offered by
Massachusetts State Police

Certification Unit

The Certification Unit is responsible for licensing private detectives and Watch, Guard, or Patrol agencies, appointing Special State Police, and conducting various background investigations for police-related agencies.

We conduct 8 different types of background investigations for: recruit training candidates, Department of State Police civilian employees, private detectives, Watch Guard Patrol Agencies, Special State Police, Department of State Police interns, temporary employees, and in-state and out-of-state backgrounds requested from outside agencies.

What would you like to do?

Top tasks

Access the Certification Licensing System 

All other tasks

Apply for a private investigator license 
View our list of active private investigators 
View our list of active watch guards 

What you need to know

Requirements for a private investigator license 
Requirements for special state police 
Equivalency guidelines for Special State Police 

Contact Information

Address

485 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
directions 

Phone

(978) 538-6128

Business hours, M-F

Fax

(978) 538-6021

Additional Resources

Employee Affidavit Form (PDF 32.34 KB)
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