Are you using a unlicensed private investigator or armed security officer?

---

All private investigation agencies, investigators and  security agencies, armed security officers in the State of Georgia are required to be licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agency and must have a licensed number for both.  You can check to see if they are licensed by the State of Georgia by checking here. We included what an active on-line status will look like upon searching below.

​Hiring an unlicensed private investigator will open you and the unlicensed investigator up to criminal and civil litigations. You also will not be able to use their findings in any court proceedings.  

Some quick red-flags for unlicensed investigators:

• Low rates
• Licensed Number not listed on website, service agreements, invoices 
• "My license is pending or being transfer"

Armed Security Officers
All armed security officers must complete a 40 hours course by a licensed instructor. They can only be licensed as a armed security officer under a licensed security agency. Once approved, they will be issued a license number/blue card. Which is posted online.

Working as an unlicensed armed security officer is also an arrestable offense in Georgia. Police officer's have a right to ask armed security officer's for their license upon request.

Imagine you hire an allege licensed armed security officer and he/she is arrested on your property or event for being unlicensed and in possession of a firearm. That would be embarrassing! 

How about an incident happens and someone is hurt/injured or there is property damage as the result of the unlicensed officer? You can be sued in civil court because you used an unlicensed security officer. 

Outside of security companies are required to be licensed by the State of Georgia. They must also maintain commercial insurance or a security bond. Which covers both the security company, employees and clients. Which is another reason low hourly rates are red-flags for unlicensed security service. 
​
Some quick red-flags for unlicensed armed security officers:

• Low rates (Starting rates for licensed armed security is $50 per hour)
• Licensed Number not listed on website, service agreements, invoices 
• Shows an Secretary of State business licensed as a security license.
• "My license is pending or being transfer". 
• Wearing a uniform that says "Enforcement", not allowed by the State of Georgia.

State of Georgia Requirements:

• Agency's licensed numbers most be posted on agency's website, business cards and marketing material. 

Key Takeaways:

• Hiring a private investigator can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per hour, depending on various factors such as expertise, locations and complexity of the case.
• Hiring a armed security officer can start at $50 per hour and up, depending on various factors such as locations and level of risks.
• When considering the cost of hiring a private investigator or armed security officer, it is important to assess the value of service they provide and ask important questions before making a decision.