Minnesota Administrative Rules Agency 172 - Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board
Here’s a detailed overview of Minnesota Administrative Rules – Agency 172, overseen by the Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board (Chapter 7506):
📗 Scope & Authority
The Board regulates private detectives and protective agents under Chapter 7506 – PRIVATE DETECTIVES AND PROTECTIVE AGENTS. This includes license issuance for individuals and businesses, oversight of training and standards, complaint resolution, disciplinary actions, and penalties (revisor.mn.gov).
📝 Licensing Procedures (Part 7506.0110)
Executive Director’s role: manages daily operations, sets board agendas, represents the board at hearings, handles background investigations, and reports on applications and complaints .
Process for issuing or renewing licenses:
Initial licensing: application review, investigation findings, and an in-person interview of the applicant (or representative) and Minnesota manager (if required).
Renewal: similar review plus optional or required interview.
Incomplete applications: if not completed within 4 months, the board evaluates whether reapplication or denial is needed, based on application delays and information relevance (regulations.justia.com).
⚖️ Enforcement & Penalties (Part 7506.0170)
Violations are classified as serious (major public or business harm) or other:
Serious violations: license may be revoked for up to 2 years.
Other violations: license may be suspended (up to 1 year).
Administrative penalties: $500–$2,500 for serious violations (fines over $500 trigger contested hearings); up to $499 for minor violations.
Unpaid fines within 30 days can lead to license suspension.
Criminal liability may also apply where statutory penalties exist (law.cornell.edu).
⚙️ Board Operations & Activity
The Board is housed within the Department of Public Safety and composed of five members appointed by the commissioner—three professionals and two public members (auditor.leg.state.mn.us).
As of early 2021, there were approximately 372 licensees (204 detectives, 168 protective agents), representing agencies with ~11,600 staff (senate.mn).
Fees vary: individual licenses cost $800–$1,000 with scale-based licenses for businesses, all payable biennially .
The Board also approves training courses, manages complaints, audits compliance, and penalizes violations (senate.mn).
📊 Recent Activity & Trends
Approximately 56 complaints in FY2024, generating fines around $586,000 and nearly $335,000 in licensing revenue .
In FY2019–2020, the Board imposed penalties totaling $58,434, issued training certifications, and conducted audits on background checks, identification, assignment, and training compliance .
✅ Why This Matters
If you're a private detective or protective services provider in Minnesota, these rules govern your licensure, compliance obligations, disciplinary procedures, and the Board’s operational processes. Staying informed ensures legal operation and avoids penalties.
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