It is unlawful for an individual to:
A. act as a private investigator, private patrol operator, security guard, private investigations employee, private investigations manager or private patrol operations manager or to make any representation as being a licensee or registrant unless the individual is licensed by the department pursuant to the Private Investigations Act;
B. render physical protection for remuneration as a bodyguard unless the individual is licensed as a private investigator or a private patrol operator;
C. continue to act as a private investigator, private patrol operator, security guard, private investigations employee, private investigations manager or private patrol operations manager if the individual's license issued pursuant to the Private Investigations Act has expired;
D. falsely represent that the individual is employed by a licensee; or
E. practice polygraphy for any remuneration without a license issued by the department in accordance with the Private Investigations Act.
History: Laws 1993, ch. 212, § 3; § 61-27A-3 recompiled as § 61-27B-3; Laws 2007, ch. 115, § 3.
Delayed repeal. — For delayed repeal of the section, see 61-27B-36 NMSA 1978.
Recompilations. — For recompilation of this section, see compiler's note following 61-27B-1 NMSA 1978.
The 2007 amendment, effective July 1, 2007, requires a license to act as a security guard, private investigations employee, private investigations manager or private patrol operations manager.
Under former law. — The proponent of polygraph evidence must show that the polygraph examiner was licensed. State v. Sanders, 117 N.M. 452, 872 P.2d 870 (1994) (now see Rule 11-707 NMRA).
Law reviews. — For note, "Lie Detector Evidence - New Mexico Court of Appeals Holds Voice-Stress Lie Detector Evidence Conditionally Admissible: Simon Neustadt Family Ctr., Inc. v. Bludworth," see 13 N.M.L. Rev. 703 (1983).
Am. Jur. 2d, A.L.R. and C.J.S. references. — 51 Am. Jur. 2d Licenses and Permits § 4.
Validity and construction of statutes licensing or otherwise regulating operators of polygraph or similar devices, 32 A.L.R.3d 1324.
53 C.J.S. Licenses § 34.
Structure New Mexico Statutes
Chapter 61 - Professional and Occupational Licenses
Article 27B - Private Investigations
Section 61-27B-1 - Short title. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-2 - Definitions. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-3 - License required. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-4 - Persons exempted. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-5 - Administration of act; rules. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-7 - Requirements for licensure. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-13 - Polygraph examiner. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-15 - Security guard; levels of registration. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-20 - Fees. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-21 - License and registration renewal. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-22 - Display of license; notification of changes. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-24 - Bond required. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-25 - Prohibited acts. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-27 - Hearing; penalties. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-28 - License not transferable. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-29 - Local regulations. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-30 - Fund established. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-31 - Firearms. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-32 - Penalties. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-33 - Reciprocity. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-34 - Background investigations. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)
Section 61-27B-35 - Temporary provision; transition.
Section 61-27B-36 - Termination of agency life; delayed repeal. (Repealed effective July 1, 2024.)