Q. Is a license needed to become a Private Investigator in Delaware?

A. Yes. The State Police Detective Licensing Division requires the PI Agency and the Individual investigator to meet certain criteria before granting a private detective license. In addition to passing a criminal background check (investigator) the agency license holder must have been a former police officer and police detective, maintain a liability insurance policy and be bonded. 

Where can I find the licensing requirements regulating Private Investigators in Delaware?

DELAWARE STATE POLICE STATE BUREAU OF IDENTIFICATION
http://dsp.delaware.gov/SBIinfo.shtml

The Detective Licensing Section is supervised by Lt. Sean Moriarty and is comprised of two civilian employees who are responsible for the licensing and regulation of the following industries; private security agencies and their employees, private investigative agencies and their employees, security systems and protective services agencies and their employees, non-state constables, and bail enforcement agents.

Do you need to be former law enforcement to be a Private Investigator in Delaware?

No, not to obtain an investigators license however to be the agency license holder, prior law enforcement is required.

Who hires a private investigator?

The short answer is anyone. Anyone may experience the need for a private investigator. One may suddenly find themselves the victim of a crime,  involved in a family dispute, divorce, an accident or injury or may simply need answers to questions.
Although some clients hire an investigator directly most use an attorney and the attorney decides that a private investigator is necessary or may prove useful.

What types of cases do Private Investigators work on?

Depending upon the agency, the types of cases vary greatly. Some agencies specialize in domestic / adultery type cases while others focus on insurance fraud. Shore Investigations while doing all types of investigations tends to specialize in civil, criminal and corporate matters. Civil cases can range from a simple trip & fall suit to wrongful death cases. Criminal cases typically involve working with a defendants attorney to conduct an independent investigation from that of the police. Corporate investigations will often involve privately owned businesses hiring our agency to explore matters involving employee integrity, employee / customer injuries and allegations of workplace discrimination and / or harassment.

Do Private Investigators have police powers?

No. In fact in Delaware a person with current police powers cannot be a licensed private investigator.
 
Do Private Investigators have access to government records?

That would depend on the level of government and type of records requested. Most records would require a court order / subpoena.

What type of equipment do Private Investigators use?

That would depend on the type of investigation. Some cases involve the detective using highly technical equipment such as, polygraph examination machines, digital video / audio / photography devices, GPS tracking units and other computer based electronic equipment. The most often used tool in the investigators toolbox is his or her mind. Common sense and deductive reasoning tend to be the most useful in day to day investigations. A typical investigation involves locating and interviewing witnesses, victims and others. The investigator must always be professional and courteous. A good investigator will be able to relate to the person in which they are speaking with. You must be honest and trustworthy and the person with whom your interviewing must know that you are sincere. Remember, it is the job of the investigator to remain unbiased and conduct an independent investigation. We simply gather the facts and relay them to our client.