Private investigator licensing in Belize
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Belize.
Belize requires every private investigator, security guard and private investigation or security company to hold a licence from the Commissioner of Police (Cap. 138:01 s 4). Working or holding yourself out as a PI without one carries a fine of up to BZ$5,000 or 12 months in prison. No licence may go to anyone under 18, anyone convicted of an offence of violence or dishonesty in the past five years, or anyone of bad character (s 6(2)). Companies must also show financial viability and have adequate insurance (s 6(3)). Licences run to 31 December of the year of issue (Regulations reg. 6(3)), and investigators must carry the licence while working (s 13). Attorneys, credit-rating and pre-employment screening agencies, insurance adjusters and insurers are exempt (s 3).1
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How to get licensed2
- 1
Complete Form PSI 1 with a recent police record, ID and business-ownership documents, trade licence, a work permit if needed, two references and two passport photos (reg. 3)
- 2
Lodge the application with the Officer-in-Charge of the police district where you live (companies: where the head office is), who sends it to Police Headquarters in Belmopan with a fitness report and an inspection of the business premises (reg. 4)
- 3
The Commissioner of Police decides after any further inquiries and payment of the fee (reg. 5)
- 4
Once licensed (Form PSI 4 for a private investigator, PSI 2 for a company), carry the licence while investigating and keep employment records on Forms PSI 6 and PSI 7 (s 13, reg. 12)
- 5
Renew every year before 31 December
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See whether you can take a case in Belize.
How to qualify
- Who holds the licence
- Individuals and agencies
- Training
- No set course; the Commissioner weighs relevant training, experience, qualifications and skills (reg. 9(b)). The Act also bars applicants not sufficiently trained in firearms (s 6(2)(d))2
- Bond or insurance
- Companies must have, or undertake to get, adequate insurance for employees and day-to-day operations (s 6(3)(b)); the Commissioner may add insurance conditions to any licence (reg. 7(1)(a))1
- Citizenship
- No bar, but non-Belizeans pay triple fees and must show valid work permits (reg. 3(2)(b), Second Schedule)2
- Fees
- Private investigator BZ$200 a year (non-Belizean BZ$600); private investigation company BZ$500 a year (foreign company BZ$1,500); security guard BZ$25 (BZ$75); security company BZ$300 (BZ$900); half fee if you apply after 30 June (reg. 10, Second Schedule)2Fees change often: check the regulator's current schedule before you pay.
- Processing time
- Not published by the regulator
- Renewal
- Licences expire on 31 December of the year of issue (reg. 6(3)); renewed by endorsement on payment of the annual fee, with no new application needed (s 7(2), reg. 8)2
- Firearms
- Only licensed security companies may get a company firearm licence under the Firearms Act, Cap. 143, for named security guards the Commissioner has certified as fit to handle a firearm (s 15); there is no armed provision for private investigators1
Sources
Reference information, not legal advice. Confirm with the regulator before taking on work. Out of date? Tell us.
Questions about PI licensing in Belize
Do you need a licence to be a private investigator in Belize?+
Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Belize. Belize requires every private investigator, security guard and private investigation or security company to hold a licence from the Commissioner of Police (Cap. 138:01 s 4). Working or holding yourself out as a PI without one carries a fine of up to BZ$5,000 or 12 months in prison. No licence may go to anyone under 18, anyone convicted of an offence of violence or dishonesty in the past five years, or anyone of bad character (s 6(2)). Companies must also show financial viability and have adequate insurance (s 6(3)). Licences run to 31 December of the year of issue (Regulations reg. 6(3)), and investigators must carry the licence while working (s 13). Attorneys, credit-rating and pre-employment screening agencies, insurance adjusters and insurers are exempt (s 3).
Who licenses private investigators in Belize?+
Commissioner of Police (Belize Police Department, Police Headquarters, Belmopan), under Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) Act, Cap. 138:01 (Act 37 of 2002, in force 1 November 2002) and Private Security and Investigation Services (Control) Regulations (S.I. 135 of 2002); Revised Edition 2020.
How old do you have to be to become a private investigator in Belize?+
At least 18.
Do private investigators in Belize need a bond or insurance?+
Companies must have, or undertake to get, adequate insurance for employees and day-to-day operations (s 6(3)(b)); the Commissioner may add insurance conditions to any licence (reg. 7(1)(a))
How often does a Belize PI licence need renewing?+
Licences expire on 31 December of the year of issue (reg. 6(3)); renewed by endorsement on payment of the annual fee, with no new application needed (s 7(2), reg. 8)
How much does a private investigator licence cost in Belize?+
Private investigator BZ$200 a year (non-Belizean BZ$600); private investigation company BZ$500 a year (foreign company BZ$1,500); security guard BZ$25 (BZ$75); security company BZ$300 (BZ$900); half fee if you apply after 30 June (reg. 10, Second Schedule)
How do you get a private investigator licence in Belize?+
1. Complete Form PSI 1 with a recent police record, ID and business-ownership documents, trade licence, a work permit if needed, two references and two passport photos (reg. 3) 2. Lodge the application with the Officer-in-Charge of the police district where you live (companies: where the head office is), who sends it to Police Headquarters in Belmopan with a fitness report and an inspection of the business premises (reg. 4) 3. The Commissioner of Police decides after any further inquiries and payment of the fee (reg. 5) 4. Once licensed (Form PSI 4 for a private investigator, PSI 2 for a company), carry the licence while investigating and keep employment records on Forms PSI 6 and PSI 7 (s 13, reg. 12) 5. Renew every year before 31 December
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