1. (1) Board – The Alabama Private Investigation Board.
2. (2) APIA – The Alabama Private Investigators Association.
3. (3) Applicant – any individual seeking licensure by the Board who has submitted an official application and paid the application fee.
4. (4) Biennial – every two (2) years.
5. (5) Felony – A criminal offense that is defined and punishable under the laws of this state, or an offense committed outside the State of Alabama, which if committed in this state, would constitute a felony under Alabama law; a crime in any other state or a crime against the United States which is designated as a felony; or an offense in any other state, territory, or country punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
6. (6) Licensed Private Investigator (LPI) – a person licensed by the Board to provide private investigation services.

7. (7) Private Investigation – The compensated act of any individual or company engaging in the business of obtaining or furnishing information with reference to any of the following:

   1. (a) A crime committed or threatened against the United States or any state or territory of the United States.
   2. (b) The identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, including, but not limited to, the credibility of a person giving testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputations, or character of any person.
   3. (c) The location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property.
   4. (d) The cause or responsibility for fires, losses, accidents, damages, or injuries to persons or to property.

8. (8) Private Investigator – A person who is engaged in private investigation as defined herein and who is licensed in accordance with this act.

   1. (a) A person who, for compensation, performs one or more of the private investigation services defined and regulated by this act.
   2. (b) A person who, for consideration, advertises as providing or performing a private investigation. The term does not include an informant who, on a one-time or limited basis, as a result of unique expertise, ability, or vocation, and who provides information or services while under the direction and control of a licensee of the Board, that would otherwise be included in the definition of private investigation. Private Investigation Agency -

9. (9) Private Investigation Agency - A corporation, firm, partnership, or other business entity that, for compensation, practices private investigation in this state and employs licensed private investigators. The term includes a business entity that practices private investigations through licensed private investigators who are solely independent contractors rather than employees.

   (10)Private Investigator Apprentice -   An individual who is engaged in a private investigation under the supervision of a licensed private investigator and who is licensed in accordance with this article.

Author: The Alabama Private Investigation Board

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§34-25B-1 through 34-25B-29.

History: New Rule: Filed March 7, 2014; effective April 11, 2014. Amended: Published January 31, 2025; effective March 17, 2025.