This section defines key terms used in the act, including applicant, detective business, private detective, private detective agency, private patrol operator, firearm permit, firearm, client, and dishonesty or fraud.
75-7b01. Definitions. As used in this act: (a) "Applicant" means a person who has submitted an application for licensure as a private detective or private detective agency pursuant to this act, a person who has submitted an application for a firearm permit pursuant to this act or a person who has submitted an application to become certified to train private detectives in the handling of firearms and the lawful use of force. (b) "Detective business" means the furnishing of, making of or agreeing to make any investigation for the purpose of obtaining information with reference to: (1) Crime or wrongs done or threatened against the United States or any state or territory of the United States, or any political subdivision thereof when furnished or made by persons other than law enforcement officers; (2) 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; (3) the location, disposition or recovery of lost or stolen property; (4) the cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, frauds, accidents or damage or injury to persons or to property; or (5) securing evidence to be used before any court, board, officer or investigating committee. (c) "Private detective" means any person who, for any consideration whatsoever, engages in detective business. (d) "Private detective agency" means a person who regularly employs any other person, other than an organization, to engage in detective business. (e) "Private patrol operator" means a person who, for any consideration whatsoever, agrees to furnish or furnishes a watchman, guard, patrolman or other person to protect persons or property or to prevent the theft, unlawful taking, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation or concealment of any goods, wares, merchandise, money, bonds, stocks, notes, documents, papers or property of any kind, or performs the service of such watchman, guard, patrolman or other person for any such purposes. (f) "Law enforcement officer" means a law enforcement officer as defined in K.S.A. 21-5111, and amendments thereto. (g) "Organization" means a corporation, trust, estate, partnership, cooperative or association. (h) "Person" means an individual or organization. (i) "Firearm permit" means a permit for the limited authority to carry a firearm concealed on or about the person by one licensed as a private detective. (j) "Firearm" means: (1) A pistol or revolver that is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and that is designed to fire or capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition; or (2) any other weapon that will or is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and that is designed to be fired by the use of a single hand. (k) "Client" means any person who engages the services of a private detective. (l) "Dishonesty or fraud" means, in addition to other acts not specifically enumerated herein: (1) Knowingly making a false statement relating to evidence or information obtained in the course of employment, or knowingly publishing a slander or a libel in the course of business; (2) using illegal means in the collection or attempted collection of a debt or obligation; (3) manufacturing or producing any false evidence; and (4) acceptance of employment adverse to a client or former client relating to a matter with respect to which the licensee has obtained confidential information by reason of or in the course of the licensee's employment by such client or former client. History: L. 1972, ch. 315, § 1; L. 1981, ch. 326, § 1; L. 1998, ch. 183, § 1; L. 2011, ch. 30, § 264; L. 2024, ch. 15, § 87; L. 2025, ch. 98, § 6; May 1.