PRINTER'S NO.  2293

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

1774

Session of

2011

  

  

INTRODUCED BY SAYLOR, DEASY, BROOKS, AUMENT, CALTAGIRONE, FARRY, MILLER, MURT, REICHLEY, SWANGER, TAYLOR, VEREB AND PETRI, JULY 20, 2011

  

  

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, JULY 20, 2011  

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Title 22 (Detectives and Private Police) of the

2

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, amending the headings of

3

Title 22 and 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3; codifying and making extensive

4

revisions to The Private Detective Act of 1953; codifying the

5

Lethal Weapons Training Act; further providing for the

6

definition of "privately employed agents"; providing for the

7

continuation of certain licenses; making an appropriation;

8

and making related repeals.

9

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

10

hereby enacts as follows:

11

Section 1.  Title 22 heading of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

12

Statutes is amended to read:

13

TITLE 22

14

[DETECTIVES AND PRIVATE POLICE]

15

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS, SECURITY PROFESSIONALS,

16

ARMORED CAR SECURITY OFFICERS,

17

FUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENTS, PRIVATE POLICE

18

AND LETHAL WEAPONS

19

Section 2.  Chapter 3 heading of Title 22 is amended to read:

20

[CHAPTER 3

 


1

DETECTIVES

2

(RESERVED)]

3

Section 3.  Title 22 is amended by adding chapters to read:

4

CHAPTER 3

5

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS, SECURITY PROFESSIONALS,

6

armored car security officers

7

AND FUGITIVE RECOVERY AGENTS

8

Sec.

9

301.  Scope of chapter.

10

302.  Declaration of policy.

11

303.  Definitions.

12

304.  Board.

13

305.  Deposit of funds.

14

306.  Licensure.

15

307.  Form of license.

16

308.  License renewal.

17

309.  Change of residence or business location.

18

310.  Expedited reciprocal licensing.

19

311.  Employees.

20

312.  Private investigator employees.

21

313.  Pocket cards and badges.

22

314.  Firearms.

23

315.  Bond and insurance.

24

316.  Licensure of corporations and other legal entities.

25

317.  Criminal history record check.

26

318.  Prohibition.

27

319.  Title and utilization.

28

320.  Rules of professional conduct.

29

321.  Sanctions.

30

322.  Injunction.

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1

323.  Unlawful acts.

2

324.  Exclusions.

3

§ 301.  Scope of chapter.

4

This chapter relates to private investigators, security

5

professionals, armored car security officers and fugitive

6

recovery agents.

7

§ 302.  Declaration of policy.

8

The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:

9

(1)  The practice of private investigators and security

10

professionals has been regulated at a county level, which has

11

resulted in inconsistent regulation on a Statewide basis.

12

(2)  The practice of fugitive recovery agents and armored

13

car security officers has essentially been unregulated in

14

this Commonwealth.

15

(3)  Reasonable Statewide regulation of these professions

16

is in furtherance of public health, safety and welfare

17

interests.

18

(4)  Statewide regulation is necessary to set standards

19

of conduct for each of these professions and to protect the

20

public from unprincipled practitioners.

21

(5)  Consumer protection with respect to both health and

22

economic matters will be afforded the public through the

23

regulation and associated legal remedies provided for in this

24

chapter.

25

§ 303.  Definitions.

26

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter

27

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

28

context clearly indicates otherwise:

29

"Account."  The Professional Licensure Augmentation Account.

30

"Applicant."  An individual who applies for any license under

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1

this chapter. The term does not include an individual renewing a

2

license under section 308 (relating to license renewal).

3

"Armored car security officer."

4

(1)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

5

liability company or other legal entity which is in the

6

business of transporting and protecting currency, bullion,

7

securities, precious metals, supplemental nutrition

8

assistance program benefits and other articles of unusual

9

value from one place to another with armed personnel.

10

(2)  The term does not include any individual excluded

11

from this chapter by section 324 (relating to exclusions).

12

"Board."  The State Board of Private Investigators, Security

13

Professionals, Armored Car Security Officers and Fugitive

14

Recovery Agents established in section 304 (relating to board).

15

"Bureau."  The Bureau of Professional and Occupational

16

Affairs.

17

"Categories of licenses."  Private investigator licenses,

18

security professional licenses, armored car security licenses

19

and fugitive recovery agent licenses.

20

"CPIN-compatible."  Compatible with the Commonwealth Photo

21

Imaging Network.

22

"Fugitive recovery agent."

23

(1)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

24

liability company or other legal entity which for a fee

25

primarily engages in one or more of the following:

26

(i)  Fugitive recovery.

27

(ii)  Bail enforcement.

28

(iii)  Bail recovery.

29

(iv)  Investigation as to the location or whereabouts

30

of any person who has failed to appear in any Federal or

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1

State court of law, when required by law, or has failed

2

to answer any criminal charge or subpoena, when required

3

by law.

4

(v)  Assistance in the apprehension, arrest,

5

detention, confinement, surrender or securing of a person

6

described in subparagraph (iv).

7

(vi)  Surveillance of a person described in

8

subparagraph (iv).

9

(2)  The term does not include any individual excluded

10

from this chapter by section 324 (relating to exclusions).

11

"License."  Any license to practice as a private

12

investigator, security professional, armored car security

13

officer or fugitive recovery agent under this chapter.

14

"Licensee."  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

15

liability company or other legal entity who holds a license

16

under this chapter.

17

"Private Detective Act of 1953."  The former act of August

18

21, 1953 (P.L.1273, No.361), known as The Private Detective Act

19

of 1953.

20

"Private investigator."

21

(1)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

22

liability company or other legal entity which for a fee

23

primarily engages in the investigation of any of the

24

following activities:

25

(i)  Crimes or wrongs done or threatened against an

26

individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability

27

company or other legal entity.

28

(ii)  The identity, habits, conduct, movement,

29

whereabouts, affiliations, association, transactions,

30

reputation or character of any individual, group of

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1

individuals, association, organization, society,

2

partnership, corporation, limited liability company or

3

other legal entity.

4

(iii)  The credibility of witnesses or other

5

individuals.

6

(iv)  The whereabouts of missing individuals.

7

(v)  The location or recovery of lost or stolen

8

property.

9

(vi)  The cases or origins of or responsibility for

10

fires or torts or losses, accidents, damage or injuries

11

to personal or real property.

12

(vii)  The conduct of employees, agents, contractors

13

and subcontractors.

14

(viii)  The securing of evidence for any civil or

15

criminal proceeding.

16

(2)  The term does not include any individual excluded

17

from this chapter by section 324 (relating to exclusions).

18

"Security professional."

19

(1)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

20

liability company or other legal entity which for a fee

21

primarily provides security guards, watchmen or private

22

patrolmen for any individual, private corporation or other

23

legal entity.

24

(2)  The term does not include any individual excluded

25

from this chapter by section 324 (relating to exclusions).

26

"Serious misdemeanor."  A criminal offense for which more

27

than one year in prison can be imposed as a punishment.

28

§ 304.  Board.

29

(a)  Establishment.--The State Board of Private

30

Investigators, Security Professionals, Armored Car Security

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1

Officers and Fugitive Recovery Agents is established as a board

2

in the bureau.

3

(b)  Membership.--The following shall be members of the

4

board:

5

(1)  The Commissioner of Professional and Occupational

6

Affairs or a designee.

7

(2)  The Commissioner of Pennsylvania State Police or a

8

designee.

9

(3)  The Attorney General or a designee.

10

(4)  Five public members, who are residents of this

11

Commonwealth, appointed by the Governor, with the advice and

12

consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate.

13

At least one of the five public members must be an attorney

14

whose practice primarily consists of representation of

15

criminal defendants. At least one of the five public members

16

must be an attorney whose practice primarily consists of the

17

representation of civil plaintiffs. At least one of five

18

public members must be an attorney whose practice primarily

19

consists of the representation of civil defendants. A person

20

shall not be eligible for appointment under this paragraph if

21

the person or any member of the person's immediate family, as

22

defined under 65 Pa.C.S. § 1102 (relating to definitions),

23

meets any of the following provisions:

24

(i)  Is licensed under this chapter or the Private

25

Detective Act of 1953.

26

(ii)  Has, other than as a consumer, a financial

27

interest in a business entity which engages in an

28

activity licensed by this chapter.

29

(5)  Nine professional members appointed by the Governor

30

with the advice and consent of a majority of the members

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1

elected to the Senate. The professional members shall:

2

(i)  be licensed under this chapter; and

3

(ii)  include at least two licensees from each of the

4

categories of licenses under this chapter.

