A "Private investigator" means any natural person who engages in the business of, or accepts employment to make, investigations to obtain information on (i) crimes or civil wrongs; (ii) the location, disposition, or recovery of stolen property; (iii) the cause of accidents, fires, damages, or injuries to persons or to property; or (iv) evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigative committee." (Source: DCJS Administrative Code 6 VAC 20-171-10)

Hours of Training: 72 (60 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of administration, 2 hours of practical exercises, role-playing, comprehensive exam, and review

Orientation: applicable sections of the Code of Virginia; Administrative Code 6VAC 20-171; standards of professional conduct; and ethics - 6 hours

Law: basic law; legal procedures and due process; civil law; criminal law; evidence; and legal privacy requirements - 16 hours plus one practical exercise

General Investigative Skills, Tools and Techniques: surveillance; research; and interviewing - 16 hours plus one practical exercise

Documentation: Report preparations; photography; audio recording; general communication; and courtroom testimony – 8 hours plus one practical exercise

Types of investigations: accident; insurance; background; domestic; undercover; fraud and financial; missing persons and property; and criminal – 14 hours plus one practical exercise

Registration: To register in the state of Virginia as a Private Investigator, you must meet the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice guidelines, satisfactorily complete the 02E course (or 02I for In-Service registrants) with a grade of 70% or greater and submit the appropriate Virginia DCJS fees and forms which will be explained during the administration portion of the course.