Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1175 - Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission (Private Investigator Rules)
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Tennessee Rules & Regulations, Title 1175—the regulations governing private investigators, investigation companies, continuing education, training, and professional conduct:
📘 Overview of Title 1175
Chapter 1175‑01 – Private Investigator & Investigation Company Rules
Covers licensing process, fingerprinting, business affiliation, notifications, fees, apprenticeships, penalties, and exemptions (law.cornell.edu, law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 1175‑02 – Continuing Professional Education
Sets out required continuing education units (CEUs), approved courses, record-keeping, and reporting (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 1175‑03 – Private Investigator Training
Defines prerequisites for approved classroom training and trainers (application process, curriculum, delivery standards) (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 1175‑04 – Rules of Professional Conduct & Standards of Practice
Covers ethical obligations, prohibited behaviors, client confidentiality, and professional responsibilities (law.cornell.edu).
🔍 Key Highlights from Chapter 1175‑01
§ 1175‑01‑.01 – Purpose
Establishes licensing and regulation framework for private investigators and firms (casetext.com).
§ 1175‑01‑.02 – Definitions
Clarifies terms like “private investigator,” “investigation company,” “apprentice,” and “retired licensee” (law.cornell.edu).
§ 1175‑01‑.03 – Fingerprinting
Mandates fingerprint submission for all applicants during licensing (law.cornell.edu).
§ 1175‑01‑.04 – Applicants for Licenses
Details educational/training prerequisites, experience requirements, application forms, and submission guidelines (publications.tnsosfiles.com).
§ 1175‑01‑.05 – Change of Affiliation & Address
Outlines procedures required when a licensee changes business affiliation or address (law.cornell.edu).
§ 1175‑01‑.15 – Civil Penalties
Establishes penalties for unlicensed activity or rule violations .
§ 1175‑01‑.16 – Apprenticeships
Defines rules for apprentice registration and supervision by licensed investigators .
§ 1175‑01‑.17 – Retired Licenses
Specifies eligibility and application for a retired license .
§ 1175‑01‑.18 – Exceptions
Lists exclusions and specific activities not requiring licensure (casetext.com).
§ 1175‑01‑.19 – Experience Evaluation
Outlines methods for validating practical experience or education as license qualifications (publications.tnsosfiles.com).
💵 Fees – § 1175‑01‑.12 Renewal & Penalty Fees
Here’s a breakdown of key renewal fees (current through March 23, 2025) (regulations.justia.com):
License Type
Fee
Private investigator
$100
Investigation company (sole practitioner)
$250
Company with 2–5 PIs
$500
Company with >5 PIs
$1,000
Branch office
$100
Late renewal penalty (all)
+$100
Retired PI license
$25
Late retired renewal penalty
$50
Additional charges apply if more investigators are added post-application; all late fees are due within 30 days per T.C.A. § 62‑26‑211(c).
📚 Continuing Education & Training (Chaps. 02–03)
Chapter 02: Specifies CE requirements (credits, frecuencia, approved course standards) (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com, publications.tnsosfiles.com).
Chapter 03: Covers standards for trainers, curriculum, application protocol for certified training providers (casetext.com).
✅ Professional Conduct (Chap. 04)
Defines ethical standards, client confidentiality, conflict-of-interest rules, prohibited practices (e.g. misrepresentation), and guidelines for investigations. Maintains public trust and professional integrity .
📌 Next Steps / Where to Access Full Text
For full rule text, forms, revisions, and official guidance:
Tennessee Secretary of State’s website (TNSOS) — source for regulations and updates (law.cornell.edu, publications.tnsosfiles.com).
Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) — for licensure forms, exam bulletins, and administrative policies (tn.gov).
Cornell LII / Justia — reliable search interface for regulatory text (law.cornell.edu).
🧭 Summary
Title 1175 lays out a structured system to ensure private investigators and companies are properly trained, licensed, financially accountable, and ethically responsible, through:
Licensing prerequisites and procedures
Fingerprinting, apprenticeships, and experience validation
Detailed renewal and penalty fee structures
Required continuing education
Ethical standards in professional conduct
If you need the exact text of a specific section or chapter—to cite, cross-reference, or comply legally—recommend downloading the full PDFs from TNSOS (e.g., 1175‑01 as of June 20, 2023) or viewing via Justia or Cornell LII.
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