Phase III — Foundational Knowledge

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What we will cover:

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• Oklahoma Security Guard & Private Investigator Act as it applies to PIs: legal authority, limits, confidentiality, and ethics.

• Laws that impact investigations: Fair Credit Reporting Act, privacy/records considerations, civil vs. criminal procedures, and courtroom conduct.

• Surveillance fundamentals: planning, fixed/mobile/foot techniques, note-taking, photo/video evidence, and legal boundaries.

• Interviews & statements: rapport building, questioning methods, documenting witness/client statements, and avoiding coercive practices.

• Research & OSINT: database use, skip tracing, pretext pitfalls, and gathering information lawfully for clients/attorneys.

• Evidence handling & reporting: chain of custody, organizing case files, professional report writing, and testifying effectively.

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Approximate length: ~40 hours 

Outcome: Upon successful completion (and with Phase I already completed), you meet the training requirement to test and apply for the Oklahoma Private Investigator license. Licenses are issued for three years.​

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What to Expect Logistically

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Prerequisites & eligibility (state-level):

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• Complete Phase I (20 hrs) before (or in tandem with) Phase III for PI licensure. Legal Information Institute

• Age: at least 18 for PI; 21 if you later add the armed endorsement. Justia

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident; pass fingerprint/background checks; have no disqualifying convictions; be of good moral character.

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Why it Matters

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• Phase III gives you the legal literacy, investigative methods, and evidentiary discipline to operate lawfully and credibly—protecting you, your clients, and your cases. Legal Information Institute

• Employers and attorney-clients expect CLEET-compliant training; completing Phase I + III makes you eligible for PI licensure and more competitive for work. Legal Information Institute