English  Espanol
Blackman Detective Services Logo

Phone: (919) 821-0016
Fax: (919) 821-7015
Email: Investigator@blackmanpi.com
Free Consultation


Our Answers to Your Questions

If you are curious about what a private detective does, here is a list of the most frequently asked questions of Blackman Detective Services of Raleigh, North Carolina. Please contact us with any question that is not listed here.

Q: What is a private investigator?

A: Chapter 74C-3, Private Protective Services, Article 1, also known as the Private Protective Services Act, defines a private detective or private investigator as follows: “Any person who engages in the profession of, or accepts employment to furnish, agrees to make, or makes inquiries or investigations concerning any of the following on a contractual basis:

a. Crimes or wrongs done or threatened against the United States or any state or territory of the United States.
b. The identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation, or character of any person.
c. The location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property.
d. The cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, accidents, damages, or injuries to persons or to properties.
e. Securing evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigative committee.
f. Protection of individuals from serious bodily harm or death.”

Q: In which states is Blackman Detective Services licensed?

A: Blackman Detective Services is licensed in North Carolina with reciprocity granted to operate in most states. Chapter 74C-18, Private Protective Services, Article 1, also known as the Private Protective Services Act, defines reciprocity and temporary permit as follows:

a. To the extent that other states which provide for licensing of any private protective services profession provide for similar action for citizens of this state, the board, in its discretion, may grant a private protective services license to a nonresident who holds a valid private protective services license of the same type from another state upon satisfactory proof furnished to the board that the standards of licensure in such other states are at least substantially equivalent to those prevailing in this State. Applicants shall make application to the board on the form prescribed by the board for all applicants, shall comply with the provisions of G.S. 74C-10, and shall pay the fees required of all applicants.
b. The director, in his discretion and subject to the approval of the board, may issue a temporary permit to a nonresident who has complied with the provisions of G.S. 74C-10 and who is validly licensed in another state to engage in a private protective service activity incidental to a specific case originating in another state. A temporary permit may be issued for a period of no more than 30 days and may be renewed. A temporary permit may contain such restrictions which the Board, in its discretion, deems appropriate. (1979, c. 818, s. 2; 1983, c. 67, s. 4; 1989, c. 759, s. 15; 2001-487, s. 64(j).)


Q: Why would I employ a private investigator when I could just call the police?

A: Unless a crime has been committed, the police do not normally get involved in civil matters. Another way to look at it is that a police officer is a public official operating on behalf of the general public. A private investigator is focused on your particular needs and operates with complete confidentiality on your behalf.

Q: What are some situations that would warrant hiring a private investigator?

A: Domestic investigations such as a cheating spouse, missing persons, criminal activity, employment background checks, DMV record checks, and workers’ compensation investigations are some example of situations that would warrant hiring a private investigator.

Q: How does Blackman Detective Services charge for its services?

A: Each case is evaluated and priced on an individual basis. The initial consultation is free.