This section defines terms used in the chapter, including board, felony, private investigation, private investigation agency, private investigator, and private investigator apprentice.
As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) BOARD. The Alabama Private Investigation Board. (2) FELONY. A criminal offense that is defined and punishable under the laws of this state, or an offense committed outside the State of Alabama, which if committed in this state, would constitute a felony under Alabama law; a crime in any other state or a crime against the United States which is designated as a felony; or an offense in any other state, territory, or country punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. (3) PRIVATE INVESTIGATION. The compensated act of any individual or company engaging in the business of obtaining or furnishing information with reference to any of the following: a. A crime committed 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, including, but not limited to, the credibility of an individual giving testimony in a criminal or civil proceeding, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputations, or character of any individual. c. The location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property. d. The cause or responsibility for fires, losses, accidents, damages, or injuries to individuals or to property. (4) PRIVATE INVESTIGATION AGENCY. A corporation, firm, partnership, or other business entity that, for compensation, practices private investigation in this state and employs licensed private investigators. The term includes a business entity that practices private investigation through licensed private investigators who are solely independent contractors rather than employees. (5) PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR. a. An individual who, for compensation, performs one or more of the private investigation services defined and regulated by this article. b. An individual who, for consideration, advertises as providing or performing private investigation. The term does not include an informant who, on a one time or limited basis, as a result of a unique expertise, ability, or vocation, and who provides information or services while under the direction and control of a licensee of the board, that would otherwise be included in the definition of private investigation. c. An individual who is engaged in private investigation and who is licensed in accordance with this article. (6) PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR APPRENTICE. An individual who is engaged in private investigation under the supervision of a licensed private investigator and who is licensed in accordance with this article.