Private investigator licensing in Barbados

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Barbados. Private investigators, security guards and agencies in Barbados need an annual licence from the Private Investigators and Security Guards Licensing and Advisory Board under Cap. 372E. Applicants must be 18 or over and lodge a personal bond with sureties and a certificate of character from the Commissioner of Police; each new licence is published in the Official Gazette and anyone may object within a month. The Act bars investigators from using listening devices on private conversations or photographing or filming anyone without that person's prior written consent.

Private Investigators and Security Guards Licensing and Advisory Board (under the Minister responsible for Defence and Security), under Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, Cap. 372E.

At least 18.

No state exam is required.

Personal bond with one or more sureties in an amount approved by the Board; agencies must deposit securities with the Board

Licences expire on 31 December each year and are renewed in January on application and payment of the fee

1. Apply to the Board on the approved form giving name, address, date of birth, education, previous employers and the services you will offer 2. Attach a personal bond with surety and a certificate of character from the Commissioner of Police plus one other acceptable person 3. Agencies also give their place of business and directors or partners and deposit securities with the Board 4. Pay the prescribed fee; the Board publishes the licence in the Official Gazette, after which objections may be filed within one month 5. Renew every January

Barbados requires everyone's consent: all parties must agree before a conversation is recorded.