5

(c)  Initial appointments.--Notwithstanding the provisions of

6

subsection (b)(4) and section 316 (relating to licensure of

7

corporations and other legal entities), the following shall

8

apply:

9

(1)  Individuals licensed under the Private Detective Act

10

of 1953 shall, until the expiration of the license, be

11

qualified to serve as professional members of the board as

12

representatives of private investigator licensees or security

13

professional licensees under this chapter.

14

(2)  Armored car security officers who have been actively

15

engaged in their profession and are members of a professional

16

armored car association shall, until July 1, 2013, be

17

qualified to serve as professional members of the board as

18

representatives of armored car security officer licensees

19

under this chapter.

20

(3)  Fugitive recovery agents who have been actively

21

engaged in their profession and have a well-respected

22

reputation in the field shall, until July 1, 2013, be

23

qualified to serve as professional members of the board as

24

representatives of fugitive recovery agent licensees under

25

this chapter.

26

(d)  Terms.--All of the following shall apply to terms of

27

members:

28

(1)  Members under subsection (b)(1), (2) and (3) shall

29

serve ex officio.

30

(2)  Members under subsection (b)(4) shall serve initial

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1

terms as follows:

2

(i)  One member shall be appointed for a term of two

3

years.

4

(ii)  Two members shall be appointed for a term of

5

three years.

6

(iii)  Two members shall be appointed for a term of

7

four years.

8

(3)  Members under subsection (b)(5) shall serve initial

9

terms as follows:

10

(i)  Three members shall be appointed for a term of

11

two years.

12

(ii)  Three members shall be appointed for a term of

13

three years.

14

(iii)  Three members shall be appointed for a term of

15

four years.

16

(4)  After the expiration of a term under paragraph (2)

17

or (3), a subsequent term shall be for four years.

18

(5)  A replacement for a member under subsection (b)(4)

19

or (5) shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

20

(6)  A member under subsection (b)(4) or (5) shall not be

21

eligible for more than two consecutive terms.

22

(e)  Procedure.--All of the following shall apply to board

23

procedure:

24

(1)  A majority of the members of the board constitutes a

25

quorum. A member must participate at a meeting of the board

26

in person or by teleconference for purposes of meeting a

27

quorum.

28

(2)  Voting must be direct; voting by proxy shall not be

29

permitted.

30

(f)  Organization.--All of the following shall apply to board

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1

organization:

2

(1)  An organizational meeting of the board shall be held

3

annually at which time the board shall elect from its

4

membership a president, a vice president and a secretary, who

5

shall serve for one year or until their successors are duly

6

elected.

7

(2)  If a vacancy in the office of president, vice

8

president or secretary of the board occurs, the remaining

9

members of the board shall fill the vacancy by election.

10

(g)  Compensation.--Each member of the board under subsection

11

(b)(4) or (5), when performing functions of the board, shall

12

receive all of the following:

13

(1)  A per diem fee of $100 for each meeting the member

14

attends in person. No member shall receive more than $1,000

15

of aggregate per diem fees in any calendar year.

16

(2)  Reasonable travel, hotel and other necessary

17

expenses, as set by regulation of the board.

18

(h)  Meetings.--The board shall meet at least once every two

19

months and at additional times as necessary to conduct the

20

business of the board.

21

(i)  Participation.--A member of the board under subsection

22

(b)(4) or (5) who fails to attend three consecutive meetings

23

shall forfeit membership unless the president, upon written

24

request from the member, finds that the member should be excused

25

for good cause.

26

(j)  Powers and duties.--The board shall have all of the

27

following powers and duties to administer this chapter:

28

(1)  To contract for the development of a licensing

29

examination for each of the categories of licenses. The

30

licensing examinations shall, at a minimum, test an

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1

applicant's knowledge of the laws of this Commonwealth and

2

the United States which are applicable to the practice of

3

that category of license.

4

(2)  To develop applications and renewal applications for

5

each of the categories of licenses.

6

(3)  To promulgate reasonable rules and regulations to

7

carry out the provisions of this chapter.

8

(4)  To establish monetary penalties and fees for

9

licenses, renewals, badges, pocket cards and other goods and

10

services provided by the board to licensees. Initial fees

11

shall be designed to recover the board's administrative

12

costs. If the funds raised by penalties and fees under this

13

chapter are not sufficient to meet the board's administrative

14

costs over a two-year period, the board may promulgate

15

regulations to increase those penalties and fees so that the

16

projected funds will meet the board's projected costs.

17

(5)  To enforce the laws of this Commonwealth relating to

18

the practice of private investigators, security

19

professionals, armored car security officers and fugitive

20

recovery agents and to instruct and require agents of the

21

board to initiate appropriate proceedings for unauthorized

22

and unlawful practice.

23

(6)  To take disciplinary action as described in this

24

chapter. In all disciplinary proceedings brought pursuant to

25

this chapter, the board shall have the power to administer

26

oaths, to summon witnesses and to compel the production of

27

documents in accordance with law. Upon the failure of any

28

person to appear or produce documents in accordance with the

29

board's order, the board may take appropriate action in

30

accordance with the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L.950, No.

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1

164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, to enforce

2

compliance.

3

(7)  To take appropriate actions to initiate injunction

4

and criminal prosecution proceedings in connection with the

5

unlawful and unauthorized practice of private investigators,

6

security professionals, armored car security officers or

7

fugitive recovery agents or other violations of this chapter.

8

Injunction and criminal proceedings shall be instituted in

9

accordance with the Commonwealth Attorneys Act.

10

(8)  To keep a record of board proceedings.

11

(9)  To keep a record of applications and renewal

12

applications, including a copy of all materials submitted

13

with applications and renewal applications.

14

(10)  To keep records relating to all licensees directly

15

related to the practice of private investigators, security

16

professionals, armored car security officers and fugitive

17

recovery agents.

18

(11)  To maintain an up-to-date roster showing the names

19

and business addresses of licensees. The roster shall be made

20

available to the public upon request and shall be posted on

21

the Internet.

22

(12)  To establish a system which assures that licensees

23

receive timely information from the board regarding issues

24

affecting the practice and regulation of their license. The

25

system shall include the mailing of a renewal application

26

under section 308 (relating to license renewal) to each

27

licensee at the most recent address in the records of the

28

board.

29

(13)  To design badges and pocket cards for each of the

30

categories of licenses.

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1

(14)  To approve badge designs submitted by a security

2

professional or armored car security officer for use by

3

employees of that security professional or armored car

4

security officer.

5

(15)  To conduct criminal history record checks as

6

provided in section 317 (relating to criminal history record

7

check).

8

(16)  To develop and administer a mandatory continuing

9

professional education program for each of the categories of

10

licenses. The continuing professional education program shall

11

consist of at least 12 hours of mandatory continuing

12

education for each licensee during each two-year license

13

period.

14

(17)  To develop and enforce rules of professional

15

conduct for each of the categories of licenses.

16

(18)  To develop standards and practices, in

17

circumstances where an employee of the board has safety

18

concerns, to request aid from the chief law enforcement

19

officer, as defined under 42 Pa.C.S. § 8951 (relating to

20

definitions), of the political subdivision where any bureau,

21

agency, office or branch office of a licensee is located.

22

(19)  To issue licenses, renew licenses, reinstate

23

licenses, refuse to renew, suspend and revoke licenses as

24

provided under this chapter.

25

(20)  To develop standards for the training and

26

professional development of employees by each category of

27

licensees.

28

§ 305.  Deposit of funds.

29

Fees and penalties collected under this chapter shall be paid

30

into the account and used by the bureau and the board to

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1

administer this chapter.

2

§ 306.  Licensure.

3

(a)  Requirement.--Except as set forth in section 324

4

(relating to exclusions), all of the following shall apply:

5

(1)  A private investigator's license is required in

6

order to practice as a private investigator.

7

(2)  A security professional's license is required in

8

order to practice as a security professional.

9

(3)  An armored car security officer's license is

10

required in order to practice as an armored car security

11

officer after July 1, 2013.

12

(4)  A fugitive recovery agent's license is required in

13

order to practice as a fugitive recovery agent after July 1,

14

2013.

15

(b)  Employees.--A licensee may employ individuals to assist

16

the licensee. Nothing in this chapter shall require an employee

17

of a licensee to obtain a license.

18

(c)  Qualifications.--All applicants for any license under

19

this chapter must meet all of the following:

20

(1)  Be at least 25 years of age.

21

(2)  Be a United States citizen.

22

(3)  Be of good moral character.

23

(4)  Not be addicted to the habitual use of alcohol,

24

narcotics or other habit-forming drugs.

25

(5)  Have a criminal history which does not include any

26

of the offenses listed under section 318 (relating to

27

prohibition).

