Credentials
& Licensing
Before you hire any security or investigation firm, verify their credentials. Here is exactly what Thor Secure holds, what those credentials mean, and how to verify them independently.
Thor Secure LLC Credentials
Pennsylvania Licensed Private Detective Agency
Thor Secure LLC operates as a licensed private detective agency under the Pennsylvania Private Detective Act of 1953 (22 Pa. C.S.A.). Pennsylvania does not issue statewide PI licenses — licensing is administered at the county level through the clerk of courts in each county of operation. This is a county court-issued license, requiring a background investigation by the District Attorney's office, a surety bond, and documentation of a minimum of three years of qualifying investigative experience.
To verify any private investigator's license in Pennsylvania, contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the agency claims to be licensed. For Chester County: Chester County Clerk of Courts, (610) 344-6000.
Act 235 — Lethal Weapons Training Certification
Relevant executive protection and security agents at Thor Secure are certified under Pennsylvania's Act 235 of 1974 (Lethal Weapons Training Act). This certification, administered by the Pennsylvania State Police, authorizes qualifying professionals — including private investigators and security officers — to carry firearms in the course of their professional duties. Certification requires a 40-hour training program at a Pennsylvania State Police-approved school, a written examination, and a firearms qualification course. Annual re-qualification is required.
Act 235 certification can be verified through the Pennsylvania State Police Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission. Contact: (717) 783-5564.
Bonded
Thor Secure LLC maintains a surety bond as required by Pennsylvania law for licensed private detective agencies. A surety bond is a financial guarantee that protects clients in the event of negligent or improper conduct. PA law requires a minimum $10,000 surety bond filed with the clerk of courts for all licensed detective agencies.
Fully Insured
Thor Secure carries comprehensive general liability insurance covering all services — private investigations, executive protection operations, and security camera installations. Certificates of insurance are available upon request for clients who require documentation.
Understanding Pennsylvania PI Licensing
Pennsylvania is one of a small number of states without a single statewide private investigator licensing authority. Instead, PI licensing is administered county-by-county through the court system. This creates a common point of confusion — and unfortunately, some investigation firms operating in Pennsylvania without proper licensure take advantage of that confusion.
Here is what Pennsylvania law actually requires:
- A minimum of three years of qualifying investigative experience
- A background investigation conducted by the county District Attorney's office
- A surety bond filed with the Clerk of Courts
- A license fee paid to the Clerk of Courts (typically $200 for a two-year license)
- Court approval — the license is issued by a county judge
There is no state exam and no central state registry. Each county maintains its own records. If you are hiring a PI in Pennsylvania, ask for their county license number and verify it with the relevant Clerk of Courts before engaging them.
See our full guide: What a PA Private Investigator Can Legally Do.
What Unlicensed Investigators Cannot Legally Do
Operating as a private investigator or private detective agency in Pennsylvania without county-level licensure is a criminal offense under the Private Detective Act. Unlicensed operations also expose clients to risk — evidence gathered by unlicensed investigators may be inadmissible in court, and clients who knowingly hire unlicensed investigators may face their own legal exposure in civil proceedings.
Before hiring any PI firm in Pennsylvania, verify their licensure. Do not accept a license number alone — contact the county directly to confirm it is current and valid.