For anyone interested, the state of Washington has a procedure that is required to become a private investigator (PI). To become a registered armed private investigator in Washington, applicants must fill out forms, submit a $300 application fee, take a four-hour training course, and pass an exam and background check. Every year, the PI license must be renewed for $175.

Presumably, the registration and licensing process protects consumers; given the information presented this week, aside from ensuring high quality investigation services, why else might existing private investigators find it in their interest to protect the registration system? What side effects might the (one-time and annual) fees, training, and exam introduce into the private investigator market?