Twenty-Five Years of Growth Naomi K. Wilson, former TALI Historian Ft. Worth, Texas

This article was the Winner of the 1996 Texas Investigator Editor's Award.

The Texas Association of Licensed Investigators was formally founded in 1971. However, history reveals that there was tremendous groundwork accomplished by a handful of private investigators prior to the inception of TALI.

Prior to any licensing; prior to a governing State Board; and prior to the specific laws and rules for private investigators—a group of five private investigators got together and discussed their ideas, desires, and hopes for their future, and the future of their chosen profession.

Unselfishly they labored, gave of themselves and their time, and got involved with and pushed Legislation. Desiring to become recognized licensed professionals, these original five were very much a part of and instrumental in the drafting of the Law which became the “Act”, Article 4413 (29bb) V.A.C.S. A direct result of their tireless efforts was the establishment of our licensing and governing board in 1969, the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies.

Having accomplished this, these original five investigators then recognized the need for a statewide organization that would be dedicated to the promotion and professionalism of the investigative industry within the State of Texas. Often referred to as the “Founding Fathers” of TALI, they originated the purpose of the organization:

“THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED INVESTIGATORS is hereby formed in 1971 to promote and maintain the highest ethical practices in the profession of the Private Investigation Industry and to select for membership only those individuals whose personal and professional background and business affiliations have strictly observed the precepts of truth, accuracy and prudence and to endeavor to eliminate unreliable, incompetent, and irresponsible persons from the Investigation Profession.”

These Founding Fathers also wrote the first TALI By-Laws and set in place the original Code of Ethics which exemplified the high moral and ethical standards which the members adhered to and complied with.

As history evolves, so has TALI. First there were five, just enough members for the Board of Directors. Then 10 members—then 20. When I joined TALI there were 50 Active Members. Today the Association has grown to a membership of several hundred and includes Affiliate Members from other state and countries.

In the early inception years of TALI there were no funds. There was no treasury. There were times in the history of TALI that the “Annual Convention” was held at a member’s house. There were no speakers or instructors. The members spoke and gave presentations, sharing and learning from each other’s experiences.

In the past, to keep the Association alive, many members for many years paid “out of pocket” for the simple operating expenses of TALI—printing, postage and mailings to keep members informed and to increase the membership of TALI.

In the early 1970’s when TALI had a total membership of 25, the Annual Convention was held in Longview, Texas. Only 6 members showed up for the “catered barbecue” convention, and due to the low turnout, TALI did not have the funds to pay for this catered convention. One loyal member reached into his own pocket and paid for everything.

These are only a few examples of the hard work, loyalty, devotion, and love for TALI—the qualities that have kept TALI alive while allowing it to grow and continue to be the professional association we know today. TALI offers continued support for our chosen profession, business affiliations, friendships, and the utmost prestige of being a professional Private Investigator.

For the past 25 years, TALI has continued to grow and go forward with fresh, new ideas and accomplishments for the investigative industry, while at the same time maintaining the principles and integrity on which our Association is based.

TALI has experienced tremendous accomplishments in the past 25 years, and has fulfilled numerous Legislative goals. TALI, working together with other professional organizations, has been successful and instrumental in the recent re-writing of the Statute to include required Continuing Education.

TALI members are very proud of the Association and feel honored that Continuing Education for our profession became effective the same year as TALI’s 25th Anniversary!

The volumes of TALI’s History Books are on display at the Annual Convention each year for all members to enjoy. “Travel down memory lane” and glance at just a few documented accomplishments of TALI members.

Become a part of TALI history by getting involved and contributing to your professional Association.

© 1996 by Naomi K. Wilson. Printed with permission.

Naomi Wilson is a licensed private investigator, a certified paralegal, and a licensed nurse. She is the owner of Litigation Assistance Work in Fort Worth Texas.