Mr. Hebert:

Dont forget the PI license, which depending upon the state can be upwards of almost $1000/two years. Some states are relatively cheap (Florida Class C is only $75 -at last renewal) and Iowa was $125 at last check, but others like Oregon are almost $600 for a two year license. Multiply that (excluding reciprocities) by 51 states (including the state of Denial), the private sector is literally paying out the yingyang for the right to work. Again, state laws do not care about certifications, but they do care about state licensure.

Many of the larger corporations got around this expense by having their regional managers obtain the PI license and having all their "employeee" work under their license utilizing the little know "employee/employee" exemption. However, it is understood that this had been brought to the attention of the regulators of each state during a national meeting, and it is understood there are currently several states who are removing this exemption for "investigative" firms. This will now level the playing field and require all investigators to pass the criminal background check and pay their fees.

I too would like to see a national registry for PIs, and specifically for fire/arson investigators, but after consulting some very well known attorneys who specialize in Constitutional Issues involving State Rights, the chances of this happening are very slim.

BTW: I was able to push legislation through our state, and it is currently going through the "process", but it will automatically recognize all NAFI and IAAI courses for Continuing Ed requirements for our PI license. Oregon requires 40 hours of Continuing Ed every two years, including a required 2 hours in Ethics. One state down, 40 to go.

Chris