Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) It shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the business of operating, managing, or conducting a security agency or detective agency, for profit or gain, or to advertise or represent his or her business to that of a security agency or detective agency, or that of conducting, managing, or operating a detective agency or security agency, without first obtaining:
(1) A public safety services license issued pursuant to § 47-2851.03; and
(2) Approval from the Chief of Police.
(b) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), no person shall act as a campus police officer, private detective, or special police officer in the District of Columbia without first obtaining:
(1) An occupational license issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection; and
(2) Approval from the Chief of Police.
(c) All laws that govern the Metropolitan Police force of the District of Columbia in the matters of persons, property, or money shall be applicable to all private detectives licensed under this section, and the detectives shall make like returns and dispositions of such matters as is required by existing law and the rules of the Mayor of the District of Columbia governing the Metropolitan Police Department.
(d) The Director of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection is authorized and empowered to:
(1) Issue civil penalties to a person who violates any provision of this section or the provisions of Chapter 21 of Title 17 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations pertaining to security agencies; and
(2) Suspend or revoke the license of a private detective when such action is deemed advisable in the public interest.
(e) Any occupational license fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Occupations and Professions Licensing Special Account established pursuant to § 47-2853.11.
(f) The Department may, through the promulgation of rules pursuant to subchapter 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 2, establish qualifications and fees for occupational licenses issued pursuant to this section, and establish civil penalties for violations of this section.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - District of Columbia Code Division VIII. General Laws. § 47-2853.208. Detective and security agencies; security services occupations. - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/dc/division-viii-general-laws/dc-code-sect-47-2853-208/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)