The PI Environment
Texas
Texas PI Environment
The PI environment varies from state to state, but in Texas, it is very active and an important part of the civil and criminal justice systems.
Other States and General
Each state has its own private investigator regulations, and nearly every state requires licensing. The last time we checked, only Alaska and Wyoming had no statewide requirements, even though their major cities did. In Texas, one must be licensed through the appropriate regulatory agency with supervision from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Texas law enforcement, as well as the courts, generally respect and appreciate the work of PI’s. In our experience, nearly every time we are in the field and encounter local cops, they respect what we are doing and are quick to come to our aid if 911 is called. It is a good idea to carry your license and badge (if issued) with you.
When Dave first became a PI, a retired LAPD Sargeant and Texas PI told him, “It’s like the Wild West out here, there’s enough business for everybody”. Some believe that the limit to finding work as a PI is limited by one’s imagination and sales skills. But don’t get the idea that it’s easy. The process of becoming a PI is a journey. Look at it that way and it will be a much more enjoyable experience.
Probably the biggest challenge for new PI’s is finding the training and the opportunities to learn and develop the skills they will need to succeed.