A Police Investigator will not investigate civil related matters and many times they will not investigate cases like Workmen’s Compensation even though it is a criminal act.
Many times a Police Investigator is held back by both policy and political restraints but, a Private Investigator is not. Thus a Private Investigator will have more options. Many times your Private Investigators will be ex-Police Officers/Investigators or Retired Police Officers/Investigators.
Keep in mind that Police Officers are not Investigators and many times the only Investigative Training they have is very basic or from years of experience. An Investigator is trained in Crime Scene Analysis just like you see in the TV series CSI and they are trained in how to read people (basic human psychology). And many times especially in smaller communities, a Police Officer will be the person investigating your crime and not a Police Investigator. How ever a good Private Investigator will work with local, county and/or state Police when the matter involves a criminal nature. But, both are Licensed and Regulated by CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) located in Ada, Oklahoma. CLEET is an Oklahoma State Agency that over sees all Law Enforcement in Oklahoma, both Private and Public.
To prevent becoming a victim, all ways get any agreement of work and pay in writing and never pay money up front unless it is in the agreement and they are licensed. All contractors should be bonded or insured and all licensed professionals are required to be bonded or insured.
Another step you can use is to get their information and tell them that you need to talk it over with your spouse first. Then contact someone of the same profession that is listed in the phone book. Ask that person if their profession requires a license and a bond or insurance. Find out what State Agency Licenses that profession (if a license is required) and check with that State Agency to see if the person you are thinking of hiring is licensed. Never be afraid to ask questions. If the person is required to be licensed and/or bonded or insured, then ask to see that information. You have the legal right to ask and to see that information. Keep in mind that many businesses now a day are home based so; they may not have an office.
This applies even to Private Investigators which, are Licensed through CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) in Ada, Oklahoma (a State Agency) and they are also required to carry either a bond or insurance.
Remember that most licensed professionals are not cheap; these people are professionals and require lots of training or schooling to gain and keep their license. And if it sounds to good to be true, then it most likely is. You have the legal right to know so, that you can seek legal action.
You can also visit the Oklahoma Department Of Commerce State License and Bond list for Business. This site is setup to allow new business in Oklahoma to find out if they need a license, bond or insurance. But, this can also be useful tool for you to use to see if the business that you wish to do business with is required to be licensed, bonded or insured. Remember that if a business is required to have any of these things, they are required by law to present them for inspection to the State and Public.
This State Agency License and Regulates Private Security, Private Investigators and Law Enforcement in Oklahoma.
Website Created on July 20, 2003.
Last Update Done on April 8, 2008.
DISCLAIMER;
The Parker Agency operates out of Oklahoma in the U.S.A. We are not a Law Enforcement Agency.
Parker Agency is a State Licensed Agency. Our Fugitive Recovery Service and Agents operate under U.S. Supreme Court, Taylor vs Tanitor and Oklahoma Title 59, Section 1759.1 et. seq of the Oklahoma Statutes.. Interference with an investigation and capture of a wanted fugitive or with holding information constitutes “aiding and betting of a known fugitive” which is a Felony in Oklahoma and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
Each Agent/Officer is fully bonded individually and fully licensed through the State when required by State Law.
Oklahoma CLEET License;
Private Investigations - PIA3462
Private Security - USG51226