A license is not police authority
Michigan regulates professional investigators through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A license does not confer police powers or let an investigator bypass another person’s privacy rights. Verify licensure before hiring and ask how the proposed work will be conducted.
What lawful work can look like
Depending on the assignment and the intended use, an investigator may review lawfully available records, interview willing witnesses and document observations from lawful locations. Not every source is open to every client or every purpose. Ask what sources the investigator expects to use and what cannot be accessed.
Red flags to walk away from
Do not hire anyone who offers to break into accounts, impersonate police, or enter private property without authorization. Recording and monitoring can raise fact-specific legal questions; if either matters to your case, have a Michigan attorney evaluate the proposed method before any work begins.
Official references
General information, not legal advice. For advice on a specific matter, speak with a qualified attorney.