State of Illinois | Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Fingerprint Vendor

The Department began regulating private detectives and detective agencies in 1937. The Act was completely rewritten in 1986 to include private security guards, alarm contractors, and all registered employees. Locksmiths were added to the Act in 1995 and fingerprint vendors were added in 2007. The Act covers all aspects of the private investigation and private security industry, including the use of firearms. The Board is composed of thirteen members appointed by the Secretary, consisting of two licensed private detectives, three licensed private security contractors, two licensed private alarm contractors, two licensed locksmiths, one registered employee representative, one fingerprint vendor, and one public member. The Board is charged with providing expert knowledge and advice on disciplinary matters and professional.