Currently, Colorado is one of a handful of states that have no licensing standards for private investigators. Advanced Private Investigations, LLC in its involvement with the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado has recognized the need for licensing to raise the standard of professionalism for private investigators as well as to better address access to public records and databases. API is comprised of Senior Members of PPIAC.
As a leader of PI training and legislative matters in Colorado, the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado is taking a proactive, rather than reactive approach to licensing which will more effectively direct the outcome of legislation. In this case the increasingly attention-garnering topic of Colorado’s lack of licensing standards will be better directed if introduced by PPIAC than by non-PI groups.
PPIAC has worked for several months beginning in mid-2010 to bring a private investigator licensing bill to Colorado. Early in February 2011, that goal became a reality when HB11-1195 was introduced to the Colorado General Assembly. PPIAC formed a licensing committee to develop a unique voluntary licensing approach to a bill. This unique licensing approach, along with several other Key Points which were completely and wholly incorporated by the bill writer into HB11-1195, have already received strong support from PPIAC members as well as non member investigators. Perhaps more importantly, several Colorado legislators have already voiced their support of the bill.
Another unique approach of HB11-1195 is the bi-partisan sponsorship that the bill has received. Representative Bob Gardner(R) volunteered to be the prime sponsor in the House. Representative Su Ryden(D) has agreed to be a co-sponsor in the House. Senator Linda Newell(D) is the prime sponsor in the Senate. PPIAC continues to seek a Republican co-sponsor in the Senate.
All Colorado private investigators and detectives, both PPIAC members and non-members alike are strongly encouraged to join forces to support what looks to be Colorado’s best opportunity yet of having a Colorado PI license become reality. Already PPIAC has received approximately $5,000 in donations from members and non-member investigators to help fund PPIAC’s lobbyist. PPIAC’s goal is to raise $12,000 to pay for the lobbyist’s representation throughout the 2011 Colorado legislative session.
Please consider making a donation! Visit www.ppiac.org and look for the PayPal button to make a donation. A full version of HB11-1195 can also be located on the website.