28

(6)  Qualify by successful completion of a professional

29

licensing examination for the category of license which is

30

the subject of the application.

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1

(d)  Additional qualifications.--An applicant for a specific

2

license shall meet the following specific additional

3

qualifications:

4

(1)  In addition to the other requirements of this

5

chapter, a private investigator license shall not be issued

6

unless the applicant for the license has held one or more of

7

the following positions for a period of at least three years

8

and was not separated from the position for a period of more

9

than five years from the time of application:

10

(i)  Worked as an investigator as a member of the

11

Pennsylvania State Police.

12

(ii)  Worked as an investigator as a member of a

13

State, county or municipal police force.

14

(iii)  Worked as an investigator as a member of a

15

Federal or State investigative service.

16

(iv)  Worked full time as a private investigator

17

licensed under the Private Detective Act of 1953.

18

(v)  Worked full time under the direction of a

19

private investigator who is or was licensed under this

20

chapter or under the Private Detective Act of 1953.

21

(vi)  Worked full time as an investigator or in a

22

similar capacity for an insurance company in a special

23

investigation unit.

24

(vii)  Worked full time as an attorney or an

25

investigator for an attorney or law firm.

26

(viii)  Worked full time as an investigator for a

27

common carrier or any entity regulated by the

28

Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

29

(ix)  Has other investigative or investigative

30

support experience that the board finds relevant to the

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1

activities of a private investigator.

2

(2)  In addition to the other requirements of this

3

chapter, a security professional license shall not be issued

4

unless the applicant for the license has held one or more of

5

the following positions for a period of at least three years

6

and was not separated from the position for a period of more

7

than five years from the time of application:

8

(i)  Worked as a member of the Pennsylvania State

9

Police.

10

(ii)  Worked as a member of a State, county or

11

municipal police force.

12

(iii)  Worked as a sheriff or deputy sheriff.

13

(iv)  Worked as a member of a Federal or State

14

investigative service.

15

(v)  Worked full time under the direction of a

16

security professional who is or was licensed under this

17

chapter.

18

(vi)  Worked full time as a private investigator

19

licensed under the Private Detective Act of 1953.

20

(vii)  Worked full time under the direction of a

21

private investigator who was licensed under the Private

22

Detective Act of 1953.

23

(viii)  Has other security or security support

24

experience that the board finds relevant to the

25

activities of a security professional.

26

(3)  In addition to the other requirements of this

27

chapter, an armored car security officer license shall not be

28

issued unless the applicant for the license has held one or

29

more of the following positions for a period of at least

30

three years and was not separated from the position for a

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1

period of more than five years from the time of application:

2

(i)  Worked as a member of the Pennsylvania State

3

Police.

4

(ii)  Worked as a member of a State, county or

5

municipal police force.

6

(iii)  Worked as sheriff or deputy sheriff.

7

(iv)  Worked as a constable or deputy constable

8

certified to perform judicial duties under 44 Pa.C.S. Ch.

9

71 Subch. C (relating to constables).

10

(v)  Worked as an investigator as a member of a

11

Federal or State investigative service.

12

(vi)  Worked full time under the direction of an

13

armored car security officer who is or was licensed under

14

this chapter.

15

(vii)  Has other armored car security or related

16

experience that the board finds relevant to the

17

activities of an armored car security officer.

18

(viii)  Worked as an armored car security officer

19

prior to July 1, 2013. This subparagraph shall expire

20

July 1, 2017.

21

(4)  In addition to the other requirements of this

22

chapter, a fugitive recovery agent license shall not be

23

issued unless the applicant for the license has held one or

24

more of the following positions for a period of at least

25

three years and was not separated from the position for a

26

period of more than five years from the time of application:

27

(i)  Worked as a member of the Pennsylvania State

28

Police.

29

(ii)  Worked as a member of a State, county or

30

municipal police force.

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1

(iii)  Worked as a sheriff or deputy sheriff.

2

(iv)  Worked as a constable or deputy constable

3

certified to perform judicial duties under 44 Pa.C.S. Ch.

4

71 Subch. C (relating to constables).

5

(v)  Worked as a member of a Federal or State

6

investigative service.

7

(vi)  Worked full time under the direction of a

8

fugitive recovery agent who is or was licensed under this

9

chapter.

10

(vii)  Has other fugitive recovery or related

11

experience that the board finds relevant to the

12

activities of a fugitive recovery agent.

13

(viii)  Worked as a fugitive recovery agent prior to

14

July 1, 2013. This subparagraph shall expire July 1,

15

2017.

16

(e)  Education and part-time work experience.--The board may

17

allow an applicant for any category of license under subsection

18

(d) to do any of the following:

19

(1)  Substitute up to one year of relevant educational

20

experience for work experience required of an applicant under

21

subsection (d).

22

(2)  Aggregate part-time work experience to reach the

23

minimum three years of the full-time employment requirement

24

for an applicant under subsection (d).

25

(f)  Application process.--An individual, corporation,

26

partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity

27

intending to be a licensee shall apply for a license as set

28

forth in this chapter. Applicants shall do all of the following:

29

(1)  File an application and accompanying information as

30

described in subsection (g).

- 18 -

 


1

(2)  Pay a fee as established by regulation of the board.

2

(3)  Sit for an examination prepared and administered by

3

a third party approved by the board.

4

(g)  Application and accompanying information.--An

5

application shall require the applicant to provide all of the

6

following:

7

(1)  The applicant's full name, aliases, current and

8

previous occupations and information which demonstrates

9

compliance with the specific additional qualifications under

10

subsection (d) for that category of license.

11

(2)  The applicant's date of birth, as evidenced by a

12

birth certificate or other documentation approved by the

13

board.

14

(3)  The applicant's residences since 18 years of age or

15

for the last 15 years, whichever period of time is shorter.

16

(4)  Two current CPIN-compatible photographs.

17

(5)  A statement whether the applicant applying for a

18

license intends to practice as an individual, corporation,

19

partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity.

20

If the applicant intends to practice as a corporation,

21

partnership, limited liability company or legal entity other

22

than an individual, the applicant shall identify all

23

principals of that entity and shall also provide all of the

24

following:

25

(i)  The name and appropriate credentials of the

26

qualifying officer.

27

(ii)  The name and principal business address of that

28

entity.

29

(iii)  The articles of incorporation, partnership

30

agreement, certificate of organization or similar

- 19 -

 


1

governing document.

2

(iv)  The name and address of all shareholders or

3

other owners of the corporation, partnership, limited

4

liability company or other legal entity.

5

(6)  The location of each bureau, agency, office or

6

branch office.

7

(7)  The applicant's signature.

8

(8)  Two full sets of the applicant's fingerprints for

9

use in conducting a criminal history record check as provided

10

in section 317 (relating to criminal history record check).

11

(9)  The payment of a bond and submission of proof of

12

insurance as required in section 315 (relating to bond and

13

insurance).

14

(10)  Any other information which the board deems

15

appropriate.

16

(h)  Issuance of license.--

17

(1)  The board shall conduct an investigation of an

18

applicant's fitness for licensure if the applicant has met

19

all of the following:

20

(i)  Completed the application process under

21

subsection (f).

22

(ii)  Been found to meet all of the qualifications in

23

subsection (c).

24

(iii)  Been found to meet the additional

25

qualifications for the category of license in subsection

26

(d).

27

(2)  If the board is satisfied that the applicant is fit

28

to practice, the board shall issue the applicant a license

29

and duplicates as provided in section 307 (relating to form

30

of license) and a pocket card and badge as provided in

- 20 -

 


1

section 313 (relating to pocket cards and badges).

2

(i)  Term of license.--The term of a license shall be two

3

years. Renewal of a license shall be subject to section 308

4

(relating to license renewal).

5

(j)  Current law enforcement officers.--Individuals currently

6

employed as a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, probation

7

or parole officer or member of a Federal or State investigative

8

service shall not be:

9

(1)  eligible for a license as a private investigator; or

10

(2)  employed by a private investigator.

11

§ 307.  Form of license.

12

(a)  Contents.--A license under this chapter shall contain

13

all of the following:

14

(1)  The full name and title of the licensee.

15

(2)  The location of each bureau, agency, office or

16

branch office for which the license was issued.

17

(3)  The expiration date.

18

(4)  Any other information deemed appropriate by the

19

board.

20

(b)  Duplicates.--A licensee shall, for a fee, be issued

21

duplicate licenses for display in each bureau, agency, office or

22

branch office included in the license application.

23

(c)  Display.--A licensee shall post the license or a

24

duplicate in a conspicuous place in each bureau, agency, office

25

or branch office.

