Accomplishments

The PIAU was organized in 1994.

The PIAU sponsored the private Investigators Regulation Act under the Utah Title 53 passed in 1995.

The PIAU prevented the loss of access to protected records, including DMV and Drivers License Records in 1996.

The PIAU promoted legislation that allowed apprentices to become licensed without agency sponsorship in 1998.

The PIAU belongs to NCISS and has been active regarding federal legislation that would affect our industry.

In 2002, PIAU worked hard with legislators, the Law Enforcement Legislative Committee and the Insuance Industry Attorney to keep our access to accident reports.  They became a protected document with this legislation, however PIAU got private investigators exempted so that we can still get the accident reports.

In 2003 worked closely with the Law Enforcement Legislative Committee to prevent the transfer of oversight from DPS to the department of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

In 2003 worked closely with the Law Enforcement Legislative Committee to prevent the negative provisions of HB 217 and worked to speed up processing of licenses.

In 2003 sponsored SB 111 which increased the types of papers private investigators could serve to include petitions supplemental orders , orders came up to show cause , notices, small claims orders, writs of garnishment and garnishee orders.

In 2005, the city of Layton passed an ordinance to ban dumpster diving by citing concerns over identity theft. Shawn Kane, President of the Private Investigators Association of Utah, says that’s not an issue with licensed investigators who are actually registered with the Department of Public Safety. According to Kane, the Supreme Court says that once trash hits the street, it is public domain. “We sometimes have a need to search in somebody’s trash,” he said. Now, as of 3-25-2009 licensed private investigators can legally sift through residential garbage in Layton as long as they do not violate trespassing laws. The ordinance now includes PIs, along with police officers, on the list of people who can do the occasional dumpster dive.

The PIAU has established a great reputation with the Department of Public Safety, the Utah Legislature, the Association of Chiefs of Police, the Sheriff's Association, the Utah Attorney General's Office, and many others who have a good deal of influence on our position.

The PIAU is affiliated with AIASS as the state association in Utah qualified for membership.