Private investigator licensing in Jamaica

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Jamaica. The Private Security Regulation Authority licenses and registers private investigators, security companies, guards and trainers under the Private Security Regulation Authority Act 1992. Anyone operating a private security organisation, which by law includes a private investigator, must hold a PSRA licence, and individuals also need a PSRA registration card. The Authority must refuse anyone under 18, an undischarged bankrupt or anyone convicted of a listed offence in the previous ten years.

Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA), Ministry of National Security, under The Private Security Regulation Authority Act, 1992 and the Private Security Regulation Authority Regulations, 1993.

At least 18.

No state exam is required.

Licences run for the period stated, up to 5 years, and are renewable for up to 5 years at a time, subject to an annual fee (Act s.11); registration cards are renewed with Application Form 2

Registration of each private investigator J$5,000; late renewal (60+ days after expiry) J$1,500; replacement card J$1,000; company licence J$23,000-62,000 a year depending on guard numbers

1. Complete and sign PSRA Application Form 2 (Form 1 as well for a company) 2. Attach a certified birth certificate, TRN, NIS card, photo ID, a fingerprint report from the Criminal Records Office, two JP-certified photographs and two references 3. Attend an interview with a PSRA officer and sign the form in their presence 4. Pay the prescribed fee 5. Companies also need incorporation and tax compliance documents and an inspection of their premises by the police and PSRA inspectors