Private investigators have different types of training and experience.Evidence is gathered in civil and criminal cases for lawyers, insurance companies and suspicious spouses.It can still be an exciting career even though it isn't as good as the TV shows make it out to be.
Step 1: You should research the requirements in your area.
A certain level of education or experience is required to get a private investigator license in the US.It's best to check the law in the area where you plan to work if you want to qualify in most cases.You can't get a job in almost every region if you have a criminal record.Potential employers may conduct a background check on you.The United Kingdom has no requirements at the moment.
Step 2: It's recommended to study subjects in college.
A four-year degree is still highly recommended for anyone without relevant work experience.A degree in criminal law, criminal justice, or police science is required.If you study accounting or a related field, you can get a position as a corporate investigator.These investigators look into allegations of fraud.In areas where a degree is optional, this may count.A four-year police science degree eliminates 2,000 hours in California.
Step 3: Evaluate your personality.
The real thing is more glamorous than your idea of PI work.Most of your work will be done online, with the exception of preparing records for court presentations.Excellent observation skills, good spoken and written communication, to help you work with clients and present to juries are some of the skills this requires.
Step 4: Prepare to be bored.
You might think of being a PI as working in a smoky, dark office where damsels in distress line up at your door.You'll be spending hours in your parked car in the middle of suburbia unable to make a run to a fast food joint because Joe Schmo could come out at any minute.You will get bored.You will also get tired.This is not the job for you if you don't like staying awake.Coffee stops, energy drinks, and the front seat of your car are what your best friends will be.Hope it's comfortable!This job does not allow for multitasking.You can't read a book or play Bejeweled while you wait, even if you are hiding behind a tree.It requires focus for extended periods of time, sometimes doing nothing but waiting.You will make a great PI if you are good at waiting.
Step 5: Get away from it.
Chances are you'll get a case at least here and there where you have to be stealthy.You need to blend in wherever you go.Being loud and proud won't get you anywhere.Even dogs won't sniff you out if you're so stealthy.You need to be normal in order to get information and appear trustworthy in others.A large part of the battle will be recognizing what you need to do and how to get there.You need to hide your intentions.Get started by practicing your lying skills.
Step 6: You should take training courses.
As valuable as a criminal justice degree can be, it may not cover the practical side of database access.The most important step for someone entering the field is hands-on training.Many courses are cheap and only last a few days.A course can be accredited by a national organization or a professional organization of investigators.If you want to shadow an investigator, contact local, independent private eye agencies.It's not hard to convince them that a second car is useful.
Step 7: You can apply for entry level positions.
There are often open entry-level positions in existing detective agencies.If you want to become a private investigator, the agency should give you on-the-job training.This usually takes a few years.You can get your license through other routes, such as law enforcement, military police work, claims adjustment, and debt collection.In some states, your activities are limited until you get a license.
Step 8: Get a license.
If a license is required in your area, you should take the exam as soon as possible.You will be able to work as a private investigator if you have a license.You can apply for PI jobs at corporations, government agencies, and law firms.The Department of Public Safety handles these licenses in most US States.
Step 9: You should know your job prospects.
High numbers of retirees from the police and military may make it difficult for you to get a good job in the investigation career.In the US and the UK, the median annual wage of an investigator is over $50,000.
Step 10: The stress of the job can be understood.
Most private investigators rely on their clients for their income, so you must have the budgeting resolve to save up for dry months.You may be called to a 12 hour session at the drop of a hat if you don't have work.Expect to give up many evenings, weekends, and holidays so that you can watch your target.You have to be able to handle physical and emotional stress.Some specialties have better hours.Continue reading for more information.
Step 11: Think about your experience.
Roughly 50% of private investigators are former policemen.If you don't want to work your way up from the bottom, there are other routes into the field.
Step 12: You should get a license to investigate.
Before you can work as a private investigator in the US, you need a license.If you spent at least a few years in one of the careers listed above, you can usually waive the experience requirement.You will usually need to pass an exam and a short training course.Contact your state or city Department of Public Safety to find out more.
Step 13: A focus can be found.
Private investigators can look at a lot of things.Draw on your skills and experience to specialize in one or more areas.A reputation that attracts clients can lead to more full-time employment opportunities.Worker's compensation, unfaithful spouses, recurring theft, and missing person searches are just a few of the specialties.If you have a background in law, you may be hired by law firms to help with trial work.You can become a computer forensics investigator if you have computer skill.Corporate jobs involve fraud, embezzlement, asset recovery, and other financial transactions.
Step 14: Prepare things.
You will need reliable transportation and a fast computer.You can't find someone by using the local library computers or the city bus.Depending on the job, you'll want a good camera, recording equipment, and camouflage clothes.Most types of PI work don't have guns as common as you might think.If your region allows PIs to carry weapons, and you're willing to accept more dangerous jobs, consider firearm training and a weapons permit.
Step 15: Find a job that is consistent.
Depending on your experience, you may be able to land a full time job in one of the specialties listed above.Even if you don't have law enforcement training, working for a detective agency can give you valuable on-the-job training.Seek clients from insurance companies and attorneys.Although one in four PIs are self-employed, we don't recommend starting a business until you have at least a few years of experience.
Step 16: Know what's legal and what isn't.
When it comes to catching your perp, you are toeing the line as a PI.You can't break the law if you're a PI.Get familiar with the laws and stay safe.Pretexting is viewed as unethical.If you use your identity or pretend to be a government official, it is against the law in the US.It's generally illegal to wiretap.If the police have been notified, it's usually legal to surveil.It is not legal to break and enter.There are different laws for citizen arrest.
Step 17: Work toward certifications.
There are a number of professional certifications that you can earn to prove your qualifications.It takes at least two years of experience and an exam to pass these.The National Association of Legal Investigators is one of the organizations that offer certification.You can use the title and certification to attract clients if you keep your training up to date.A certificate is not a professional certification.There are certificates for short training courses.The training does not carry the same cachet.