Books, movies and stories have romanticized the image of private investigators. At mere mention of private eye, a moniker for private investigators, people will immediately think of pistol-brandishing debonair gentlemen clad in dark cloaks or leather jackets. In reality, however, the work of private investigators is not always as dangerous and exciting as depicted in movies, television programs and novels. In fact, not all private investigators are given permit to carry firearms.

Since the US is a federal country, each US state has different set of rules and laws. This is also true when it comes to issuing licenses to carry guns to private investigators. If you are planning to become a private investigator and are wondering if you can carry handgun or any type of firearms in your state, you need to ask the proper authorities. Usually the office of the attorney general or the sheriff, or the department of public safety is the one issuing such permits or licenses.

One state in the US that does not allow anybody, except peace officers, to carry firearms is Wisconsin. Even people working in the private investigation field are not allowed to carry a gun while working. If you are a private investigator in this state, you might want to learn ways to protect yourself (such as self defense techniques and/or martial arts) without using a gun or other weapons that can be classified as firearms.

Some States That Issue Permit To Carry Firearms To Private Investigators

Since the right to protect oneself is in the bill of rights of the constitution of the United States, permit to possess and carry guns, rifles and other types of firearms is available to private investigators in many states. The following are some of the US states that allow private investigators to carry weapons for their protection:

California

A private investigator is only allowed to carry a gun when working if he or she has a firearm permit issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs. However, it is important to note that private investigators cannot brandish their guns without an exposed firearms permit.

Florida

Private Investigators, who are more than 21 years old and above, need a class G firearms permit in order to carry handguns and pistols. However, private eyes cannot just carry the firearms anywhere and at anytime.

Maine

Merely having a license to operate as a private investigator does not entitle you to carry firearms. A private investigator needs a license to carry concealed weapon issued by the State Police Chief.

These are just some of the states in the US that allow private investigators to carry guns. It is important to note that states have different policies with regard to carrying firearms so private investigators need to do their research before bringing a gun. Moreover, a permit to carry firearms issued by one state may not be honored by another, so be careful in bringing a concealed weapon when you are traveling to different states.

Helpful Links:

http://drl.wi.gov/prof/pris/pfaq.htm
www.southportland.org
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/investigations/firearms.html
http://www.dca.ca.gov/bsis/faqs/pi_faq.htm

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