If you're thinking about hiring a private investigator, you're probably already dealing with something stressful — a relationship you can't trust, money you can't recover, a person you can't find. The last thing you need is to hand your situation to someone who isn't qualified to handle it.
The good news: in Arizona, checking is easy. Private investigation is a licensed profession, and you're entitled to confirm who you're dealing with.
Who licenses private investigators in Arizona
Private investigators and private investigation agencies in Arizona are licensed through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Licensing Unit. An agency is licensed under a specific name, with a designated qualifying party — the licensed individual responsible for the agency's compliance. Employees who do investigative work must be registered with DPS as well.
DPS also issues identification cards to licensed and registered investigators. Under Arizona law, failing to show that card when requested while performing official duties is grounds for discipline.
For reference, our agency — The Office of Ross and Gibson — holds Arizona PI Agency License #1759360, with our founder, Anthony Romero, as the licensed qualifying party.
Five things to check before you hire
- The license number. Ask for the agency license number and confirm it with Arizona DPS. A legitimate investigator will give it to you without hesitation.
- The name matches. Arizona law requires agencies to advertise and contract under their licensed name (or an authorized fictitious name). If the website, contract and license show three different names, ask why.
- A written agreement. You should know the scope, rates, expenses and retainer before work begins — in writing.
- Relevant experience. Surveillance, skip tracing and corporate investigations are different skill sets. Ask how often they handle cases like yours.
- How they'll document results. Ask what you'll receive: a written report, time-stamped photos or video, or records research. Vague answers are a warning sign.
Red flags
Be careful with anyone who:
- Promises a specific outcome. No honest investigator can guarantee what they'll find.
- Offers to get phone records, bank records or someone's texts. Those are protected, and obtaining them through deception or hacking can be a crime — and can wreck your case.
- Implies they're law enforcement. Arizona law prohibits private investigators from impersonating police or suggesting government affiliation.
- Won't put pricing in writing.
- Pressures you to decide right now.
The bottom line
A licensed investigator protects you twice: once by doing the work properly, and again by gathering evidence in a way that won't backfire when it matters. Take five minutes to verify before you hire — including us.
If you'd like to talk through your situation, request a free, confidential consultation or call (602) 499-3230.
Sources: Arizona Department of Public Safety — Licensing · A.R.S. § 32-2457 — Grounds for disciplinary action