Arkansas Private Investigator License

A person who wants to be an independent detective needs credentials. This article will teach you how to get an Arkansas private investigator license. If you get one, you can work legally. Are you prepared to work for an authorized agency? In any case, you are to meet certain requirements. Let’s see where to start.

Which are the main duties?

Be aware of all the challenges you may face before pursuing your career. A P.I. helps people and takes on a scope of duties. Those could be seeking evidence or finding missing people. There are some cases to investigate suspicious claims. One of your clients may even ask you to find a cheating spouse.

The responsibilities of a detective are similar in any state. However, the requirements to perform this task vary by jurisdiction. In some states, you have to present your career history. Some require an exam or a degree. It is a 4-year degree either in criminal justice or in another field. In some U.S. jurisdictions, you may operate without a permit. For instance, it is possible to work for an authorized P.I. agency.

Application procedure

The local police are responsible for issuing a private investigator Arkansas license. First, you need to visit their website. Here you can find all the necessary forms.

Bear in mind that the local police division maintains reciprocal agreements. This means anyone can get a document in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. It is acceptable here as well.

Now we proceed to check the minimum requirements. The local resident files an application for a P.I. permit if he/she:

• is at least 21;
• is a US citizen or a legal resident;
• has no criminal background.

The police would take some action to see if you are eligible. The applicant will have to pass a background check and give fingerprints. Besides, you have to sign a relevant form for the police to conduct a background check. This includes inquiry into criminal record, character, and reputation. Bear in mind that fingerprinting is a must.

No one obliges you to provide financial history. Unlike other states, Arkansas does not require insurance as well.

Experience

The experience is mandatory to apply for a permit. At the same time, the applicants need to prove they have been working for two consecutive years. Particularly, they may join a detective agency as an apprentice.

If you succeed, it is possible to apply for a New Credential Private Investigator (CPI). Being in contact with professional staff is invaluable for passing a state board exam. The exam consists of at least 100 questions. In fact, your goal is to score 70% and above.

You can also find more details on certification for security officers here.

Fees and charges

To get authorization as an unarmed security officer the applicant has to pay $40. However, there are also background fees. Overall, they total $30. Since the license is valid for 2 years, you’ll have to renew it. The charges and fees are the same.

For those who want to have a CPI permit, the prices are higher. They have to present a money order for $486.25.

How much do they make?

Now when the procedures are clear, let’s check how much you can make. A P.I. usually makes around $77,000 a year. This is a good salary for this job. The statistics bureau suggests it’s $19,000 higher than the national median.

The hourly rate for a detective varies. Some sources suggest it is around $60-$70. Moreover, those who need a top expert must be ready to pay up to $200 per hour. To sum up, the hourly rates depend on the services.