26

(d)  Expiration.--A licensee shall surrender the license and

27

all duplicates to a designated location established by the board

28

within 15 days of expiration or after receipt of notice that the

29

license has been suspended or revoked by the board. A licensee

30

who fails to comply with this subsection commits a misdemeanor

- 21 -

 


1

of the third degree.

2

§ 308.  License renewal.

3

(a)  General rule.--The following shall apply:

4

(1)  The following may apply for a renewal of a license

5

under this section:

6

(i)  A licensee whose license will expire within six

7

months of the date on the renewal application.

8

(ii)  A licensee whose license has not been expired

9

for more than six months on the date of renewal

10

application.

11

(2)  For the purposes of this subsection, the term

12

"licensee" shall include any individual, corporation,

13

partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity

14

licensed under the Private Detective Act of 1953 on the

15

effective date of this section who is applying for a license

16

as a private investigator or security professional under this

17

chapter prior to the expiration of the license under the

18

Private Detective Act of 1953. The qualification by

19

successful completion of a professional licensure examination

20

in section 306(c)(6) (relating to licensure) and the required

21

additional qualifications of section 306(d) shall not apply

22

to a licensee under the Private Detective Act of 1953 who met

23

the work experience requirements under section 4(a) of that

24

act and is applying for renewal of a license as a private

25

investigator or security professional under this section.

26

(b)  Renewal process.--A licensee applying for a renewal of a

27

license shall do all of the following:

28

(1)  File a renewal application with the board.

29

(2)  Pay a bond and provide proof of insurance as

30

required in section 315 (relating to bond and insurance).

- 22 -

 


1

(3)  Pay a fee as established by regulation of the board.

2

(4)  Provide two current CPIN-compatible photographs.

3

(5)  Provide any other information which the board deems

4

appropriate.

5

(c)  Issuance of renewal license.--Once a licensee has

6

completed the renewal process in subsection (b) and the board,

7

after investigation, is satisfied that the licensee is fit to

8

continue the practice of the license, the board shall issue the

9

applicant a license as provided in section 307 (relating to form

10

of license).

11

§ 309.  Change of residence or business location.

12

(a)  Residence.--A licensee shall notify the board in writing

13

within 15 days of the licensee's change of residence.

14

(b)  Business location.--A licensee shall notify the board in

15

writing within 15 days of the change of location of any bureau,

16

agency, office or branch office. Notice shall include the new

17

location of the bureau, agency, office or branch office and the

18

date on which the change was effected.

19

(c)  Notation on license and duplicates.--Pursuant to a

20

change of business location under subsection (b), a licensee

21

shall deliver the license and any duplicates to a designated

22

location established by the board. The board shall, at its

23

discretion, do one of the following:

24

(1)  Note the change on the license and duplicates and

25

return the license and duplicates to the licensee.

26

(2)  Issue a new license and duplicates for the unexpired

27

term of the license.

28

§ 310.  Expedited reciprocal licensing.

29

The board may, without examination, issue a license, pocket

30

card and badge to any individual, corporation, partnership,

- 23 -

 


1

limited liability company or other legal entity who is licensed

2

in another state in the same category of license if all of the

3

following apply:

4

(1)  The individual or the officers of the corporation,

5

partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity

6

provides two full sets of fingerprints for the board to

7

conduct a criminal history record check under section 317

8

(relating to criminal history record check).

9

(2)  The individual, corporation, partnership, limited

10

liability company or other legal entity pays a bond and

11

provides proof of insurance as required in section 315

12

(relating to bond and insurance).

13

(3)  The individual, corporation, partnership, limited

14

liability company or other legal entity pays a fee as

15

established by regulation of the board.

16

(4)  The individual or the officers of the corporation,

17

partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity

18

provides two current CPIN-compatible photographs.

19

(5)  The individual, corporation, partnership, limited

20

liability company or other legal entity establishes a bureau,

21

agency, office or branch office within this Commonwealth.

22

(6)  The individual, corporation, partnership, limited

23

liability company or other legal entity provides any other

24

information which the board deems appropriate.

25

(7)  The standards for licensing in the other state are,

26

in the board's opinion, sufficiently similar to the standards

27

under this chapter.

28

(8)  The other state will license or certify Pennsylvania

29

licensees to practice in that state in a similar expedited

30

fashion.

- 24 -

 


1

§ 311.  Employees.

2

(a)  General rule.--A licensee may employ as many individuals

3

as necessary to assist the licensee in the licensee's work. The

4

licensee shall at all times during the employment be:

5

(1)  responsible for the reasonable supervision, training

6

and professional development of each employee; and

7

(2)  accountable for the employee's conduct.

8

(b)  Employee statement.--A prospective employee shall

9

provide to the licensee all of the following:

10

(1)  The prospective employee's full name, aliases,

11

current and previous occupations and Social Security number.

12

(2)  The prospective employee's date of birth, as

13

evidenced by a birth certificate or other documentation

14

approved by the board.

15

(3)  The prospective employee's residences since 18 years

16

of age or for the last 15 years, whichever period of time is

17

shorter.

18

(4)  Two current CPIN-compatible photographs.

19

(5)  A statement indicating whether the employee has met

20

the requirements of the act of October 10, 1974 (P.L.705, No.

21

235), known as the Lethal Weapons Training Act or Chapter 11

22

(relating to lethal weapons training).

23

(6)  A physical description.

24

(7)  The prospective employee's signature.

25

(8)  A statement indicating that the prospective employee

26

has not been convicted of an offense listed in section 318(c)

27

(relating to prohibition).

28

(9)  Three full sets of the prospective employee's

29

fingerprints. One set shall be kept on file by the licensee,

30

and the other two shall be submitted to the board for use in

- 25 -

 


1

conducting a criminal history record check as provided in

2

section 317 (relating to criminal history record check).

3

(10)  Any other information which the board deems

4

appropriate.

5

(c)  Duty of licensee.--A licensee shall do all of the

6

following:

7

(1)  Act with due diligence to reasonably verify the

8

truthfulness of the employee statement.

9

(2)  Promptly transmit two sets of the fingerprints

10

provided pursuant to subsection (b)(9) to the board for use

11

in conducting a criminal history record check as provided in

12

section 317.

13

(3)  Promptly transmit a CPIN-compatible photograph of

14

the employee provided pursuant to subsection (b)(4) to the

15

board for its use.

16

(4)  Promptly transmit to the board any other information

17

which the board deems appropriate.

18

(d)  Duty of board.--The board shall promptly conduct a

19

criminal history record check on the prospective employee as

20

provided in section 317 and notify the licensee of the results.

21

(e)  Penalties.--The following shall apply:

22

(1)  A licensee who knowingly, recklessly or negligently

23

hires an individual who fails to fill out an employee

24

statement under subsection (b) or has been convicted of any

25

offense listed in section 318(c) (relating to prohibition)

26

commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.

27

(2)  A licensee who knowingly, recklessly or negligently

28

files the fingerprints of an individual other than the

29

prospective employee in the prospective employee's name

30

commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.

- 26 -

 


1

(3)  A licensee who fails to adequately or accurately

2

keep records of employees commits a misdemeanor of the third

3

degree.

4

§ 312.  Private investigator employees.

5

Any employee of a private investigator who, except as

6

provided by law, divulges information learned in that employee's

7

capacity to anyone other than the private investigator or to an

8

individual designated by the private investigator commits a

9

misdemeanor of the third degree.

10

§ 313.  Pocket cards and badges.

11

(a)  Licensees.--Upon payment of a fee by the licensee, the

12

board shall issue the licensee a pocket card and a badge, which

13

shall be numbered. The pocket card shall be of the size and

14

design as the board shall designate and shall be

15

nontransferable. At a minimum, the pocket card shall include all

16

of the following:

17

(1)  The licensee's name.

18

(2)  The licensee's CPIN-compatible photograph.

19

(3)  The licensee's business name, if different than the

20

name under paragraph (1).

21

(4)  Authenticity information such as license number,

22

date of expiration and the official State seal.

23

(b)  Employees.--If a prospective employee of a licensee has

24

not been prohibited from being hired due to a disqualifying

25

criminal conviction, the board shall issue to the licensee a

26

pocket card which contains the employee's CPIN-compatible

27

photograph for use by the employee. If the licensee does not

28

employ the prospective employee for any reason, the licensee

29

shall return the pocket card to the board, which shall destroy

30

the returned pocket card. Failure of the licensee to do any of

- 27 -

 


1

the following shall constitute a summary offense:

2

(1)  Return a pocket card.

3

(2)  Notify the board of the licensee's inability to

4

retrieve a pocket card from an employee.

5

(c)  Renewal or replacement.--The following shall apply to

6

pocket card or badges:

7

(1)  After payment of a fee as set by the board, the

8

board shall issue a licensee a new pocket card and badge or a

9

new pocket card for an employee if any of the following

10

apply:

11

(i)  A pocket card or badge has been defaced,

12

damaged, stolen or lost.

