South Carolina Private Investigator License

Many may wonder what opportunities South Carolina private investigator licenses can give. This article will touch on the subject of the main steps to getting the license. Also, we will show what opportunities and chances it may give you in your career.

Requirements

First, the sector in SC is controlled by the State Law Enforcement Division. All the applications are received and processed by the Division. Like in most of the states, the requirements are similar. However, it is worth mentioning that there are still states like Idaho, Mississippi, and Alaska that do not require PI permits.

Undoubtedly, as in any other field, SC residents should have certain qualifications and experience, to be able to start. Thus, below are the main points to meet to be a qualified applicant:

• Be at least 18
• Have a US citizenship
• High school diploma
• Be clean of any type of felony
• Have good moral characteristics
• Do not have physical/moral problems that may impact the work
• Have at least 3 years of experience

Besides these main points mentioned above, there are also other no less important conditions. For instance, the applicant shouldn’t have alcohol or any other substance addiction. Also, a pending criminal charge may be a good ground for disqualification, especially felony or any crime of moral character.

Commonly, the residents are eligible to become armed specialists only in case they are 21 years old or more.

Education and training

Generally, as mentioned above, a future PI must have at least 3 years of proper experience in the relevant company or as a police officer with investigator’s capacities. Besides, some knowledge and training in criminal justice are also obligatory.

SC residents can obtain criminal justice education at schools in the following cities:

• Charleston
• North Charleston
• Columbia
• Greenville

However, it is always possible to enroll in criminal justice training online.

Application process

If you think that you are a qualified applicant, there is no need to hesitate anymore. Submit your documents and relevant information:

• A completed and signed application form
• Fingerprinting
• Headshots
• A $350 obligatory fee
• Surety bond ($10, 000)

The application is accepted and processed by the State Law Enforcement Division. Once you get your permit, you will be entitled to the following:

• Recover, locate stolen/lost property
• Search for information on people/companies
• Gather information to present in the court
• Provide security services

Every two years private investigators should participate in a 12-hour additional training. Moreover, the permits are refreshed every year. With an expired permit or with a lack of refreshing training, investigators will be unable to continue their service.

Those who mean to carry a firearm should separately apply for a permit. Retired military officers do not need to do this.

Salary

The salary of PI in the state can be quite satisfying. The average income is about $50, 000 annually. However, it may increase depending on the experience, education, skills, etc. Through the years, as the client base increases, the income will also increase becoming almost double the mentioned average. Experienced specialists earn $70, 000 and more every year.

South Carolina private investigator license costs

Generally, the PI services range from $40 to $200 hourly. The difference is mainly due to the complexity of the done work. The costs can differ according to the services, and even, because of the price of the fuel.