Has anyone ha experience getting a SC PI license while operating a firm from another state? I know there is no reciprocity, but if a licensed investigator from another state would like obtain a SC PI license to do forensic work from time to time is it an arduous process? Are there limitations or restrictions for firms that are incorporated an operating out of state from obtaining SC PI licenses? The SLED site was not very clear on this and it gives no guidance (nor offer indication of restrictions) but before the process is started I would be interested in hearing experiences that people have had.
South Carolina is in the process of changing their laws to exclude Computer Forensics from PI licensing. Check out http//
It doesn't seem to have come into effect yet, as the bill was read, then referred to the Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry.
Tony,
Thank you! This is a big help.
Having done forensics in South Carolina, the current law requires a PI license only for the acquisition of digital data, not the analysis, and attorneys are exempt.
In those cases on which I have worked, the acquisition was done either by (or in the presence of) a PI, or the devices were turned over to the attorneys who had the acquisitions done in their offices.
I'm not an attorney nor am I authoritative on SC law but it appears that the current law was enacted more to protect the evidentiary chain than to restrict practices.
The challenge is that we have a 25+ unit collection on one potential engagement and possibly more in the future. Our teams NY PI laws are not going to carry unless we get licensing down there or the laws are amended.