13

(ii)  The licensee has not been issued a pocket card

14

or badge or pocket cards for employees.

15

(2)  The board may impose sanctions under section 321

16

(relating to sanctions) upon a licensee who reports multiple

17

or repeated lost or stolen pocket cards, badges or employee

18

pocket cards.

19

(d)  Holders of pocket cards and badges.--It shall be

20

unlawful for a licensee or an employee of a licensee to lend or

21

to transfer the pocket card or badge or to allow any other

22

individual to use, wear or display a pocket card or badge. A

23

licensee or employee who violates this subsection commits a

24

misdemeanor of the third degree.

25

§ 314.  Firearms.

26

Licensees and their employees shall be authorized to carry a

27

lethal weapon in the course of their employment if they are in

28

compliance with or are exempt from the requirements of the act

29

of October 10, 1974 (P.L.705, No.235), known as the Lethal

30

Weapons Training Act or Chapter 11 (relating to lethal weapons

- 28 -

 


1

training).

2

§ 315.  Bond and insurance.

3

(a)  General rule.--An applicant for a license and licensees

4

seeking renewal of a license shall deliver to the board a bond

5

in an amount set by the board.

6

(b)  Corporate surety.--A bond required under subsection (a)

7

shall be written by a corporate surety company authorized to do

8

business in this Commonwealth as a surety and shall be executed

9

in the name of the Commonwealth.

10

(c)  Proof of general liability insurance.--All applicants

11

and licensees seeking renewal of licenses shall provide proof of

12

general liability insurance in an amount set by the board, but

13

not less than $1,000,000.

14

(c.1)  Proof of all risk insurance.--Armored car security

15

licensees shall maintain a minimum of $5,000,000 armored car all

16

risk insurance.

17

(d)  Proof of workers' compensation insurance.--All

18

applicants for licenses and licensees seeking renewal of

19

licenses shall provide proof of compliance with or exemption

20

from the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the

21

Workers' Compensation Act.

22

(e)  Change of bond or insurance.--A licensee shall notify

23

the board within 15 days of any change relating to a bond or

24

insurance under this section.

25

(f)  Loss of bond or insurance.--A licensee who fails to

26

maintain a bond or insurance in an amount set by the board shall

27

immediately suspend activity pursuant to the license until a new

28

bond or insurance is acquired.

29

(g)  Deposit in lieu of bond and insurance.--Upon determining

30

that a corporate surety bond as required by subsections (a) and

- 29 -

 


1

(b) or general liability insurance as required by subsection (c)

2

is not commercially available to a category of licensees, the

3

board may accept from a licensee in that category, in lieu of

4

bond or insurance, any of the following in an amount set by the

5

board:

6

(1)  A deposit of cash.

7

(2)  A certified check.

8

(3)  An irrevocable letter of credit.

9

(h)  Amount of deposit.--When establishing an amount in lieu

10

of general liability insurance under subsection (g), the board

11

may do all of the following:

12

(1)  Disregard the minimum amounts under subsection (c).

13

(2)  Impose additional requirements as will, in the

14

board's discretion, offer some assurance of recovery for an

15

injured party.

16

§ 316.  Licensure of corporations and other legal entities.

17

(a)  Licensing.--If a corporation, partnership, limited

18

liability company or other legal entity other than a natural

19

person applies for or has one or more categories of licenses

20

under this chapter, the requirements of licensing for that

21

category under this chapter, except the qualification by

22

examination under section 306(c)(6) (relating to licensure) and

23

the required additional qualifications of section 306(d), shall

24

apply to the president, treasurer and secretary of the

25

corporation or equivalent officers of a partnership, limited

26

liability company or other legal entity. At least one officer,

27

known as a qualifying officer, shall meet one of the following

28

requirements for each category of license:

29

(1)  Fulfillment of the requirements of section 306(c)(6)

30

and (d).

- 30 -

 


1

(2)  Possession of the category of license under this

2

chapter.

3

(3)  Entitlement to apply for renewal pursuant to section

4

308(a) (relating to license renewal) for that category of

5

license held by the corporation, partnership, limited

6

liability company or other legal entity.

7

(b)  Qualifying officers.--Unless an officer of a

8

corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other

9

legal entity meets one of the following requirements, the

10

officer shall not receive a pocket card or badge identifying the

11

officer as a licensee under section 313(a) (relating to pocket

12

cards and badges) or be eligible for appointment to the board as

13

one of the professional members under section 304(b)(5)

14

(relating to board):

15

(1)  Fulfillment of the requirements of section 306(c)(6)

16

and (d).

17

(2)  Possession of a license under this chapter.

18

(3)  Entitlement to apply for renewal pursuant to section

19

308(a).

20

(c)  Successors.--In case of death, resignation or removal of

21

an officer of a corporation, partnership, limited liability

22

company or other legal entity, all of the following shall apply:

23

(1)  The successor officer must comply with this section.

24

(2)  Notice must be provided in writing to the board

25

regarding the death, resignation or removal.

26

(3)  A copy of the minutes of any meeting of the board of

27

directors or similar body regarding the death, resignation or

28

removal of an officer and designation of a successor must be

29

provided to the board.

30

§ 317.  Criminal history record check.

- 31 -

 


1

(a)  General rule.--The board shall conduct a criminal

2

history record check, as provided under subsection (b), on each

3

applicant for a license, each licensee applying for renewal and

4

each employee of a licensee.

5

(b)  Records check.--The board shall do all of the following:

6

(1)  Obtain a report of criminal history record

7

information from the central repository pursuant to 18

8

Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating to criminal history record

9

information).

10

(2)  Submit a set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania

11

State Police to provide to the Federal Bureau of

12

Investigation for Federal criminal history record information

13

pursuant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation appropriation

14

of Title II of Public Law 92-544, 86 Stat. 1115. The board

15

shall be the intermediary for the purposes of this paragraph.

16

(3)  Conduct additional research concerning an

17

applicant's, licensee's or employee's criminal history as the

18

board deems necessary.

19

§ 318.  Prohibition.

20

(a)  Applicant.--In no case shall a license be issued to an

21

applicant or a renewal license issued to a licensee if the

22

applicant's or licensee's criminal history record information

23

indicates the applicant has been convicted of any offense under

24

subsection (c).

25

(b)  Licensee.--The board shall revoke the license of any

26

licensee who is convicted of an offense under subsection (c).

27

(c)  Prohibited offenses.--The following shall include

28

prohibited offenses:

29

(1)  An offense designated as a felony under the act of

30

April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled

- 32 -

 


1

Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.

2

(2)  An offense designated as a felony or serious

3

misdemeanor under one or more of the following provisions of

4

18 Pa.C.S. (relating to crimes and offenses):

5

Chapter 25 (relating to criminal homicide).

6

Chapter 27 (relating to assault).

7

Chapter 29 (related to kidnapping).

8

Chapter 31 (relating to sexual offenses).

9

Section 3301 (relating to arson and related

10

offenses).

11

Section 3502 (relating to burglary).

12

Chapter 37 (relating to robbery).

13

Chapter 39 (relating to theft and related offenses)

14

where the offense is graded higher than a summary

15

offense.

16

Chapter 41 (relating to forgery and fraudulent

17

practices).

18

Chapter 43 (relating to offenses against the family).

19

Chapter 47 (relating to bribery and corrupt

20

influence).

21

Chapter 49 (relating to falsification and

22

intimidation).

23

Chapter 53 (relating to abuse of office).

24

Chapter 55 (relating to riot, disorderly conduct and

25

related offenses).

26

Chapter 57 (relating to wiretapping and electronic

27

surveillance).

28

Chapter 59 (relating to public indecency).

29

Chapter 61 (relating to firearms and other dangerous

30

articles).

- 33 -

 


1

Chapter 63 (relating to minors).

2

(3)  An offense designated as a felony or serious

3

misdemeanor related to misconduct in public office, including

4

tampering, bribery, making false statements or impersonation.

5

(4)  A Federal or out-of-State offense similar in nature

6

to those listed in paragraph (1), (2) or (3).

7

(5)  An attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit any

8

of the offenses listed in paragraph (1), (2), (3) or (4).

9

§ 319.  Title and utilization.

10

(a)  Private investigator licensee.--A private investigator

11

licensee has the right to use the title "private investigator"

12

or "private detective" and the abbreviation "P.I."

13

(b)  Security professional licensee.--A security professional

14

licensee has the right to use the title "security professional."

15

(c)  Armored car security officer licensee.--An armored car

16

security officer licensee has the right to use the title

17

"armored car security officer".

