Does anyone know if it is possible for a police officer to become a private investigator while on the force??

Question

Could a police officer be a private investigator as a side or part time career while they are currently still working with a police department, or would they have to give one of them up?? If any professional knows I would be extremely grateful, thanks alot!!!

Answer 1

Not in my State, and I would sincerely doubt the other 49.  A police officer has access to considerable resources, including identifiers and privacy-sensitive information, which is just not meant to be used in for-profit investigations.  My State absolutely will not issue a PI license, or an associate PI license to a police officer.

Answer 2

No they cannot.

Answer 3

No.  I am pretty sure that all 50 states are alike.  I am a police officer and to become a private investigator, you must obtain a state certified license (especially if you are to be armed).  In Oklahoma, it is the CLEET Certification, Texas and California- the POST Certification.  These certifications are prohibited if you hold a valid sworn peace officer's certification.  A police officer has access to many areas of information that are not privey to the Freedom of Information Act therefore can not be used for personal gain.  As a matter of fact, accessing federal and state files that are NOT for active investigations that are being conducted by a law enforcement agency with an active case number.... is a FELONY!  Many officers are brought up on charges and terminated each year for doing just that.... looking up old girlfriends, helping family members with background checks, finding lien info for purchase of automobiles, etc.... It's all a BIG NO NO!  Not to mention, it is a conflict of interest.  You cannot stub Law Enforcement Investigation and then pick it back up as a P.I. for PROFIT!  Plus, if a P.I. engages in an investigation- he might have to take legal action which make him act under color of law which is another NO NO.  But if he were to do nothing... he would ALSO be in trouble.  This is why LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers) cannot be:  Bondsman, Bounty Hunters, Private Investigators, etc.  So, in closing, the answer is NO!  Thinking about it.... the only possible way it could even REMOTELY be done is they were certified as a LEO in one state and a PI in another.  Hope this helped!

Answer 4

No, for many reasons.

On the top of the list, your department has to approve off duty employment. This would never happen, due to the potential conflict of interest.