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ABOUT CALI

Who We Are


Founded in 1947, the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to protecting and enhancing the private investigation industry in California and the United States.

CALI is the largest Private Investigator association in the world. With 1100 members throughout the country, CALI is focused on advancing the industry through a strong legislative program and numerous educational offerings, including an annual conference, Webinars, new licensee training, professional development programs, and CALI's proprietary Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) designation to qualified investigators in California.

CALI has a full-time lobbyist in Sacramento. CALI's legislative advocate interfaces with California legislators to protect Private Investigators' ability to serve their clients, as well as to support and oppose legislation impacting all California Private Investigators.

CALI strives to protect the consumers' rights while advocating for access to all public records and data that professional investigations can responsibly access.

CALI Active members are licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). As a professional organization, CALI is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprising members throughout California and an Executive Director, retained full-time to support CALI and its programs.

Our Mission Statement


Our goals remain as clear and strong as they were when CALI was formed in 1968:

  • To advance the professions of licensed investigators and security professionals;
  • To provide education and training to all licensed professionals; and
  • To articulate and advocate the needs and interests of the professions before legislative, administrative, and judicial branches of government.

Through quarterly conferences and seminars, publications, community programs, and advocacy on behalf of our profession, we honor our commitment to our colleagues and clients.

Our Purpose


The purposes of the Association include:

a) engaging in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized;

b) advancing the professions of licensed investigators and private patrol operators;

c) articulating and advocating the needs and interests of the professions before legislative, administrative, and judicial branches of local and state governments;

d) cooperating on behalf of the professions with persons and firms directly and through their Associations in matters involving the business and governmental affairs of the professions;

e) promulgating policies and conducting activities for the betterment of all those involved in some aspect of the professions.