18

(d)  Fugitive recovery agent licensee.--A fugitive recovery

19

agent licensee has the right to use the title "bounty hunter" or

20

"fugitive recovery agent."

21

§ 320.  Rules of professional conduct.

22

(a)  General rule.--The following constitute the rules of

23

professional conduct for all licensees and employees:

24

(1)  A licensee and all employees shall carry out the

25

licensed practice with reasonable skill.

26

(2)  A licensee and all employees shall not violate any

27

regulation or order of the board.

28

(3)  A licensee and all employees shall not practice or

29

attempt to practice beyond a licensee's defined scope of

30

practice.

- 34 -

 


1

(4)  A licensee and all employees shall not knowingly

2

aid, assist or provide advice to encourage the unlawful

3

practice of a profession licensed under this chapter.

4

(5)  A licensee and all employees shall not violate any

5

other rule of professional conduct as promulgated by

6

regulation of the board.

7

(b)  Private investigator licensees.--A private investigator

8

licensee or employee of the licensee who is asked to locate a

9

person shall make a reasonable effort to determine the reason

10

for the inquiry.

11

§ 321.  Sanctions.

12

(a)  Discretionary.--The following shall apply to

13

discretionary sanctions:

14

(1)  If the board finds that a licensee has violated any

15

of the rules of professional conduct, has engaged in any

16

conduct prohibited by this chapter or has failed to fulfill

17

any duties imposed by this chapter, the board may administer

18

the following sanctions:

19

(i)  Suspend enforcement of its finding and place a

20

licensee on probation with the right to vacate the

21

probationary order for noncompliance.

22

(ii)  Administer a public reprimand.

23

(iii)  Impose an administrative penalty of up to

24

$5,000.

25

(iv)  Suspend the license.

26

(v)  Revoke the license.

27

(2)  The board may vacate a sanction if it determines

28

that vacation is just and reasonable.

29

(b)  Mandatory.--The following shall apply to mandatory

30

sanctions:

- 35 -

 


1

(1)  The board shall suspend a license if any of the

2

following apply:

3

(i)  The licensee is committed to an institution

4

because of mental incompetence from any cause.

5

(ii)  The licensee is convicted of any prohibited

6

offense as provided in section 318(c) (relating to

7

prohibition).

8

(2)  Automatic suspension under this subsection shall not

9

be stayed pending any appeal of a conviction.

10

(c)  Administrative agency law.--This section shall be

11

subject to 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 5 Subch A. (relating to practice and

12

procedure of Commonwealth agencies) and Ch. 7 Subch. A (relating

13

to judicial review of Commonwealth agency action).

14

(d)  Return of license.--The board shall require a licensee

15

whose license has been suspended or revoked to return the

16

license as provided in section 307(d) (relating to form of

17

license).

18

§ 322.  Injunction.

19

The board may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent

20

jurisdiction to enjoin a person from committing any violation of

21

this chapter. Relief under this section shall be in addition to

22

and not in lieu of all remedies and penalties under sections 321

23

(relating to sanctions), 323 (relating to unlawful acts) and

24

other penalties or remedies provided for in this chapter.

25

§ 323.  Unlawful acts.

26

(a)  Unlawful practice.--A person commits a misdemeanor of

27

the second degree if the person does any of the following:

28

(1)  Without being licensed, engages in the practice of

29

one of the categories of license under this chapter.

30

(2)  Falsely pretends to hold a license under this

- 36 -

 


1

chapter with intent to induce another to submit to the

2

pretended official authority or otherwise to act in reliance

3

upon that pretense to the other's prejudice.

4

(3)  Falsely pretends to be an employee of a licensee

5

under this chapter with intent to induce another to submit to

6

the pretended official authority or otherwise to act in

7

reliance upon that pretense to the other's prejudice.

8

(4)  Possesses a forged or counterfeit license, pocket

9

card or badge in furtherance of paragraph (2) or (3).

10

(5)  Performs any other action in furtherance of a false

11

pretense under paragraph (2) or (3).

12

(b)  Fraud.--A person who sells, fraudulently obtains or

13

fraudulently furnishes a license, pocket card or badge commits a

14

misdemeanor of the second degree.

15

(c)  Unlawful use of title.--A person who uses a title or

16

abbreviation in violation of section 319 (relating to title and

17

utilization) commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.

18

(d)  Penalties to be in addition to other penalties.--A

19

penalty imposed under this section shall be in addition to other

20

criminal penalties provided for in this chapter

21

§ 324.  Exclusions.

22

(a)  General rule.--Nothing in this chapter shall be

23

construed as preventing, restricting or requiring licensure of

24

an individual, while engaged in the official performance of his

25

duties, who is in the exclusive employment of any of the

26

following:

27

(1)  The Federal Government.

28

(2)  The Commonwealth or any of its political

29

subdivisions.

30

(3)  Any other state or political subdivision of a state,

- 37 -

 


1

including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of

2

Puerto Rico and the territories and possessions of the United

3

States.

4

(b)  Private investigator's license.--The following shall not

5

be required to obtain a private investigator's license:

6

(1)  An individual exclusively employed by a credit

7

bureau whose responsibility is to collect information as to

8

an individual's creditworthiness or financial condition,

9

while engaged in the duties of such employment.

10

(2)  An individual exclusively employed for one insurance

11

company, while engaged in the duties of such employment, as

12

an investigator in a special investigation unit or similar

13

capacity.

14

(3)  An attorney or an individual exclusively employed as

15

an investigator for one attorney or law firm, while engaged

16

in the duties of such employment.

17

(4)  An individual in the exclusive employment of a

18

common carrier subject to Federal regulation or regulation by

19

the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, while engaged in

20

the duties of such employment.

21

(5)  An individual in the exclusive employment of a

22

telephone, telegraph or other telecommunications company

23

subject to regulation by the Federal Communications

24

Commission or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission,

25

while engaged in the duties of such employment.

26

(6)  An individual in the exclusive employment of a

27

newspaper of general circulation while engaged in the duties

28

of that employment.

29

(7)  A license holder or corporation or other entity

30

licensed as a private investigative agency in this

- 38 -

 


1

Commonwealth under the Private Detective Act of 1953 before

2

the effective date of this chapter, if the license has not

3

expired.

4

(8)  An employee of a licensee under paragraph (7).

5

(9)  A holder of a license as a private investigator or

6

private detective from another state or jurisdiction or an

7

employee of the licensee, for the purpose of investigating a

8

single case which originated in the state or jurisdiction

9

where the license is held. The individual shall notify the

10

board, as soon as practical, of the nature of the

11

investigation.

12

(10)  An employer, or a third party acting on behalf of

13

an employer, conducting a background check upon an applicant

14

or employee with the written consent of the applicant or

15

employee. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term

16

employer shall include any volunteer organization conducting

17

a background check upon a volunteer or prospective volunteer.

18

(11)  An individual who accesses public records without

19

compensation or other remuneration.

20

(c)  Security professional license.--An individual, while

21

engaged in the official performance of the individual's duties,

22

who is in the exclusive employment of a foreign government,

23

shall not be required to obtain a security professional's

24

license.

25

(d)  Armored car security officer licensee.--An individual

26

functioning as an armored car crew member pursuant to the

27

Armored Car Industry Reciprocity Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-55,

28

15 U.S.C. § 5902 et seq.) shall not be required to obtain an

29

armored car security officer's license.

30

(e)  Fugitive recovery agent's license.--The following shall

- 39 -

 


1

not be required to obtain a fugitive recovery agent's license:

2

(1)  A professional bondsman licensed under 42 Pa.C.S. §

3

5743 (relating to issuance of license) or an employee of the

4

bondsman.

5

(2)  A fidelity or surety company which acts as surety on

6

an undertaking under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5747 (relating to

7

statements by fidelity or surety companies) or an employee of

8

the fidelity or surety company.

9

(3)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

10

liability company or other legal entity licensed as a private

11

investigator under this chapter or an employee of the

12

licensee.

13

(4)  An individual listed under subsection (b)(6) or (7).

14

(5)  A holder of a license as a bail bondsman, bounty

15

hunter, fugitive recovery agent or similar license from

16

another state or jurisdiction or employee of the licensee,

17

for the purpose of capturing a fugitive who fled from the

18

state or jurisdiction where the license is held. The

19

individual shall, before attempting apprehension of the

20

fugitive, notify both the board and the chief law enforcement

21

officer, as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 8951 (relating to

22

definitions), of the political subdivision where the fugitive

23

is located.

