Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which type of license holder can conduct work directly for the general public under Louisiana law?

1. Journeyman

2. Agency

3. Individual

4. Apprentice

The correct answer is: Agency

In Louisiana, an agency license holder is authorized to conduct investigative work directly for the general public. This is because an agency is a business entity that operates under the legal framework set by the state to provide investigative services. An agency typically employs multiple private investigators and can engage a range of clients, including individuals and businesses seeking investigative assistance. Individual license holders are also able to conduct investigative work, but they typically operate independently and are often sole practitioners. Therefore, while they can directly serve the public, the distinction is that "agency" refers to a broader organizational entity that can encompass multiple investigators, increasing its capability to serve a larger client base. Journeyman and apprentice license holders have more limited scopes of practice. A journeyman may work under the supervision of a fully licensed investigator or agency and might not conduct work directly for the public without proper oversight. An apprentice operates even more restrictively, typically learning the trade under a licensed investigator's guidance. In summary, the agency license is specifically designed to allow for a structured approach to conducting investigative work for a wider clientele, making it the correct answer.