual, find out | | | | could open you up to civil and criminal liability. |
| when the license was issued, etc... | | | | |