24

(6)  A holder of a license as a private investigator or

25

private detective from another state or jurisdiction or

26

employee of the licensee, for the purpose of capturing a

27

fugitive who fled from the state or jurisdiction where the

28

license is held. The individual shall, before attempting

29

apprehension of the fugitive, notify both the board and the

30

chief law enforcement officer, as defined in 42 Pa.C.S. §

- 40 -

 


1

8951, of the political subdivision where the fugitive is

2

located.

3

(7)  A constable or deputy constable certified to perform

4

judicial duties under 44 Pa.C.S. Ch. 71 (relating to

5

constables).

6

(f)  Other exclusions.--The board may by regulation exclude

7

other individuals or entities from the licensing requirements

8

under this chapter.

9

CHAPTER 11

10

LETHAL WEAPONS TRAINING

11

Sec.

12

1101.  Legislative findings and purpose.

13

1102.  Definitions.

14

1103.  Education and training program.

15

1104.  Powers and duties of commissioner.

16

1105.  Certificate of qualification.

17

1106.  Certification and fee.

18

1107.  Good standing.

19

1108.  Retired police officers.

20

1109.  Penalties.

21

1110.  Prohibited acts.

22

1111.  Active police officers.

23

§ 1101.  Legislative findings and purpose.

24

The following shall apply:

25

(1)  The General Assembly finds that there are private

26

detectives, investigators, watchmen, security guards, armored

27

car security officers, patrolmen and fugitive recovery

28

agents, privately employed within this Commonwealth, who

29

carry and use lethal weapons, including firearms, as an

30

incidence of their employment and that there have been

- 41 -

 


1

various tragic incidents involving these individuals which

2

occurred because of unfamiliarity with the handling of

3

weapons. The General Assembly also finds that there is

4

presently no training required for privately employed agents

5

in the handling of lethal weapons or in the knowledge of law

6

enforcement and the protection of rights of citizens, and

7

that the training would be beneficial to the safety of the

8

citizens of this Commonwealth.

9

(2)  It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the

10

education, training and certification of privately employed

11

agents who, as an incidence to their employment, carry lethal

12

weapons through a program administered or approved by the

13

Commissioner of Pennsylvania State Police.

14

§ 1102.  Definitions.

15

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter

16

shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

17

context clearly indicates otherwise:

18

"Commissioner."  The Commissioner of Pennsylvania State

19

Police.

20

"Full-time police officer."  Any employee of a city, borough,

21

town, township or county police department assigned to law

22

enforcement duties who works a minimum of 200 days per year. The

23

term does not include persons employed to check parking meters

24

or to perform only administrative duties, nor does it include

25

auxiliary and fire police.

26

"Lethal weapons."  The term includes firearms and other

27

weapons calculated to produce death or serious bodily harm. A

28

concealed billy club is a lethal weapon. Chemical mace or any

29

similar substance shall not be considered as "lethal weapons"

30

for the purposes of this chapter.

- 42 -

 


1

"Privately employed agents."  Any person employed for the

2

purpose of providing watch guard, protective patrol, fugitive

3

recovery, bail enforcement, bail recovery, detective or criminal

4

investigative services either for another for a fee or for the

5

person's employer. The term includes any licensee or employee of

6

a licensee, under Chapter 3 (relating to private investigators,

7

security professionals, armored car security officers and

8

fugitive recovery agents) and a police officer of a municipal

9

authority. The term shall not include:

10

(1)  Federal, State or local government employees;

11

(2)  those police officers commissioned by the Governor

12

under the former act of February 27, 1865 (P.L.225, No.228),

13

entitled "An act empowering railroad companies to employ

14

police force" or Chapter 33 (relating to railroad and street

15

railway police); or

16

(3)  an armored car crew member who:

17

(i)  is carrying a weapon pursuant to the Armored Car

18

Industry Reciprocity Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-55, 15

19

U.S.C. § 5904(1)); or

20

(ii)  is carrying a weapon after having completed the

21

education and training program established in section

22

1103 (relating to education and training program).

23

"Program."  The education and training program established

24

and administered or approved by the Commissioner of Pennsylvania

25

State Police in accordance with this chapter.

26

§ 1103.  Education and training program.

27

(a)  Establishment.--An education and training program in the

28

handling of lethal weapons, law enforcement and protection of

29

rights of citizens shall be established and administered or

30

approved by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions

- 43 -

 


1

of this chapter.

2

(b)  Requirement.--All privately employed agents, except

3

those who have been granted a waiver from compliance with this

4

chapter by the commissioner who, as an incidence to their

5

employment, carry a lethal weapon shall be required to attend

6

the program established by subsection (a) in accordance with the

7

requirements or regulations established by the commissioner and,

8

upon satisfactory completion of the program, shall be entitled

9

to certification by the commissioner.

10

(c)  Alternate programs prohibited.--Except for colleges and

11

universities, no nongovernment employer of a privately employed

12

agent who, as an incidence to the privately employed agent's

13

employment, carries a lethal weapon, shall own, operate or

14

otherwise participate in, directly or indirectly, the

15

establishment or administration of the program established by

16

subsection (a).

17

§ 1104.  Powers and duties of commissioner.

18

The commissioner shall have the power and duty to do all of

19

the following:

20

(1)  To implement and administer or approve the minimum

21

courses of study and training for the program in the handling

22

of lethal weapons, law enforcement and protection of the

23

rights of citizens.

24

(2)  To implement and administer or approve physical and

25

psychological testing and screening of the candidate for the

26

purpose of barring from the program those not physically or

27

mentally fit to handle lethal weapons. Candidates who are

28

full-time police officers and have successfully completed a

29

physical and psychological examination as a prerequisite to

30

employment or to continued employment by their local police

- 44 -

 


1

departments or who have been continuously employed as full-

2

time police officers since June 18, 1974, shall not be

3

required to undergo any physical or psychological testing and

4

screening procedures implemented under this paragraph.

5

(3)  To issue certificates of approval to schools

6

approved by the commissioner and to withdraw certificates of

7

approval from those schools disapproved by the commissioner.

8

(4)  To certify instructors pursuant to the minimum

9

qualifications established by the commissioner.

10

(5)  To consult and cooperate with universities,

11

colleges, community colleges and institutes for the

12

development of specialized courses in handling lethal

13

weapons, law enforcement and protection of the rights of

14

citizens.

15

(6)  To consult and cooperate with departments and

16

agencies of this Commonwealth and other states and the

17

Federal Government concerned with similar training.

18

(7)  To certify those individuals who have satisfactorily

19

completed basic educational and training requirements as

20

established by the commissioner and to issue appropriate

21

certificates to those persons.

22

(8)  To visit and inspect approved schools at least once

23

a year.

24

(9)  In the event that the commissioner implements and

25

administers a program, to collect reasonable charges from the

26

students enrolled therein to pay for the costs of the

27

program.

28

(10)  To make rules and regulations and to perform other

29

duties as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to

30

implement the education and training program.

- 45 -

 


1

(11)  To grant waivers from compliance with the

2

provisions of this chapter applicable to privately employed

3

agents who have completed a course of instruction in a

4

training program approved by the commissioner.

5

§ 1105.  Certificate of qualification.

6

(a)  Application.--Any person desiring to enroll in a program

7

shall make application to the commissioner on a form to be

8

prescribed by the commissioner.

9

(b)  Contents.--The application shall be signed and verified

10

by the applicant. It shall include the applicant's full name,

11

age, residence, present and previous occupations and any other

12

information that may be required by the commissioner to show the

13

good character, competency and integrity of the applicant.

14

(c)  Presentation.--The application shall be personally

15

presented by the applicant at an office of the Pennsylvania

16

State Police where the applicant's fingerprints shall be affixed

17

to the application. The application shall be accompanied by two

18

current photographs of the applicant of a size and nature to be

19

prescribed by the commissioner and an application fee set under

20

section 616-A of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175),

21

known as The Administrative Code of 1929, unless the applicant

22

is a full-time police officer, in which case no application fee

23

shall be required. The application shall then be forwarded to

24

the commissioner.

25

(d)  Examination.--The fingerprints of the applicant shall be

26

examined by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau

27

of Investigation to determine if the applicant has been

28

convicted of or has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a crime

29

of violence. The commissioner shall have the power to waive the

30

requirement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation examination.

- 46 -

 


1

Any fee charged by the Federal agency shall be paid by the

2

applicant.

3

(e)  Age requirement.--No application shall be accepted if

4

the applicant is 17 years of age or younger.

5

(f)  Process.--After the application has been processed and

6

if the commissioner determines that the applicant is 18 years of

7

age and has not been convicted of or has not pleaded guilty or

8

nolo contendere to a crime of violence and has satisfied any

9

other requirements prescribed by the commissioner under the

10

commissioner's powers and duties under section 1104 (relating to

11

powers and duties of commissioner), the commissioner shall issue

12

a certificate of qualification which shall entitle the applicant

13

to enroll in an approved program.

