Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1175 - Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission (Private Investigator Rules)
Title 1175 of the Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee governs the Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission, specifically outlining the rules and regulations for Private Investigators and investigation companies. These rules are crucial for anyone looking to obtain or maintain a private investigator license in Tennessee.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered in Title 1175:
Chapter 1175-01: Private Investigator and Investigation Company Rules
Purpose and Definitions: Defines what constitutes a private investigator, an investigations company, and other key terms.
Licensing Requirements: Details the qualifications for obtaining a private investigator license, which typically include:
Being at least 21 years of age.
Being a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
Not having been declared incompetent due to mental defect or disease (unless subsequently declared competent).
Not suffering from habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction/dependence.
Being of good moral character.
Passing a state examination that covers Tennessee Private Investigator Laws & Rules and general investigative knowledge.
Submitting fingerprints for TBI and FBI criminal history checks.
Affiliation with a licensed private investigation company or having a license for your own company.
Application Process: Outlines the steps for applying for a license, including fees, required documentation (fingerprint cards, photos, letters of endorsement), and information on criminal history.
Apprenticeships: Rules for individuals seeking an apprentice status, including duration (limited to six months, one-time application), supervision requirements, and the role of the sponsoring company.
Changes in Affiliation/Address: Procedures for notifying the Commission of changes.
Investigations and Complaints: How complaints against licensees are handled.
Prohibited Representation: Restrictions on certain representations.
License Fees and Renewal: Details on fees for initial licenses and biennial renewals.
Civil Penalties: Specifies the penalties for violations of the rules.
Exceptions to Applicability: Defines situations where the rules may not apply.
Chapter 1175-02: Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Requirement: Licensed private investigators in Tennessee are required to complete 12 hours of continuing professional education during each two-year renewal period.
Purpose: To ensure that licensees stay current with laws, regulations, and best practices in the investigations field.
Approved Courses: The Commission evaluates and approves continuing education courses. Many approved courses are available online and cover topics like forensic photography, locates, backgrounds, assets & liabilities, criminal defense investigations, ethics, and surveillance techniques.
Chapter 1175-03: Private Investigator Training
Details the specific training requirements for private investigators, which may include classroom training and supervised field hours, especially for apprentices.
Chapter 1175-04: Rules of Professional Conduct and Standards of Practice
Outlines the ethical guidelines and professional standards that private investigators are expected to uphold while conducting their duties. This includes provisions related to honesty, integrity, confidentiality, and legal compliance.
Key Points to Remember:
Licensing is Mandatory: It is unlawful to act as a private investigator or operate an investigations company in Tennessee without a license from the Commission.
Background Checks: A thorough criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is a mandatory part of the application process. Felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude can disqualify an applicant.
Affiliation: Private investigators typically need to be affiliated with a licensed investigations company or be licensed as a company themselves.
Biennial Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years, accompanied by the required continuing education.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to consult the official website of the Tennessee Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission within the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, or access the full text of the regulations through reliable legal databases like Justia or the Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School.
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