14

§ 1106.  Certification and fee.

15

(a)  Fee.--A certification fee set under section 616-A of the

16

act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The

17

Administrative Code of 1929, shall be paid by each individual

18

satisfactorily completing the program prior to the receipt of a

19

certificate.

20

(b)  Certificate.--The commissioner shall furnish to each

21

individual satisfactorily completing the program, an appropriate

22

wallet or billfold size copy of the certificate, which shall

23

include a photograph of the individual.

24

(c)  Identification.--Every certified individual shall carry

25

the wallet or billfold size certificate on the certified

26

individual's person as identification during the time when the

27

certified individual is on duty or going to and from duty and

28

carrying a lethal weapon.

29

(d)  Time period.--Certification shall be for a period of two

30

years.

- 47 -

 


1

(e)  Renewal.--Privately employed agents who, as an incidence

2

to their employment, carry a lethal weapon shall be required to

3

renew their certification within six months prior to the

4

expiration of their certificate. The commissioner shall

5

prescribe the manner in which the certification shall be renewed

6

and may charge a nominal renewal fee set under The

7

Administrative Code of 1929.

8

§ 1107.  Good standing.

9

(a)  Possession.--Privately employed agents must possess a

10

valid certificate whenever on duty or going to and from duty and

11

carrying a lethal weapon.

12

(b)  Discharge.--Whenever an employer of a privately employed

13

agent subject to the provisions of this chapter discharges the

14

agent for cause, the employer shall notify the commissioner of

15

the discharge within five days.

16

(c)  Revocation.--The commissioner may revoke and invalidate

17

any certificate issued to a privately employed agent under this

18

chapter whenever the commissioner learns that false, fraudulent

19

or misstated information appears on the original or renewal

20

application or of a change of circumstances that would render an

21

employee ineligible for original certification.

22

§ 1108.  Retired police officers.

23

(a)  Initial certification.--A nondisability retired police

24

officer of a Pennsylvania municipality or the Pennsylvania State

25

Police shall be initially certified under this chapter and need

26

not meet the training and qualification standards or physical

27

and psychological qualifications under this chapter if the

28

officer was a full-time police officer for at least 20 years,

29

retired in good standing and has assumed the duties of a

30

privately employed agent on or before three years from the date

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1

of his retirement. If a retired police officer commences duties

2

as a privately employed agent after three years from the date of

3

the retired officer's retirement, the retired officer must meet

4

the physical and psychological requirements of this chapter for

5

certification under this section.

6

(b)  Fee.--A retired police officer initially certified under

7

this section shall not be required to pay the application fee

8

but shall pay the certification fee upon the submission of a

9

completed application provided by the commissioner.

10

§ 1109.  Penalties.

11

(a)  Misdemeanor offense.--Any privately employed agent who

12

in the course of the agent's employment carries a lethal weapon

13

and who fails to comply with section 1103(b) (relating to

14

education and training program) or with section 1107(a)

15

(relating to good standing) commits a misdemeanor and shall,

16

upon conviction, be subject to imprisonment of not more than one

17

year or payment of a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

18

(b)  Summary offense.--Any privately employed agent who in

19

the course of the agent's employment carries a lethal weapon and

20

who violates section 1107(c) commits a summary offense and

21

shall, upon conviction, pay a fine not exceeding $50.

22

§ 1110.  Prohibited acts.

23

No individual certified under this chapter shall carry an

24

inoperative or model firearm while employed and shall carry only

25

a powder actuated firearm approved by the commissioner.

26

§ 1111.  Active police officers.

27

All active police officers subject to the training provisions

28

of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 Subch. D (relating to municipal police

29

education and training) shall be granted a waiver of the

30

training requirements of this chapter upon presentation to the

- 49 -

 


1

commissioner of evidence of their completion of the training

2

requirements of 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 Subch. D and the successful

3

completion of a biennial firearms qualification examination

4

administered by their respective police agency.

5

Section 4.  The following shall apply:

6

(1)  An individual, corporation, partnership, limited

7

liability company or other legal entity licensed under the

8

former act of August 21, 1953 (P.L.1273, No. 361), known as

9

The Private Detective Act of 1953, on the effective date of

10

this section shall be deemed to be licensed as both a private

11

investigator and a security professional under 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 

12

3 for the balance of the term of the license issued under the

13

former act known as The Private Detective Act of 1953.

14

(2)  Nothing in 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3 shall require armored

15

car security officers or fugitive recovery agents to obtain a

16

license or comply with Chapter 3 until July 1, 2012.

17

Section 5.  The following shall apply:

18

(1)  The sum of $150,000, or as much thereof as may be

19

necessary, is hereby appropriated from the Professional

20

Licensure Augmentation Account for the fiscal year July 1,

21

2011, to June 30, 2012, for the operation of the State Board

22

of Private Investigators, Security Professionals, Armored Car

23

Security Officers and Fugitive Recovery Agents to carry out

24

the provisions of 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3. The appropriation shall

25

be a continuing appropriation until June 30, 2015, at which

26

time any unexpended funds shall lapse into the account.

27

(2)  Additional funding may be appropriated from the

28

Professional Licensure Augmentation Account, upon approval of

29

the Governor, for start-up costs in excess of the

30

appropriation under paragraph (1).

- 50 -

 


1

(3)  The appropriation under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall

2

be repaid by the board to the account within three years of

3

the beginning of issuance of licenses by the board.

4

Section 6.  The provisions of this act are severable. If any

5

provision of this act or its application to any person or

6

circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect

7

other provisions or applications of this act which can be given

8

effect without the invalid provision or application.

9

Section 7.  Repeals are as follows:

10

(1)  The General Assembly declares that the repeal under

11

paragraph (2) is necessary to effectuate the addition of 22

12

Pa.C.S. Ch. 3.

13

(2)  The act of August 21, 1953 (P.L.1273, No.361), known

14

as The Private Detective Act of 1953, is repealed.

15

(3)  The General Assembly declares that the repeal under

16

paragraph (4) is necessary to effectuate the addition of 22

17

Pa.C.S. Ch. 11.

18

(4)  The act of October 10, 1974 (P.L.705, No.235), known

19

as the Lethal Weapons Training Act, is repealed.

20

(5)  All acts and parts of acts are repealed insofar as

21

they are inconsistent with this act.

22

Section 8.  The addition of 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3 is a

23

continuation of the act of August 21, 1953 (P.L.1273, No.361),

24

known as The Private Detective Act of 1953. Except as otherwise

25

provided in 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3, all activities initiated under The

26

Private Detective Act shall continue and remain in full force

27

and effect and may be completed under 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 3. Orders,

28

regulations, rules and decisions which were made under The

29

Private Detective Act and which are in effect on the effective

30

date of section 7(2) of this act shall remain in full force and

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1

effect until revoked, vacated or modified under 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 

2

3. Contracts, obligations and collective bargaining agreements

3

entered into under The Private Detective Act are not affected

4

nor impaired by the repeal of The Private Detective Act.

5

Section 9.  The addition of 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11 is a

6

continuation of the act of October 10, 1974 (P.L.705, No.235),

7

known as the Lethal Weapons Training Act. The following apply:

8

(1)  Except as otherwise provided in 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11, 

9

all activities initiated under the Lethal Weapons Training

10

Act shall continue and remain in full force and effect and

11

may be completed under 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11. Orders,

12

regulations, rules and decisions which were made under the

13

Lethal Weapons Training Act and which are in effect on the

14

effective date of section 7(4) of this act shall remain in

15

full force and effect until revoked, vacated or modified

16

under 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11. Contracts, obligations and

17

collective bargaining agreements entered into under the

18

Lethal Weapons Training Act are not affected nor impaired by

19

the repeal of the Lethal Weapons Training Act.

20

(2)  Except as set forth in paragraph (3), any difference

21

in language between 22 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11 and the Lethal Weapons

22

Training Act is intended only to conform to the style of the

23

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and is not intended to

24

change or affect the legislative intent, judicial

25

construction or administration and implementation of the

26

Lethal Weapons Training Act.

27

(3)  Paragraph (2) does not apply to:

28

(i)  The addition of the definition of "privately

29

employed agents" in 22 Pa.C.S. § 1102.

30

(ii)  The time-period certification change in section

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1

22 Pa.C.S. § 1106(d).

2

Section 10.  This act shall take effect as follows:

3

(1)  The following provisions of this act shall take

4

effect immediately:

5

(i)  The addition of 22 Pa.C.S. § 304.

6

(ii)  Section 5.

7

(iii)  This section.

8

(2)  The remainder of this act shall take effect in 180

9

days.

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